When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, nothing beats the classic allure of chocolate chip cookie bars. These soft and chewy delights are baked to perfection, making them a must-have for any gathering or a cozy night in. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe combines the rich flavors of melted butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips to create a bar that is irresistibly delicious. Here’s how to make these scrumptious treats.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Gooey: For a warm, gooey treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds before serving. This makes the chocolate chips melt slightly, enhancing their flavor and texture.
A La Mode: Serve the cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm cookie bars and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Drizzle with Sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling the bars with chocolate, caramel, or even raspberry sauce.
Party Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert table. Consider dusting them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes, perfect for themed parties or special occasions.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. To keep them soft and chewy, add a slice of bread to the container; the bread helps maintain moisture.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookie bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Preventing Sticking: To prevent the bars from sticking together when stored, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers in your storage container.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix. You can also add other mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or caramel bits to create your own unique version of these cookie bars.
How can I tell when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the bars to become dry. If you prefer a gooey center, you can slightly underbake them and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cookie bars can be made ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. If you are making them for an event, you can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What is the best way to cut the cookie bars evenly?
To achieve evenly cut bars, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts to ensure smooth edges. For cleaner cuts, you can also chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Conclusion:
These chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite for all ages. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious bars with your loved ones!
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars baked to perfection, easy to make and perfect for sharing. These cookie bars are loaded with rich chocolate chips and have a deliciously moist texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a simple homemade treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
You can substitute half of the chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruits, or other types of chocolate.
Ensure the butter is fully melted for a smoother mixture and chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal
