Imagine everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies, but transformed into thick, chewy, gloriously gooey squares you can grab by the handful. That’s the magic behind Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, baking with kids, or craving a warm batch of nostalgia without the hassle of scooping individual cookies, these bars are your golden ticket. Every bite captures that beloved cookie bliss, but with even more melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and the irresistible softness that only bars can offer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple pantry staples comes together to create the ultimate chocolate chip cookie bars. Each ingredient brings its own bit of magic — from softness and chew to deep, toasty flavor or a satisfying melty swirl of chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bars, giving them the perfect structure and chewiness you crave.
- Baking soda: Just a teaspoon creates a lovely lightness so each bite is beautifully risen and never dense.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon sharpens every flavor and balances the sweetness for a cookie bar that truly sings.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter infuses richness and gives the bars their dense, fudgy texture (plus, it means no waiting for butter to soften!).
- Packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a dreamy hint of caramel that sets these bars apart from all the rest.
- Granulated sugar: A bit of white sugar ensures crisp, irresistible edges every time.
- Large eggs: Two eggs bind the dough so every bar is supremely soft and rich.
- Vanilla extract: A generous splash deepens the classic cookie aroma that fills every corner of your kitchen.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Two whole cups give you pools of melty chocolate in every corner — don’t skimp!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Set yourself up for cookie bar success by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot just when you’re ready to slide the bars in. This makes getting perfect, neat squares so much easier — no sticking, no fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures you get those evenly golden, chewy bars, rather than any surprise salty or powdery pockets.
Step 3: Make the Buttery Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until silky and smooth. The melted butter infuses every corner of the dough, making these chocolate chip cookie bars luxuriantly soft and full of deep, toffee flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla. Stir until everything’s beautifully combined. At this point, you’ll notice the dough take on that lovely, glossy cookie gloss — that’s when you know you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the whisked dry ingredients into your butter and sugar mixture. Stir just until there are no more flour streaks — don’t over-mix or the bars could become tough. Think ‘gentle and loving’ rather than ‘vigorous!’
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in those glorious chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed for plenty of chocolate in every bite. The dough will be thick, but that means an extra decadent bar.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scoop the dough into the prepared pan and spread it all the way to the edges, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some extra chocolate chips on top or a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely — if you can resist! — before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all add a swoon-worthy finish to your cookie bars. Try scattering mini chocolate chips or slivered almonds on top right after baking for extra flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate dessert platter, serve these chocolate chip cookie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cool glass of milk. If you want a playful twist, offer fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cookie bars into little squares for party-ready bites, or stack big rectangles for hearty café-style servings. You can even use them as layers in an ice cream sundae, or pop them on lollipop sticks for a whimsical dessert “pop” at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days. Be sure to seal them tightly to lock in that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Freezing
These bars thrive in the freezer! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for all the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For bars that taste like they’re just out of the oven, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’ll become warm, soft, and the chocolate will turn deliciously gooey — pure comfort in every bite!
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of chocolate?
Absolutely! Swap in some milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. You can mix and match, or add chunks for bigger pockets of melty chocolate.
How do I keep my chocolate chip cookie bars soft?
The key is not to overbake them. Watch for just-set edges and a center that looks a tad underdone. Cooling completely in the pan also helps lock in their irresistible softness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, toffee bits, or coconut flakes all play beautifully with the classic cookie flavor. Add up to one cup of your favorite mix-ins along with the chocolate chips.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries. Just lightly grease your pan with cooking spray or butter. The bars may be a bit more rustic to remove but will still taste fantastic!
Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?
Letting them cool completely is essential — impatience leads to crumbly slices. Give them at least an hour, or chill them briefly if you’re in a hurry, and your squares will cut clean and neat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert to wow every guest, brighten a weekday, or simply indulge in a moment of sweet nostalgia, these chocolate chip cookie bars won’t let you down. They’re easy, shareable, and bursting with comfort in every square. Give them a try, and I promise — you’ll find your new favorite treat!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are easy to make and perfect for any sweet craving. With a chewy center and crispy edges, these bars are loaded with gooey chocolate chips for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine & Bake: Gradually stir in dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips. Spread the dough in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
