Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can feel like quite the challenge sometimes. You want that irresistible gooey center without the overly crispy edges, right? Well, you’re in luck! This recipe strikes a balance, ensuring every bite is a delightful mix of textures. In just about 35 minutes, you can whip up these delicious treats with simple, accessible ingredients. Imagine cutting into a warm bar, chocolate chips oozing, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen. What’s even better? You don’t need to scoop individual cookies. Just one pan, and you’re ready to share—or keep them all to yourself! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the irresistible world of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Why This Recipe Works
Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can often feel like an elusive goal. Many recipes yield edges that are overly crispy or chewy, making it easy to feel discouraged. This recipe, however, utilizes a specific method for mixing and baking that results in a delightful balance between crispy edges and a soft, gooey center. Combining precise techniques with simple ingredients, it sets you up for cookie bar success in just 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars promise a delightful treat for cookie lovers of all ages. With their ooey-gooey center and perfectly baked edges, they offer the best of both worlds in every bite. Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare (no scooping required!), but they also yield a batch that is perfect for sharing—whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter*, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons warm water
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 and 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, for pressing on top
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring it tucks into the corners and folds over the edges for easy removal. Alternatively, you can grease the pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Dissolve Baking Soda
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of warm water. Stir it together and set aside until dissolved. This step is crucial, as it activates the baking soda for the perfect lift.
Beat the Butter
In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all the butter is mixed evenly.
Add Sugars
Next, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar to the butter. Beat on medium speed until well combined and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Scrape the sides halfway through to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the first egg and beat well, then add the second egg along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, and don’t forget to scrape down the bowl.
Combine with Baking Soda Mixture
Pour in the dissolved baking soda and warm water mixture. Mix on medium speed for at least 1 minute, again scraping the sides. This integration ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add in 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, but don’t stir just yet. Mix on low speed until you see a couple of streaks of white flour—be careful not to over-mix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough bars.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1 and 3/4 cups of semisweet chocolate chips gently until just combined. This ensures that the chocolate is equally distributed throughout your cookie bars without overmixing.
Transfer Dough to the Pan
Scrape the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Press the dough evenly into the corners and flatten the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Press More Chocolate Chips on Top
Scatter an additional 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips on top, pressing them slightly into the dough with your hands. This adds a melty layer of gooey goodness right on top.
Bake the Cookie Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-27 minutes. The cookie bars should be golden all over, and when you shake the pan, the center shouldn’t be wobbly. A toothpick should come out with some chocolate on it but no wet batter.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk! You’ll love how the chocolate melts in your mouth.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be served warm from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or as a delightful treat in lunchboxes. Pair them with fresh fruit for a balanced snack, or enjoy them straight from the pan!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Cold butter won’t incorporate properly.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling it off—do not scoop directly from the bag as this can lead to too much flour.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking will lead to dry bars. Aim for that golden perfection!
Variations
- Try swapping semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. They bring a delightful contrast to the soft bars.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover bar cookies in the pan covered tightly with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before enjoying for the best experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has xanthan gum for better texture.
2. How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or greasing the pan generously will help prevent sticking. Parchment is often easier!
3. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk or white chocolate chips make delightful alternatives and offer a sweeter treat.
4. How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
Look for a golden top and a stable center; a toothpick should come out slightly moist but not with wet batter.
5. Can I add anything extra like candy or fruit?
Definitely! Chopped candy bars or dried fruits can create exciting variations, adding a surprise in every bite.
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy treat to make, combining the nostalgia of classic cookies with the convenience of a bar format. Whether for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious results!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat with their ooey-gooey centers and perfectly baked edges. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter*, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons warm water
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 and 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, for pressing on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch pan with parchment or grease it.
- Dissolve baking soda in warm water and set aside.
- Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Add dissolved baking soda mixture; mix for at least 1 minute.
- Mix in flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Transfer dough to the pan, pressing evenly and flattening the top.
- Press additional chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 25-27 minutes until golden and the center is firm.
- Let cool before slicing and enjoying.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal texture.
Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid excess flour.
Watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 40
