Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are craving a sweet treat that’s rich, chewy, and layered with melty chocolate goodness, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the nostalgic flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with the convenience of bars that slice perfectly every time, these cookie bars deliver the ultimate comfort in every bite. With a tender crumb, just the right crisp around the edges, and pockets of gooey chocolate chips, this recipe is perfect for sharing or savoring by yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this list plays a crucial role in creating these decadent cookie bars. From the creamy butter that adds richness, to the baking soda that gives the perfect rise, every component comes together harmoniously to bring out the classic taste and texture you love.

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams): Provides structure and a tender crumb; be sure to measure accurately for best results.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams): Helps the bars rise just enough to be soft and chewy, not cakey.
• 1 teaspoon corn starch (3 grams): Adds softness and chewiness by tenderizing the gluten.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams): Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams, room temperature): Brings richness and moisture; using unsalted butter lets you control the salt perfectly.
• 1 cup brown sugar (200 grams): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and chewiness due to its molasses content.
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams): Provides sweetness and helps with the slight crispness on top.
• 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to a tender bite.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams): Infuses warmth and amplifies all the sugary notes.
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (255 grams, divided): The star ingredient for bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. This will ensure your cookie bars come out cleanly and bake evenly, setting you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, corn starch, and salt. This dry mixture creates the balanced base that gives your cookie bars just the right texture and rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, yielding a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully incorporated. These ingredients bring moisture, richness, and flavor depth that will carry through your bars.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly mix the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat just until combined — don’t overmix, or your bars can turn tough. You’ll notice the dough starts sticking together, which means you’re on the right track!

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips. Folding lets the chips distribute evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 7: Spread Dough in Pan

Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon to press the dough evenly into the corners. An even layer helps everything bake uniformly.

Step 8: Add Remaining Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top. This creates a beautiful chocolate-studded crust and makes these bars look as amazing as they taste.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Bake the cookie dough for 15 minutes at 350°F. This initial bake starts setting the edges while leaving the center just a bit soft.

Step 10: Cover and Finish Baking

Carefully cover your pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 35 minutes. The foil prevents the top from over-browning while letting the bars bake through completely. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, the center turns slightly brown, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This waiting time is crucial for the bars to firm up and slice nicely.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, lift the cookie bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into 16 squares. Each square reveals layers of chewy, chocolatey goodness ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Though these cookie bars are delightful on their own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving can take the flavor to another level. Alternatively, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the bars for a fancy touch that’s perfect for parties.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combo. For a brunch or coffee break, a hot cup of coffee or tea balances the sweetness perfectly, making every bite feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut bars into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with fruit and marshmallows for a fun dessert kabob. Or place a square between two scoops of ice cream to make a decadent ice cream sandwich that will wow your guests, turning this simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe into a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This preserves their chewy texture and keeps the chocolate chips perfectly melty when enjoyed later.

Freezing

These cookie bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

To enjoy as if freshly baked, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to mix in dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste. Each type adds its own unique richness and sweetness.

Why do we add corn starch to the dough?

Corn starch softens the texture by tenderizing the gluten in the flour. It’s a secret ingredient in recipes where you want extra chewiness and a delicate crumb, like these cookie bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for structure. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.

How do I know when the cookie bars are fully baked?

Look for set edges, a lightly browned top, and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Covering with foil after 15 minutes helps ensure even baking without over-browning.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the dry ingredients to keep the flavor balanced. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of your cookie bars.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a pan of freshly baked cookie bars, and this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe brings that joy to your kitchen with ease. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars deliver classic chocolate chip cookie flavor multiplied into perfectly sliceable squares. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these irresistible bars disappear from the plate!

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