These easy chocolate chip cookie bars are super chewy, loaded with chocolate chips, and take only 10 minutes to prepare. Just mix everything by hand and bake! If you ever need a quick and easy dessert to feed a crowd, this is it.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and butter a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 13g
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g

The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookie bars are a beloved dessert that combines the best aspects of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the convenience and thickness of a bar. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply as a personal indulgence, understanding the nuances of this recipe will help you achieve the perfect results every time.

The Appeal of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Unlike regular cookies, chocolate chip cookie bars require no individual scooping or rolling. Instead, the dough is spread into a pan and baked as a single unit, then cut into squares once cooled. This method not only simplifies the baking process but also ensures an even distribution of chocolate chips throughout the bars. One of the best aspects of chocolate chip cookie bars is their texture. They maintain a thick, chewy consistency due to the way they are baked. The edges become slightly crisp while the center remains soft and gooey. This contrast in texture makes them even more enjoyable to eat.

Why These Bars Are So Popular

Chocolate chip cookie bars are loved for many reasons, including their convenience and the fact that they are easy to transport. Unlike individual cookies, which can sometimes break or crumble, these bars hold their shape well, making them ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, and parties. They are also a great choice for beginner bakers. Because the dough is baked in a pan, there is no need to worry about spreading issues that sometimes occur with traditional cookies. Plus, they take less effort since you don’t have to portion out individual pieces before baking. Another reason for their popularity is the deep, rich flavor they offer. Brown sugar is often used as a key ingredient, which enhances the caramel undertones in the bars. Combined with the vanilla extract and melted butter, these ingredients create an indulgent, bakery-style dessert with minimal effort.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

1. Use Melted Butter: Using melted butter instead of softened butter gives the bars a richer, chewier texture. This helps them stay moist and soft even after they cool.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in a tough texture. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined.
3. Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate makes a huge difference in the final taste. Using premium chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks ensures a more decadent experience.
4. Bake Until Golden Brown: The bars should be lightly golden brown on top but still soft in the middle when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Let Them Cool Before Cutting: Cutting the bars too soon may cause them to fall apart. Letting them cool ensures cleaner slices and a better texture.

Creative Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate chip cookie bars are a favorite, there are many ways to customize them to suit different tastes:

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Salted Caramel: Swirl in caramel sauce and sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Triple Chocolate: Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips for an ultra-chocolaty experience.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in peanut butter before baking for a delicious nutty twist.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Substitute part of the flour with oats for a heartier texture.

How to Store and Keep Fresh

Proper storage ensures that your chocolate chip cookie bars stay fresh and delicious for days:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm them slightly before serving to bring back their chewiness.
• Freezing: Chocolate chip cookie bars freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate chip cookie bars taste amazing on their own, but they can be paired with various accompaniments for an elevated dessert experience:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• Use as a base for ice cream sandwiches by layering with your favorite ice cream flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is quite simple, there are a few mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results:

• Overbaking: Taking them out of the oven too late will make them dry instead of chewy.
• Using Too Much Flour: Packing the flour when measuring can lead to dry, dense bars. Always use the spoon-and-level method.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Bars that are cut too soon will be too soft and may crumble.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: This makes removal and cutting easier, preventing the bars from sticking to the pan.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip cookie bars are a must-try dessert for anyone who loves the taste of homemade cookies but prefers a quicker and easier preparation method. Their chewy texture, rich flavor, and endless customization options make them a favorite treat among all age groups. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress. By following the tips and techniques mentioned above, you can ensure that your chocolate chip cookie bars turn out perfect every time.