Let’s talk about dessert. What are those moments when you’re craving a warm, comforting chocolatey treat? What is the best way to scoop cookies onto a baking sheet? What are Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars? What are the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had, but baked in a pan for ultimate ease? Think of them as cookie brownies, only way more cookie-like, if that makes sense. What are some of the best treats to have on a weekend?

What are chocolate chip cookie bars?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are essentially a giant chocolate chip cookie, baked in square or round shape. What is the best way to cut a rectangular pan into bars? Think of it as the lazy person’s cookie – all the deliciousness of a chocolate chip cookie without the calories. All the individual scooping and baking. What is the perfect dessert to serve a crowd? I don’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen. I just want it to be done. What’s the best way to fix a cookie craving?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? This recipe is pure magic, and I’m not just saying that.

Flavor Explosion:We’re talking a rich, buttery base loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The edges are slightly crisp, while the center stays soft and chewy. What is a party in your mouth?
Ridiculously EasyWhat is a one bowl recipe? Is it really that easy?
Budget Friendly You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items required. This is a recipe for the everyman (or woman!).
What is a VersWhat are some good ways to enjoy ice cream with a scoop of vanilla? Is that a hit?

What I love about this recipe is how foolproof it is. I’ve made it countless times, and it always comes out perfect. Plus, my kids devour them! Is it a win-win?

How do I make chocolate chip cookie bars?

Quick Overview

How do I make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars? You’ll whisk together the dry ingredients, cream the wet ingredients and combine the two, and then mix. In those delicious chocolate chips. What is the best part about baking a cake? No need to chill the dough! Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted!
3/4 cup granulated sugar. Plain ol’ white sugar does the trick here.
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar. The Brown Sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
Is room temperature egg a good choice for cooking? I always take my baking out about 30 minutes before baking.
What’s the best way to use vanilla extract?
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement.
1 teaspoon baking soda. This helps the bars rise and become nice and fluffy.
What is the best way to add salt to chocolate?
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you want to remove a pan with parchment paper, you can line it with wax paper. This will prevent the pan from sticking to the sides. I usually use baking spray for extra measure!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined so that the baking soda is evenly distributed. Why do the bars rise so evenly?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. What do you use to beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract? The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you overmix cookies, be careful not to over mix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking to make it prettier.

Step 6: Spread into Pan

How do I spread the batter in a pan? Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top, if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Is there a chance that the dough comes out with some moist crumbs? Keep a close eye on them, as oven times may vary.

Step 8: Cool & Slice

Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang. I know it’s hard to wait, but it is worth it!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature. What are some good side dishes to serve with ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or both? Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

What should I serve it with?

How do you serve chocolate chip cookie bars?

For an Afternoon Treat:What are some good ways to enjoy hot cocoa and cold milk?
For Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. What is the perfect ending to a meal?
For a Party: Cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
For a Lunchbox: Pack a cookie bar in your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. They’ll be the envy of all their friends.

In my family, we love to enjoy these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication. Trust me, it’s delicious!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. Softened butter creams better with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie bar.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined, then stop.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips: The quality of your chocolate chips will affect the flavor of the cookie bars. Use good quality chocolate chips for the best results.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the cookie bars until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake them, or they will be dry.

One thing I always do is line the pan with parchment paper. It makes it so much easier to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them neatly. I learned this trick the hard way, after many failed attempts to get the bars out in one piece!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before serving.

If you want to warm up the cookie bars, you can microwave them for a few seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would all be delicious additions. Add about 1 cup of chopped nuts to the batter along with the chocolate chips.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

You can try reducing the amount of sugar by a few tablespoons, but keep in mind that this may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookie bars.

Why are my cookie bars dry?

Dry cookie bars are usually caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and bake the bars until they are just set in the center.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are seriously the ultimate comfort food. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic chocolate chip cookie recipe or my fudgy brownie recipe. They’re all family favorites! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this recipe, or share any modifications you’ve tried. I’d also love it if you would rate the recipe!