Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The true test of any family dessert is the silence that follows the first bite, broken only by requests for milk. These soft, rich chocolate chip cookie bars passed that test in my home, creating a new Thursday night tradition. I was looking for a simple answer to the eternal question of what to bake that could satisfy a cookie craving without the fuss of scooping and rotating trays. The solution was these thick, chewy chocolate chip cookie bars. They’re everything you love about a perfect chocolate chip cookie—the buttery edges, the melty pockets of chocolate, that soft, almost gooey center—but baked into one glorious pan. This recipe is the ultimate in easy baking ideas, turning a classic into a shareable, stress-free treat. Simple ingredients, warm memories. It’s comfort food, made easy, and it’s about to become your new favorite solution for homemade baking.

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Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookie bars start with the same beloved ingredients as their classic cookie cousins, but the magic is in the proportions and method. You’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

Smart Swaps: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. I love the depth of flavor from dark chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or a mix of white and semi-sweet are fantastic too. This is your kitchen, your rules.

Timing for Your Cookie Bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes, plus cooling

That’s nearly 50% faster than baking multiple batches of individual cookies. You get all the reward with a fraction of the active time, making these bars a brilliant choice for last-minute food ideas or a sudden sweet tooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these chocolate chip cookie bars is wonderfully straightforward. The goal is a thick, uniform batter that bakes up soft and chewy.

1. Prep and Preheat. Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is a non-negotiable step for clean, perfect bars.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted (and cooled) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and cohesive.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed for a consistent rise.
4. Bring It All Together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips.
5. Press and Bake. Transfer the thick cookie dough to your prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it into an even layer. Sprinkle a handful of extra chocolate chips over the top for a bakery-style finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Cool Completely. This is the hardest part! Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. The bars will continue to set as they cool. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.

Nutritional Information

A standard serving (one bar from a 9x13 pan cut into 24 pieces) provides approximately 220 calories, with 12g of fat, 28g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 1g of fiber. While these are a treat, using quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract makes a difference in both flavor and satisfaction. Remember, homemade baking allows you to control what goes in, turning simple ingredients into a moment of joy.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. A regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

• 9x13 inch metal baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal dishes mean maximum enjoyment. This is the epitome of easy baking ideas.
2. Perfect Texture Guarantee: The melted butter method and specific pan size ensure a soft, thick, and chewy bar every single time—no flat or cakey results.
3. Feeds a Crowd (or Just You): One pan yields enough for a party, a week of snacks, or a very dedicated solo indulgence. They’re the ultimate shareable baked goods.
4. Nostalgic Flavor, Modern Ease: It tastes like the best chocolate chip cookie you remember, with all the convenience of a bar dessert. Food that feels like home.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily adapt these chocolate chip cookie bars to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing that classic comfort.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based butter stick and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Reduced Sugar: You can decrease the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup, though the texture may be slightly denser. The brown sugar is key for moisture and chew.
• Add Nutrients: Fold in ½ cup of old-fashioned oats or swap ½ cup of the flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions

A warm chocolate chip cookie bar is a masterpiece on its own, but a little embellishment never hurts. Serve them slightly warm with a cold glass of milk—the classic pairing. For a decadent twist, top a square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel. During the holidays, sprinkle the top with festive sprinkles before baking. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. If you love the bar format, you must try our fudgy Brown Butter Blondies or the refreshing twist of our Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Hot Butter: If your melted butter is too hot, it can cook the eggs and create a greasy batter. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before mixing.
2. Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough, dense bars instead of soft, tender ones.
3. Overbaking: The bars will continue to set as they cool. Pull them from the oven when the edges are golden and the center looks just set, even if it seems a bit underdone. An overbaked cookie bar loses its coveted chew.
4. Skipping the Parchment Paper: Trying to cut and serve these soft bars directly from the pan is a recipe for crumbles and mess. The parchment sling is your best friend.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your chocolate chip cookie bars tasting fresh and soft:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. A slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
• Reheating: For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip cookie bars are proof that the best food ideas are often the simplest. They deliver all the nostalgic, comforting flavor of homemade chocolate chip cookies with none of the batch-baking hassle. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a potluck, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Simple ingredients, warm memories. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your home, too. Give it a try this week, and let me know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack so I can see your delicious creations. And if you’re on a bar dessert kick, explore more of our easy baking ideas like our fruity Raspberry Cheesecake Bars or the stunning Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars. Happy baking.

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