Chocolate chip cookie bars contain all the ooey-gooey deliciousness of their classic cookie counterparts in an easy-to-make bar form.
Each bite is loaded with melty chocolate chips and a rich, buttery cookie base that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds)!
The best part of this recipe? Its simplicity. You only need basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
I know these chocolate chip cookie bars will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Easy to Make: This recipe is a breeze, requiring minimal effort and time. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. And if you’re a party of one, these will do just fine.
Absolutely Delicious: Every bar is chewy, gooey, buttery, and chocolatey with notes of salt and caramelized sugar. They’re fantastic alone but even better with ice cream!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie bars, providing structure and texture.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent helps the bars rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light Brown and Granulated Sugar: A perfect combination of sugars for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large Eggs: They act as a binding agent and contribute to the bars’ soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the bars with a warm, aromatic flavor that compliments the chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are stars of the show, providing rich, decadent chocolate flavor in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, then whisk together until smooth.
4. Mix them together. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold the chocolate chips into the dough, reserving some to sprinkle on top if desired.
5. Add the dough to the pan. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips.
6. Bake. Bake for 18-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake.
7. Serve. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Choose the best chocolate. Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor and texture. Ghirardelli or Guittard are excellent options.
- Measure your flour wisely. Use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale to measure the flour correctly. Too much flour will lead to dry, disappointingly un-chewy bars.
- Be gentle! When adding the chocolate chips, fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough bars.
- Keep a watchful eye. Remove the bars from the oven when the edges are lightly browned, and the center is barely set. You don’t want to overbake these. For gooier, more doughy bars, take them out sooner.
- Cool completely. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan before slicing for neater, cleaner cuts.
- Try fun mix-ins. Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, sprinkles, butterscotch chips, toffee, candy bars, or white chocolate. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for a delicious twist. Add flaky salt to the top for a delightful flavor contrast.
- Make them more decadent. Pair warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Store
If you have leftover bars, follow these steps to keep them fresh for days.
To Store: Keep chocolate chip cookie bars in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie bars will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
More Soft and Chewy Cookies Recipes
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
24
servings10
minutes18
minutes230
kcalIndulge in gooey, chocolatey perfection with these chocolate chip cookie bars! They’re easy to make and serve a crowd. Perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, then whisk together until smooth.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold the chocolate chips into the dough, reserving some to sprinkle on top.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Remember from my childhood. Look forward to making them right now!