Pin It Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.
I first baked these cookie bars for a family gathering and they disappeared within minutes everyone loved them.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), melted and slightly cooled
- Light brown sugar: 1 1/4 cups (250 g), packed
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 2 cups (340 g)
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine ingredients:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined do not overmix.
- Add chocolate chips and nuts:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Prepare dough:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake for 23–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
- Cool and cut:
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out and cut into bars.
Pin It My family always gathers around when these cookie bars come out of the oven making sweet memories with every bite.
Tips for Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter chocolate) and may contain tree nuts if added always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens.
Pin It Enjoy these irresistible cookie bars as a delightful treat any time you crave something sweet and comforting.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the gooey texture in these bars?
To keep the bars gooey, slightly underbake them until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. Letting them cool in the pan helps them set without hardening.
- → Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Semisweet chips work well, but you can swap in milk, dark, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness and flavor.
- → What role does the buttery crust play?
The buttery crust adds a rich, golden base that complements the sweet, melty chocolate, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- → Are nuts necessary in the bars?
Nuts are optional and provide a crunchy contrast, but the bars are delicious without them, focusing on chocolate and buttery softness.
- → Why add flaky sea salt before baking?
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate and butter flavors, creating a more complex taste profile.
- → How should I store the bars to maintain freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to extend freshness, warming before serving.