The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookie bars wafts through the kitchen, filling the air with a rich, sweet aroma. These delectable treats are simple to make, taking about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, and they deliver all the goodness of traditional cookies in bar form. The key to their perfection lies in the balance of butter and sugars, creating a tender yet chewy texture.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth or for gatherings and potlucks. They’re a fantastic after-school snack or a late-night dessert option. You can make these cookie bars ahead of time and store them for up to a week to enjoy on demand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The buttery flavor combined with melty chocolate creates an irresistible treat.
- Baking in a pan makes for easy portioning and less mess than traditional cookies.
- They have a soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for days.
- Quick to whip up, they can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your cookie bars.
For the Base
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Flour Mixture
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
For the Chocolate Chips
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Tip: Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Unsalted butter can be replaced with vegan butter.
- Light brown sugar can be substituted with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as an alternative.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to bake your cookie bars.
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle lower position.
Prepare the pan
Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil, letting some excess hang over the sides for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk the sugars and butter
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet
Using a rubber spatula, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop when there are still visible bits of flour, and then fold in the chocolate chips until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
Press the batter
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake the bars
Bake for 23-26 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and the bars begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Cool and cut
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack until room temperature. Use the overhanging foil to lift the bars out and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares.
How to Store It
Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Be sure to let the butter cool slightly before mixing for the best texture.
- Press the batter evenly into the pan to ensure even baking.
- Keep an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking, as they can become hard quickly.
- Use a high-quality chocolate for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
