Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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If you’re craving a decadent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the classic flavor of a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, but in thick, sliceable bars perfect for sharing (or not!). These bars combine buttery richness, brown sugar caramel notes, and melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a lunchbox treat, a potluck showstopper, or just a little comfort on a cozy night in, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deliver homemade deliciousness in under an hour.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature chewy texture, golden color, and crave-worthy flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Provides moisture and that unmistakable rich, buttery base for the bars.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel undertones and contributes to a soft, chewy center.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and helps the bars get those crisp, golden edges.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the bars structure and tenderness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and adds that classic bakery aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of the bars, giving them shape without being too cakey.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the bars rise just enough for a light, chewy texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The main event! Melty chocolate in every single bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper—this makes it a breeze to lift out the bars later. Taking a minute to prep your pan properly means your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will release cleanly and look picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted (but slightly cooled) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until fully combined. This step ensures your bars will be rich, moist, and full of flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that your leavening agent gets evenly distributed, so the bars bake up with a beautiful, even crumb.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough so you don’t see streaks of flour. Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Every scoop of dough should have plenty of chocolate!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. For extra chewy bars, lean toward the shorter baking time. The aroma will let you know something amazing is happening in your kitchen!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off—your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will be easier to cut and hold their delightful shape. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into 24 squares or bars.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Take your bars to the next level with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—the salty crunch pairs beautifully with the melty chocolate. For an extra-special finish, dust with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Each garnish adds a pop of flavor and a pretty finish!

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfectly delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. For a more grown-up pairing, try them with a cup of coffee or a mug of hot cocoa. Their comforting flavor complements just about anything.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Stack the bars on a tiered platter for a show-stopping dessert table. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for adorable lunchbox treats or bake sales. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares and layer them in mason jars with ice cream for a crowd-pleasing sundae bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, making them the perfect grab-and-go treat all week long.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled, cut them into bars and layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Reheating

If you love your bars extra gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get melty again, and the bar will taste like it’s fresh from the oven. Absolute bliss!

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate in these bars?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to swap in milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Chopped chocolate or a mix of different kinds creates delicious variety in every bite.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not raw batter). For chewier bars, lean toward the lower end of the baking time.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toffee bits make wonderful additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor in your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp, clean knife. For extra clean edges, wipe the knife between cuts. Lining your pan with parchment makes it easy to lift out the whole slab for perfect slicing.

Are Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars suitable for mailing or gifting?

Definitely! These bars are sturdy and keep well, making them ideal for care packages, party favors, or holiday gifts. Just wrap them tightly in parchment or plastic and place in a decorative box or tin.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to win hearts and satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t wait another minute to whip up a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re simple, comforting, and guaranteed to bring big smiles—so go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this classic crowd-pleaser!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make chocolate chip cookie bars featuring a perfect chewy texture, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. These bars are great for dessert or a sweet snack and can be customized with different types of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for an enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough bars.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough to ensure every bite has chocolate.
Spread Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs for a chewy texture.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 24 bars to ensure they set properly.

Notes

For chewier bars, bake for closer to 25 minutes to retain moisture.
You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or a mix of your favorites for variety.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the dough before baking for an elevated, savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American