Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

There is something truly irresistible about a dessert that combines the classic charm of chocolate chip cookies with the simplicity and friendliness of bars, which is why these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have become a personal favorite. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of gooey, soft, and chewy textures packed with rich chocolate pockets that melt beautifully on your tongue. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking for a crowd-pleaser to bring to your next gathering, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding — your sweet tooth will thank you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples, each playing a critical role in creating those perfect chewy cookie bars. From the rich melted butter that adds incredible moisture to the blend of brown and granulated sugars that balance sweetness and chewiness, every ingredient is essential to achieving that classic texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/8 cups): The key structural element that holds everything together with just the right softness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavors, making every bite pop.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
• Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (12 tablespoons): The secret to that luscious, chewy texture and rich taste.
• Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Adds moisture and a slight caramel note, perfect for chewiness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the classic cookie flavor.
• Chocolate chips (2 cups): The irresistible stars that make these bars truly decadent.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This not only distributes the leavening agent evenly but also ensures the salt is perfectly incorporated for balanced flavor. Make sure there are no lumps for smooth batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until the mixture looks glossy and well combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This step creates the luscious base that makes your bars chewy and moist.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars, so gently fold in the flour blend until you see no streaks. The dough will be thick, ready to hold those melted chocolate chips perfectly.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the two full cups of chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This ensures every bite has a generous amount of molten chocolate, creating that classic cookie bar experience.

Step 5: Bake to Chewy Perfection

Spread the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop it into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set but slightly soft center to keep the bars chewy and irresistibly soft.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

To make your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars even more special, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm bars right after baking. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a decorative and delicious touch.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert vibe. For a morning treat, serve them alongside a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness with warmth and slight bitterness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter for parties or family gatherings — they are perfect finger food! You can also sandwich two bars together with creamy peanut butter or Nutella for a decadent twist. For a fun dessert option, layer chunks of these bars with ice cream and berries in a glass for an easy yet elegant parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars keep their perfect texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for about 4 to 5 days, making them great to bake ahead for busy weeks or special events.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness, pop a bar in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. It’s like rediscovering freshly baked magic each time!

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate in the Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. White chocolate chips or chunks of your favorite chocolate bar also work beautifully and add unique flavors.

How can I make these cookie bars more cakey instead of chewy?

To achieve a cakey texture, try adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough. You can also reduce the baking time slightly and increase the flour by a few tablespoons to create more structure.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is intended for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter will add more salt to the recipe, so it’s best to reduce or omit the added salt. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.

What’s the best baking pan to use for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

A 9×13 inch metal or glass baking pan works perfectly. For easier cleanup and removal, lining it with parchment paper is a wonderful trick that lets you lift out the entire pan of bars effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly a joy to make and even more of a joy to share. With their homey texture, rich chocolate, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re guaranteed to become your go-to dessert whenever you want that comforting homemade cookie fix in a simple, no-fuss form. So grab your ingredients, gather your favorite people, and indulge in this classic treat that never goes out of style!

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