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.
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.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing for another 3 minutes until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently stir in 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips and the chopped nuts (if using).
- Transfer the dough to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and the edges start to pull away. Do not overbake for a chewy texture.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, slice into squares and serve.