Irresistible Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Craving the perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies but want something easier than individual scoops? These chocolate chip cookie bars are your answer.

Packed with melty chocolate chips and boasting that perfect chewy texture, these bars combine the best of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the convenience of a single-pan dessert.

They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home.

Ingredients List

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 11.5 ounces (about 2 cups) chocolate chips, divided
• ¾ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

1. 9 x 13-inch baking dish
2. Electric mixer: Stand or hand mixer
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Spatula or wooden spoon
6. Wire cooling rack

Dough Preparation

Creating the perfect cookie bar dough is crucial for achieving that sought-after chewy texture. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the best results.

Mixing the Ingredients

The key to perfect cookie bars lies in proper ingredient incorporation and mixing techniques. Here’s how to achieve the ideal dough consistency:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • Start with softened (not melted) butter
   • Beat butter with both sugars for a full 3 minutes
   • This creates tiny air pockets for a better texture
   • Scrape bowl sides as needed
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in eggs and vanilla for 3 minutes
   • Ensure even distribution
   • Mixture should be light and fluffy
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt
   • Mix for 2 minutes until well combined
   • Don’t overmix once flour is added
   • Fold in 1½ cups chocolate chips gently

Tips for Perfect Dough Consistency

• Room temperature ingredients blend better
• Don’t skip the creaming time
• Scrape bowl sides frequently
• Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined

Baking Instructions

The baking process is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cookie bars turn out exactly as desired.

Preparing the Pan and Dough

1. Pan Preparation:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Grease 9×13-inch pan thoroughly
   • Consider lining with parchment paper for easy removal
2. Spreading the Dough:
   • Transfer dough to prepared pan
   • Spread evenly using spatula
   • Press gently to eliminate air pockets
   • Sprinkle remaining ½ cup chocolate chips on top
   • Press chips lightly into dough

Baking Time and Temperature

1. Optimal Baking:
   • Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
   • Look for lightly browned edges
   • Center should be slightly soft
   • Top should be just set
2. Key Tips for Chewy Texture:
   • Don’t overbake – this is crucial!
   • Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking
   • Bars will continue cooking in pan while cooling
   • Check at 25 minutes first

Serving and Storage

Cooling and Cutting

1. Cooling Process:
   • Place pan on wire rack immediately after baking
   • Allow to cool completely (about 1-2 hours)
   • Resist cutting while warm to prevent crumbling
   • For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes
2. Cutting Tips:
   • Use a sharp knife
   • Clean blade between cuts
   • Cut into 24 squares for regular portions
   • For smaller servings, cut into 36 pieces

Storage Instructions

1. Room Temperature Storage:
   • Store in airtight container
   • Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
   • Place wax paper between layers
   • Keep away from direct sunlight
2. Freezing Options:
   • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
   • Place in freezer bag
   • Freezes well for up to 3 months
   • Thaw at room temperature before serving

Recipe Variations and Tips

• Add nuts for extra crunch
• Try different chocolate chip varieties
• Mix in M&Ms or crushed Oreos
• Sprinkle with sea salt before baking
• For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling

These chewy chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual family desserts to special celebrations. Their ease of preparation and delicious results make them a go-to recipe that you’ll want to keep handy for years to come.

Conclusion

These chewy chocolate chip cookie bars represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence.

By transforming the classic chocolate chip cookie into a bar format, you get all the beloved flavors with less time and effort.

The key to success lies in not overbaking – remember, a slightly underbaked center will give you that coveted chewy texture that makes these bars irresistible.