Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars (Printable)

Soft and chewy bars filled with melty chocolate chips and a rich buttery crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
05 - 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

09 - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
10 - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, blend melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually fold dry mixture into wet until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
06 - Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips and nuts if using.
07 - Spread dough evenly in prepared pan, smoothing surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 23–28 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still soft for gooey texture.
09 - Allow bars to cool completely in pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into 16 bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Loaded with melty chocolate chips
02 -
  • For extra gooeyness slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting in the pan
  • Swap semisweet chips for milk dark or white chocolate
03 -
  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep bars tender
Go Back