Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – a timeless treat that never fails to delight. These bars offer all the beloved flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies, but with a delightful twist that makes baking them a breeze. With chewy edges, soft centers, and pockets of melty chocolate in every bite, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser.

As someone who loves to share the joy of baking, I can attest to the magic of these cookie bars. Whether you’re hosting a study group, preparing for a bake sale, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are the perfect solution. The simplicity of baking everything in one pan means less time spent scooping and more time savoring the delicious results.

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fill your kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can create a treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor to any occasion. Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds – the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies in convenient, irresistible bar form.

Quick Benefits

• Saves time without sacrificing classic cookie taste
• Offers a perfect combination of chewy edges, soft centers, and melty chocolate
• Versatile – can be enjoyed warm with milk, crumbled over ice cream, or sandwiched with favorite flavors
• Easy to customize with different types of chocolate chips or mix-ins

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Nostalgia: Enjoy the comforting aroma and flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with half the effort by making these delicious cookie bars.
• Perfect Texture: Indulge in the perfect combination of chewy edges, soft centers, and melty chocolate in every square, creating a truly irresistible treat.
• One-Pan Wonder: Embrace the simplicity of baking these bars – no scooping required, just one pan and classic ingredients for easy preparation.
• Versatile: Experiment with different add-ins like butterscotch, peanut butter chips, or nuts, and consider browning the butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Adaptable: Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these bars are a hit for any occasion, from bake sales to late-night cravings, and can be enjoyed in various ways.
• Sharing Joy: Share the love by serving these bars warm with a glass of milk, over ice cream, or as part of a special sandwich treat, making any moment feel extra special.
• Long-lasting Delight: Keep these bars in an airtight container for up to a week, as they actually get fudgier over time, ensuring you can savor them for days.
• Sentimental Value: Create a signature treat that brings comfort and joy to friends and family, making these bars perfect for celebrations, lunch boxes, or as a thoughtful gift.

Ingredients for Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Cookie Base

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Mix-ins & Toppings

• 2¼ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups for mixing, ¼ cup for topping)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until mixed well.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl, whisk until smooth. Mix in vanilla and eggs until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine & Form Dough

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just a few flour streaks remain. Add 2 cups of chocolate chips and fold until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Evenly spread the cookie dough in the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-25 minutes until edges are light golden brown and center is slightly puffed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while hot.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for approximately 45 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for faster cooling. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang once they are barely warm, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, it is best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if they are stacked on top of each other. These cookie bars can be stored this way for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy them fresh and chewy for several days.

For those who prefer a fudgier texture, refrigerating the bars is an option. After a day in the fridge, the cookie bars actually become even more fudgy and indulgent. Simply transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator. Remember to let the bars come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious for an extended period. Whether you’re savoring them slowly throughout the week or saving them for a special occasion, proper storage will help maintain their flavor and texture so you can continue to enjoy these irresistible treats.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a few ingredient substitutions for these classic chocolate chip cookie bars, you can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can swap the dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. This adjustment will bring a different sweetness profile to the bars.

Additionally, if you are looking to make these cookie bars a bit healthier, you can consider using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. This substitution will add a nuttier flavor and boost the fiber content of the bars. You can also experiment with using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar and granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option.

Remember, ingredient substitutions can alter the texture and flavor of the final product, so it’s always a good idea to experiment in small batches first to ensure the end result meets your expectations. Feel free to get creative and tailor these cookie bars to your liking!

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these classic chocolate chip cookie bars, try cutting them into bite-sized squares and serving them on skewers as a fun and portable dessert option for parties or gatherings. You can even drizzle them with some melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Another creative serving suggestion is to crumble these cookie bars over a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious cookie crumble topping. Add some whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry on top for an indulgent and satisfying dessert that combines the best of both worlds – warm, chewy cookie bars and cold, creamy ice cream.

FAQs for Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but be sure to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to compensate for the salt in the butter.

Can I freeze these cookie bars for later?

Yes, you can freeze these cookie bars for later. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookie bars by substituting the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins of your choice.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

Watch the edges carefully as they bake – they should be just turning golden while the center remains slightly puffy. Finding that sweet spot between done and not-quite-done will give you the perfect texture in these cookie bars.

Conclusion

As you embark on your baking journey, remember that the joy of making Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies not just in the final product, but in the memories created along the way. These bars have the power to uplift spirits, bring people together, and make even the simplest moments feel extraordinary. So, whether you’re treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence or sharing them with loved ones, savor each bite and the happiness they bring.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fill your home. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and let it become a staple in your baking repertoire. These bars are more than just a dessert – they’re a reminder that sometimes, the most classic recipes are the ones that warm our hearts the most. Happy baking, and may every bite of these cookie bars bring you comfort and joy.

Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of chewy edges, soft centers, and melty chocolate with these classic chocolate chip cookie bars – a nostalgic treat in every square.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 cookie bars)

Ingredients

Cookie Base

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Mix-ins & Toppings

• 2¼ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups for mixing, ¼ cup for topping)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until mixed well.
3. Create Wet Mixture: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl, whisk until smooth. Mix in vanilla and eggs until fully incorporated.
4. Combine & Form Dough: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just a few flour streaks remain. Add 2 cups of chocolate chips and fold until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare for Baking: Evenly spread the cookie dough in the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the surface.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-25 minutes until edges are light golden brown and center is slightly puffed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while hot.
7. Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for approximately 45 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for faster cooling. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang once they are barely warm, then slice into squares or rectangles.