Calling all dessert lovers! If you’re on the lookout for an easy yet indulgent treat to delight both family and friends, look no further than these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. With their soft and chewy consistency, rich chocolatey flavor, and simplicity in preparation, these cookie bars are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Unlike traditional cookies, which can be labor-intensive with multiple scooping and shaping steps, cookie bars allow you to achieve that classic chocolate chip cookie experience in a fraction of the time. Just bake, cool, cut, and enjoy!
Not only are these chocolate chip cookie bars incredibly easy to make, but they are also perfect for any occasion — from casual weeknight desserts to festive gatherings and parties. Their moist texture is loaded with chocolate chips, providing a satisfying bite with every piece. Plus, as a vegetarian-friendly option, these bars can be enjoyed by many. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s get baking! With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms up, it’s essential to prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish adequately or, for easy lifting and cutting, line it with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookie bars come out easily without sticking.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. To the butter, add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to stir these wet ingredients together until they transform into a smooth and creamy mixture.
With the buttery mixture ready, it’s time to incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat them into the bowl and continue mixing until everything is well blended and has a glossy appearance.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it combines the dry ingredients evenly, ensuring a consistent texture in your cookie bars. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to maintain that perfect fudgy consistency!
Now comes the fun part—folding in the chocolate chips! Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the chocolate chips into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout. The chocolatey goodness should be plentiful, ready to melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate in each bite.
Once the chocolate chips are in, transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all corners are filled. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the dish. This cooling time is essential for achieving the right texture. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars size, and you’re ready to indulge in this delightful treat!
Variations
While the classic chocolate chip cookie bars are delicious on their own, you can easily switch things up to cater to different taste preferences. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Add Nuts: If you’re a fan of texture, folding in about a cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can give your cookie bars a delightful crunch.
- Mix in Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips—or even a combination of both—for a unique flavor profile.
- Incorporate Flavor Extracts: Boost the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond or coconut extract alongside the vanilla. It can elevate the taste to something extraordinary.
- Add Oats: Substituting half a cup of flour with rolled oats can create a nutty taste and a chewy texture.
- Change Up the Base: Swap out the regular chocolate chips for your favorite candy bars, like crushed Reese’s or Snickers, for a fun twist.
Cooking Notes
If you’re new to baking or just want to ensure the best results, here are some handy cooking notes:
- Timing: Keep an eye on your cookie bars during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, and baking for too long can dry them out.
- Tools: A silicone spatula works wonders for folding in chocolate chips and spreading the dough evenly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing to help create a smooth batter.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is your friend; the center should be just set when you pull them out, as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
- Cooling: For the best texture, allow the cookie bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate chip cookie bars are delicious on their own but can be even more delightful when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup, or warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting phase—let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner pieces.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings; cookie bars freeze well for future enjoyment.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 210 per bar
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time? Yes! These cookie bars can be made ahead and stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Why are my cookie bars not chewy? If your cookie bars are not chewy, they may have been overbaked. Ensure you remove them from the oven when the edges are golden and check the center with a toothpick.
Can I substitute the butter for oil? Substituting with oil isn’t recommended as it can significantly change the texture. Stick with butter for the best results.
How can I store leftovers? Store your leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for an optimal experience, or freeze them for later!
Can I cut the recipe in half? Certainly! You can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller batches bake faster.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, it’s time to indulge in your creation! These cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a treat that brings comfort and joy to every bite. With their irresistible blend of flavors and textures, they’re perfect for any occasion and sure to delight everyone who tries them. We hope you enjoy baking these delicious bars as much as we do! Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below and share this delightful treat with your friends and family.
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Indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightful chocolate chip cookie bars that are soft, chewy, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and spread the dough into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Keep an eye on baking time to avoid dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 210 per bar
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2 g