Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to please everyone, you’ve come to the right place! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into an easy-to-make bar that’s gooey, rich, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight treat or a festive family gathering, these cookie bars are perfect for any occasion.

There’s something magical about enjoying a warm piece straight from the oven. The comforting aroma fills your home, and each bite offers bursts of melty chocolate goodness. Trust me; once you try these cookie bars, they’ll become a cherished part of your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps here! Just mix, layer, and bake for a delightful dessert.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies! These bars are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance, and they will keep well for days—if they last that long!
• Gooey & Delicious: With melted chocolate and a soft texture, each bite is pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for these delightful chocolate chip cookie bars! You likely have most of them on hand already.

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups (372g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (255g) chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips)
• 1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 4.4 ounce large Hershey bar (or smaller bars to make that same size) (or more chocolate chips)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients or add-ins based on what you love.

• Add Nuts: For some crunch, toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• Use Different Chocolates: Swap out the Hershey bar with your favorite chocolate bar or use white chocolate chips for a twist.
• Mix in Other Candy: Add your favorite candies like M&Ms or peanut butter cups for an exciting flavor combo.
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with almond extract or coconut extract for a unique taste.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As it cooks, stir often until it turns a beautiful brown color—this usually takes about 6 minutes. Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor to your cookie bars. Once browned, let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars

Pour the melted butter into an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. While it’s still warm, add both sugars and mix on low until combined. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the baking soda and helps create that perfect texture in your bars.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Turn on your mixer again and add the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add in the vanilla extract next. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined—you don’t want to overmix here! Finally, fold in those luscious chocolate chips.

Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9×13” baking pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray for easy removal later on. This little trick will save you so much hassle when it’s time to cut into those gooey bars!

Step 6: Layer Your Ingredients

Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan evenly across the bottom. Next, pour sweetened condensed milk over this layer while leaving about a ¼” edge around the pan. Break up your Hershey bar into pieces and sprinkle them over the milk layer. Then take the remaining cookie dough, break it up into chunks, and place it on top of everything else—just press lightly; it doesn’t have to completely cover!

Step 7: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake these delicious bars for about 30-35 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. Let them cool completely before slicing into squares—or rectangles if you’re feeling rebellious! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Making these cookie bars is an absolute joy, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your baking game to a whole new level!

• Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or bars. The better the chocolate, the richer and more delicious your cookie bars will be.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of gooey goodness.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before slicing is crucial. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier without falling apart.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookie bars by adding nuts or dried fruit. This adds extra texture and flavor, making each bite unique!
• Store properly: To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

These chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some fun serving ideas.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the bars beautifully.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to your warm cookie bar creates a classic dessert duo that everyone loves.
• Fresh berries: Serve with a side of mixed fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your cookie bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea brings out their flavors beautifully and makes for a cozy treat.
• Milkshake: For an indulgent experience, serve alongside a chocolate or vanilla milkshake. The creamy shake complements the gooey texture of the cookie bars perfectly.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends and family with this delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe! Enjoy baking and sharing these treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into individual portions before freezing.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, take a bar out of the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe:

Can I use other types of chocolate chips in this chocolate chip cookie bars recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips if you prefer. Mixing different types can create a delightful flavor combination.

How do I achieve gooey chocolate chip cookie bars with this recipe?

For gooey bars, be mindful not to overbake them! Keep an eye on your oven and take them out as soon as they turn golden brown. The centers will continue to set as they cool.

Can I make this chocolate chip cookie bars recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

How long do these cookie bars last?

If stored properly, these cookie bars can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these chocolate chip cookie bars! They’re not just delicious but also bring back memories of family gatherings and sweet moments shared. Whether you’re baking for yourself or loved ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Enjoy every gooey bite!