Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

“Make the best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with this easy recipe! These cookie bars are soft, gooey, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. With simple pantry ingredients like flour, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, you can whip up this quick and delicious treat in no time. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack, these cookie bars are customizable with mix-ins like nuts or toffee bits. Learn tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to make these irresistible cookie bars your new favorite dessert!”

Ingredients

• 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges for easy removal. Grease the foil with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   Melt the butter, then pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until about halfway combined.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
   Fold in the chocolate chips and continue mixing until the dough is evenly combined.
5. Shape and Bake:
   Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing it into an even layer. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Slice:
   Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

---

Tips

• Even Baking: Use an offset spatula to spread the dough evenly for uniform baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The bars should look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven; they will continue to set as they cool.
• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg and egg yolk are at room temperature for better mixing.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate Variations: Swap semi-sweet chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
• Add-ins: Include nuts, toffee bits, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for a light golden brown color on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
Absolutely. A whisk and spatula will work fine, though mixing may take a little longer.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookie bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Chewy Texture: These bars have the ideal balance of soft and chewy with gooey chocolate in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: No need to scoop individual cookies—just press, bake, and slice!
• Versatile: Customizable with your favorite mix-ins to suit any occasion.

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!