Ultimate Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Recipe Overview

Get ready to dive into a world of gooey sweetness with this easy Chocolate chip cookie bars recipe. Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, transforming them into thick, chewy, and indulgent squares that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! With their origins dating back to the famed chocolate chip cookie invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s, these bar versions hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere.

What makes these bars stand out is their irresistible combination of rich, melted chocolate chunks, a buttery base, and the ease of preparation—mixing ingredients in one bowl. Whether you favor a classic recipe or are on the hunt for vegan Chocolate chip cookie bars, this guide has got you covered. With a total prep time of just 20 minutes, baking for 25 minutes, and yielding 12 generous servings, these decadent bars are sure to become a family favorite!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 12 bars

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Chips:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Possible Ingredient Swaps:

For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
For a healthier twist, use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Equipment List

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Prepare the baking pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This will also help in achieving crisp edges on your cookie bars.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The color should transition to a pale yellow.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, into the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until the mixture is just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. The dough will be thick and studded with luscious chocolate pieces.
Spread the batter: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Using the spatula, even out the top to ensure the bars bake uniformly.
Bake to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edge is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few crumbs. The bars should feel firm to the touch but not dry.
Cool and slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. For cleaner slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Special Notes

For optimal freshness, store your chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re planning on making these ahead of time, they can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

If you find your bars are too soft in the center, try baking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Conversely, if your bars are dry, a quick tip is to add a splash of milk to the batter next time to create a fudgier texture.

Variations and Customizations

Customization is the key to making these chocolate chip cookie bars your own! For a vegan version, simply replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). To create a gluten-free option, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

For added texture, consider mixing in nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or throw in a handful of dried fruits for a chewy bite. Craving a flavor twist? Add a teaspoon of sea salt on top before baking or incorporate a splash of almond extract for a refreshing change.

Nutritional Information (Optional)

Per serving (1 bar, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

As your chocolate chip cookie bars bake, the mouthwatering aroma will fill your kitchen, a hint of caramel sweetness merging with rich chocolate. Expect those enticing, golden edges and a slightly soft center as they cool. Imagine biting into one—soft, chewy, and warm with melty chocolate cascading at every turn. Capturing this journey through images would enhance the reader’s experience; pictures of the preparation steps, the gleaming dough, and the final product would be immensely appealing.

Conclusion

As you embark on this delightful baking journey, we encourage you to try out this homemade Chocolate chip cookie bars from scratch recipe. They are not only simple to prepare but are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and that of your guests! Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy Baking!