If there’s one treat beloved by everyone from busy parents to bake sale pros, it’s Cookie Bars. They deliver all the magic of classic chocolate chip cookies but in one easy pan, with that perfectly chewy texture and golden crackly top. Whether you want a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these Cookie Bars are about to become your go-to recipe—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy for every sweet craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cookie Bars come together with simple pantry staples, and each ingredient plays a key part in building that irresistibly soft and chocolatey bite. No frills—just the best basics for maximum flavor!
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor throughout the bars.
- Light brown sugar: Bring sweetness and deep molasses notes, ensuring chewiness in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the moisture and adds that classic cookie sweetness.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and give the bars a luscious, soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t skip this! It rounds out the flavors and gives the Cookie Bars their signature bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for structure without making the bars overly dense.
- Baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for a fluffy-yet-dense texture.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and balances the balls of sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Go big here—melty puddles of chocolate are what make these Cookie Bars absolutely irresistible!
How to Make Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or just lightly grease it. This little step saves you from messy sticking and helps the Cookie Bars lift out with clean edges—super important for neat, bakery-style squares!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy; this is key for achieving that signature cookie-like texture and a slightly caramelized flavor. Don’t rush—give it a good few minutes here!
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients are the magic that binds everything, so make sure it’s well blended for a smooth base.
Step 4: Whisk and Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, gently stirring just until combined—overmixing can make the Cookie Bars tough, so stop as soon as you see no more dry flour.
Step 5: Fold In Chocolate Chips
Now, the best part: add the semisweet chocolate chips! Use a spatula to fold them in so each bite is studded with melty chocolate. If you want some mix-ins like chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter, this is the moment to go wild.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface for even baking. Slide into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect—don’t overbake if you like them chewy!).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off: cooled bars cut beautifully, keeping their clean edges and chewy centers intact. Now, just try not to sneak one before they’re set!
How to Serve Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Cookie Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a fun twist, scatter flakey sea salt or rainbow sprinkles on top while they’re still a little warm—these simple touches make every bar feel celebration-ready!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort combo. They also shine alongside fresh berries or even a creamy coffee for a sweet treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or gifting, stack Cookie Bars with small parchment squares between each piece, tie the stack with a ribbon, or arrange them upright on a dessert platter. You can even cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make dessert time extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay moist and chewy, and a quick zap in the microwave brings them back to that “just baked” tenderness.
Freezing
Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag or airtight container. Stash them away for up to 3 months and you’ll be ready for instant dessert cravings or a last-minute potluck invite.
Reheating
To reheat, just set a bar (or two) on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 10-20 seconds. This brings out the gooey chocolate and soft texture without drying them out—almost like fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Why are my Cookie Bars dry or crumbly?
Dry bars are often the result of overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly with the spoon-and-level method, and start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Slightly underbaked bars yield that dreamy chewy bite!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix it up with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. Even chunks or chopped chocolate bars work wonderfully for pockets of melty goodness.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just use two 9×13-inch pans, or bake in batches. Avoid overfilling a single pan, or the center won’t bake properly.
What add-ins can I use besides chocolate chips?
Try chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit, or swirls of peanut butter or Nutella for a different flavor profile every time. Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile—feel free to get creative!
How do I get neat, clean slices?
For the best slices, let the bars cool completely (or chill them briefly) before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts, or even a bench scraper for perfectly even squares.
Final Thoughts
With their simple ingredients, forgiving method, and absolutely addictive flavor, these Cookie Bars are always a hit. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for yourself or sharing them at the next gathering, I promise they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delectable cookie bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. With a chewy texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter for variety.
- Don’t overbake if you want a chewy texture.
- These bars freeze well—wrap tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
