Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars make the perfect treat when you’re craving cookies but don’t want to put in the effort. You’ll love the buttery, rich brown sugar taste and tons of chocolate flavor.

What You’ll Love About Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

Who can resist a chocolatey and buttery cookie bar? When I was thinking about this recipe my goal was to create that chocolate cookie taste and texture without the effort it takes to make cookies. I love that everything is mixed in one bowl, dump in a pan, bake and enjoy.

When you want a simple treat that takes hardly any work these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will meet all the check marks. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and most of us have eggs and milk in the fridge, so it’s one of those recipes you can whip up quick when a sweet tooth hits.

These bars are perfect with a big glass of milk, cup of black coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right over the top (my fav) and even better, these are just as good if not better the second and third day.

If you’re looking for something slightly healthier you might enjoy these Viral Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.

Simple Ingredients:

• Butter– I use 1 stick of butter for the perfect chewy texture and buttery taste.
• Brown sugar– This recipe is heavy on the brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Granulated sugar– For additional sweetness.
• Egg– This will help the bars to puff up during the baking time.
• Vanilla extract– Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Milk- This will help give the bars a little extra moisture.
• Dry ingredients– All-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
• Chocolate chips– I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips. The more the better!

Substitutions and Add-Ins:

How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

See full instructions in recipe card below

Step One. In a large bowl combine soft butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy.

Step Two. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt directly over the bowl with the creamed butter. Add milk and stir to combine. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step Three. Transfer cookie mixture to an 8×8 inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Spread out in an even layer and sprinkle on a few extra baking chips. Bake in preheated oven at 350℉ for 18-20 minutes.

Recipe Tip:

Common Questions:

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
• Kitchen Sink Blondies
• Chocolate Pumpkin Brown Butter Brownies
• Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars make the perfect treat when you're craving cookies but don't want to put in the effort. You'll love the buttery, rich brown sugar taste and tons of chocolate flavor.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert, Treats

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Rest time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 278kcal

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 8×8 inch baking pan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉ and spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

• In a large mixing bowl use a hand held mixer or stand mixer to incorporate the butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixture should be combined and smooth.
• Sift flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder directly over the creamed butter mixture. Add milk and use a large spoon to combine the ingredients until a soft dough forms, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
• Spread dough in an even layer in prepared baking dish. Top with a few more chocolate chips.
• Bake bars in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and middle is slightly underdone. It should be puffed in the middle but super soft when you touch it. Allow cookie bars to cool for at least 10-minutes before slicing.

Notes

Tip:

 

• Don’t overbake the cookie bars. These bars naturally have a darker color because of the brown sugar. You’ll know they are done when the edges are firm and the center is still slightly under done. It will continue to cook and set as you allow them to cool.

 

Substitutions:

 

• Sugar- If you want to tone down the richness of these bars use 1/4 cup brown sugar and 3/4 cup regular white sugar.
• Flour- Use white wheat flour or your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Baking chips- Add in your favorite baking chips. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, or white chocolate chips.
• Nuts- If you like a little crunch and texture add in a 1/2 cup chopped up pecans or walnuts.

 

Common Questions:

 

Can I make these into cookies instead of bars?

Yes! This is simply a cookie dough recipe turned into bars for an easy treat. Mix the ingredients per the instructions and use a cooking scoop to spoon roughly a tablespoon of mixture onto your sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set and golden brown around the edges.

How long can I let these set out at room temperature?

These can be left at room temperature in an airtight container up to 5 days. After that I would keep them in the refrigerator for an additional 3-4 days.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes! Make sure to completely cool the bars and transfer bars individually to a sealed freezer safe bag or container. These will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy allow to thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave and enjoy warm.

 

 

Nutritional facts are for 1 bar.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be understood as an estimate rather than a guarantee. The Menu Maid makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

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