These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are delightfully chewy and packed with sweetness. With an abundance of chocolate chips, you will certainly savor this wonderfully indulgent dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Details
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars exceed all expectations for a sweet treat. Bursting with flavor and simple to prepare, this recipe is perfect for gatherings such as potlucks, barbecues, and festive celebrations. You will absolutely adore the richness of these chocolate delights.
- TASTE: This dessert is brimming with buttery sweetness, thanks to the chocolate chips, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- TEXTURE: Loaded with gooey chocolate chips, these cookie bars feature delectably soft and chewy edges.
- TIME: You will need about 40 minutes to whip up these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
- EASE: This recipe is likely simpler than making cookies (no shaping required!) and can easily be prepared in advance, even frozen.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Brown sugar- Using golden brown sugar is essential for achieving chewy cookies. If you lack it, you can easily create your own by mixing 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons of molasses.
- Chocolate chips- I always recommend using high-quality chocolate chips like Guittard.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add nuts- Incorporate walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch in these cookie bars.
- Substitute different chocolates- Feel free to use alternatives to milk chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, or during the holidays, chunks of peppermint bark.
- Add your favorite flavors- If you desire a more buttery flavor, consider using butter extract. You can also experiment with mint extracts, orange zest, or peanut butter to diversify the flavor of these chocolate chip cookie bars.
- Make them allergen-friendly- By swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative in a 1:1 ratio, you can cater to gluten-sensitive individuals. Using plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips makes them safe for those avoiding dairy products.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Sift the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Mix the sugar and butter. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 1 minute until fully combined.
- Add the rest of the wet ingredients. Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, whisking again until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the flour mixture into the cookie dough until everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Add the chocolate chips. Fold in the chocolate chips, setting aside about 1/3 cup for later, and ensure they are well distributed in the dough.
- Bake. In a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches and is lined with parchment paper, evenly press the dough down to reach the sides of the dish. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the center rack. Allow it to cool slightly before removing from the pan and cutting into bars.
Pro Tip: Each oven can vary, so baking time may differ. Ensure that the center is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick, which should come out clean (it’s okay if it has some melted chocolate on it).
Helpful Tips for Your Recipe
- Accurate Flour Measurement- It’s crucial to measure flour accurately to achieve the desired texture in these cookie bars. Use the spoon-and-level method with a knife to ensure each cup is appropriately filled.
- Sift the Flour- Sifting flour eliminates clumps and incorporates air, which enhances the fluffiness of your cookie bars and gives them an excellent texture.
- Select Quality Chocolate Chips- Given that chocolate chips are the main ingredient, opting for high-quality chocolate will elevate the flavor significantly.
- Let Them Cool Before Slicing- As these bars are quite moist and soft, it’s best to let them cool and firm up a bit before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the baking time for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars require approximately 30 minutes to bake. This allows the dough to cook thoroughly while keeping the center moist and chewy. Note that bake times may vary slightly based on your oven and altitude, so it’s wise to keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the 30 minutes.
How do I store my cookie…How to Keep Cookie Bars Soft? To maintain their softness, avoid allowing the bars to completely dry out after baking. Once they have cooled, transfer them into an airtight container and store them at room temperature. This will help preserve moisture and keep the air that can dry out the cookie bars at bay.
Suggestions for Serving
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a favorite dessert among many, making them versatile for serving with nearly anything. Here are some delicious combinations to consider.
Preparing Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ahead of Time
Prepping in Advance: It is entirely possible to prepare the dough in advance. Follow the directions to make the dough, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
Storage: These Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will stay fresh for up to three days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Freezing: After the cookie bars have cooled and been cut, individually wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag so that you can thaw only the portions you wish to enjoy.
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Detailed Recipe Instructions
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly the best! They are sweet, rich, and chewy, offering chocolaty goodness in each bite.
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Course: cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 283kcal
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates:
37g
|
Protein:
3g
|
Fat:
14g
|
Saturated Fat:
8g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
4g
|
Trans Fat:
0.3g
|
Cholesterol:
36mg
|
Sodium:
200mg
|
Potassium:
120mg
|
Fiber:
2g
|
Sugar:
25g
|
Vitamin A:
265IU
|
Calcium:
25mg
|
Iron:
2mg
