chewy chocolate chip cookie bars

Craving a rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible treat? Look no further than these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—the perfect cross between a classic chocolate chip cookie and a soft, buttery blondie.

With a crisp golden crust and a gooey center, these bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, this simple one-pan recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

Ingredients List

Creating the ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars requires a few essential ingredients that contribute to their signature texture and rich flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened – Adds moisture and enhances flavor.
• ¾ cup white sugar – Provides sweetness and a slight crispness.
• ¾ cup brown sugar – Adds depth, chewiness, and a caramelized flavor.
• 2 eggs – Help bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cookie bars.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the dough rise slightly for a soft bite.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
• 11.5 ounces (about 2 cups) chocolate chips, divided – The star ingredient! Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works best.
• ¾ cup chopped nuts (optional) – Adds crunch and extra flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

For a smooth and enjoyable baking experience, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools on hand:

1. Electric Mixer – Helps cream the butter and sugar for a light and fluffy dough.
2. Mixing Bowls – Needed to combine and mix all ingredients properly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accuracy when measuring ingredients.
4. 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for thick, chewy cookie bars.
5. Parchment Paper or Non-Stick Spray – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
6. Rubber Spatula – Helps spread the dough evenly in the pan.
7. Wire Rack – Allows the bars to cool properly for the best texture.

Dough Preparation

The secret to achieving perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie bars lies in how you mix the ingredients. Follow these steps carefully to get that soft, gooey texture we all love.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures even mixing.
2. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Continue beating for another 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix the Dough:
   Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars, so mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
   Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). Save the remaining chocolate chips for topping.

Spreading the Dough in the Baking Dish

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Spread the Dough Evenly:
   Transfer the dough to the prepared dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Press it down slightly to ensure uniform thickness.
3. Add Extra Chocolate on Top:
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips over the top and gently press them into the dough.

Baking the Cookie Bars

Getting the baking time just right is key to achieving chewy chocolate chip cookie bars. Follow these steps for the perfect texture.

Baking Time and Temperature

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat before placing the cookie bars inside.
2. Bake to Perfection:
   Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn a light golden brown, and the edges will start to pull away slightly from the pan.
3. Don’t Overbake!
   For soft and chewy bars, remove them from the oven when the center still looks slightly underdone. They will continue to set as they cool.

Cooling and Cutting

1. Cool in the Pan:
   Place the baking dish on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.
2. Slice into Squares:
   Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles. For extra clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp paper towel between slices.

Serving and Storage

Now that your chewy chocolate chip cookie bars are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These cookie bars taste best when served slightly warm with a gooey center. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Style: Enjoy them as-is with a cold glass of milk.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two bars for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for a gourmet touch.
• With a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a sweet-salty contrast.

How to Keep Cookie Bars Fresh

To maintain their soft and chewy texture, store the bars properly using the following methods:

Room Temperature Storage

• Place the cookie bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Before serving, let them come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Conclusion

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy-to-make dessert that combines the best of both worlds—soft, buttery cookies and rich, chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.