Description
Delight in these luscious Cookie Dough Bars, featuring a perfectly soft and chewy texture packed with rich chocolate chips and a buttery vanilla flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add fragrance and depth to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts into the dough for bursts of texture and flavor throughout the bars.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface to promote uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares to maintain structure and ease of serving.
Notes
- For a softer, chewier texture, avoid overbaking; remove from oven as soon as edges turn golden.
- Optional enhancements include drizzling with melted chocolate or sprinkling with sea salt for extra flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
