There’s something utterly irresistible about classic Cookie Bars — all the flavor and chew of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but with the ease of pressing the dough into a pan and baking just once! These bars are golden on top, perfectly gooey in the middle, and brimming with rich chocolate chips. Whether you’re prepping a potluck treat, filling the cookie jar for after-school snacks, or simply craving something sweet that’s quick and fuss-free, this recipe delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple-yet-mighty lineup that makes Cookie Bars such a crowd-pleaser. Each ingredient brings its own special magic, from golden butter to a double hit of sugar, creating bars that are chewy, sweet, and totally crave-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars, providing structure and that classic cookie crumb.
- Baking soda: Gives these bars their gentle lift, making them light rather than dense.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers a rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture throughout.
- Brown sugar: Adds irresistible caramel notes and keeps the bars chewy and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with clean sweetness and contributes to that pretty, crackly top.
- Eggs: The glue that binds the dough, adding tenderness and a bit of lift.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, cozy undertones to every bite – don’t skip it!
- Semisweet chocolate chips (or mix-ins): The stars of the show! Think classic chips, colorful M&Ms, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts for crunch.
How to Make Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting your 9×13-inch baking pan ready. Either lightly grease it or, for super-easy cleanup and removal, line it with parchment paper. You’ll thank yourself later when the bars come out in perfectly neat squares!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk to make sure they’re evenly distributed — this simple step ensures you get an even rise and balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix again until the mixture is glossy and creamy. This base is where all that classic cookie flavor gets started!
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that lovely soft texture. Now the fun part: fold in those chocolate chips (or whatever mix-ins make you happiest) so they’re evenly dotting the dough.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center just sets. If you love your Cookie Bars extra chewy, it’s okay if they look just a touch underbaked in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan — this patience is rewarded when you cut them into perfect squares, with neat edges and melty-chocolate middles. Enjoy the satisfying moment of lifting them out, ready to devour or share!
How to Serve Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking is pure magic, giving each bar a fancy bakery-style finish while balancing the sweetness. Or, for a festive twist, dust cooled bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true dessert masterpiece. They also go beautifully alongside a glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee — perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or cozy family dessert night.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Cookie Bars in a pretty tower on a cake stand for a casual party, wrapping them individually in parchment for lunchbox treats, or even cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. You can even mix and match different chips or add-ins in each batch for a gorgeous mosaic platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cookie Bars at their chewy best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Slip a slice of bread in the container — it helps keep them extra-soft and fresh!
Freezing
Cookie Bars freeze like a dream. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their stellar flavor and texture for up to two months, ready to thaw any time you need a sweet fix.
Reheating
Want those gooey chocolate pockets again? Pop a Cookie Bar in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds until warm and melty. It’ll taste fresh from the oven, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use different mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Cookie Bars are endlessly customizable. Try white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, butterscotch morsels, or any colorful candies you love for an extra-special twist.
How do I keep the bars chewy instead of cakey?
For ultra-chewy Cookie Bars, take them out of the oven when the center still looks just a bit soft — they’ll firm up as they cool, locking in that perfect dense chewiness.
Can I halve the recipe if I want fewer bars?
Yes, you can easily halve all the ingredients and bake the dough in an 8×8-inch pan. Just keep an eye on them in the oven, as the baking time will likely be a bit shorter.
What’s the best way to cut Cookie Bars neatly?
Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing for the cleanest edges. You can even chill the bars for a bit to make cutting easier. Use a sharp knife (wipe it clean between cuts) for picture-perfect squares.
Can I make these Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and keep an eye on your mix-in labels, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Cookie Bars everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing a pan of warm, gooey Cookie Bars with friends or family. Whether you go classic or add your own creative spin, this recipe delivers pure comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor every time. Give them a try — your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious and easy-to-make cookie bars, packed with chocolate chips for the perfect sweet treat. These bars are chewy, fudgy, and irresistible!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or mix-ins like M&M’s, white chocolate, or nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Blend Batter: Gradually stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread dough evenly into pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
- These freeze well when wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
