Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are quick to make, requires minimal effort, made in one pan, and easier to make than regular chocolate chip cookies. They are soft, extra chewy and loaded with chocolate chips all in a bar form!

PIN this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe to try later!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS 

The next time you have a chocolate chip cookie craving but don’t want to go through the hassle of scooping cookie dough and making them into individual cookies, you will  love this chewy cookie bars recipe! Made with the same ingredients and flavors of classic Chocolate Chip Cookies but these are easier to make!

I bake these chocolate chip bars in a rectangle pan so the edges get slightly crispy with a gooey soft center. The combination of mini chocolate chips and regular semi-sweet chips makes these loaded with chocolate in each bite.

Other favorite cookie bars to try are my Funfetti Cookie Bars, Sugar Cookie Bars, Peanut Butter Cookie Bars and Oreo Cookie Bars.

INGREDIENTS 

• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level regular all-purpose flour when measuring it. Be sure not to scoop it out of the bag using the measuring cup. This way, you won’t accidentally measure out too much. 
• Baking soda: Used as a leavening agent.
• Melted butter: You could use salted or unsalted butter. If you use unsalted butter, make sure to add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe. We use almost a cup butter so these are extra buttery.
• Sugar: We use both granulated white sugar and dark brown sugar or light brown sugar. This combination will increase the chewiness of these bars. 
• Large egg and egg yolk: Make sure the eggs and extra egg yolk are at room temperature so they incorporate into the dough better. 
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a warm flavor.
• Chocolate chips: The star ingredient! We use both mini chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips but you can use your favorite kind of chocolate chips. I find that you get more chocolate in each bite when you use the mini chocolate chips 

Pin

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BAR RECIPE

Prepare baking pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch metal baking pan or baking dish with heavy duty foil or parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the edges of the pan so it will be easier to lift the bars out. Lightly spray the foil-lined pan with non-stick spray.

Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine together flour, salt, and baking soda; whisk and set aside. 

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar until combined. Add in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until well combined.

Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until completely combined:  Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula and stir in chocolate chips. Be sure not to over-mix.

Transfer chocolate chip cookie dough to prepared pan: Press the dough evenly into pan using your hands or a spatula. Top with remaining chocolate chips (optional).

Bake: Bake for about 23 minutes or until the top is light golden brown and slightly firm. If you want your bars to be on the chewier side, bake for 20-21 minutes. 

Cool and cut into bars: Let the cookie bars cool for 5 minutes and then lift bars out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 large square bars or 24 mini square bars with a sharp knife. Enjoy!

recipe variations

• Make this for a birthday or celebration by adding 1 cup of sprinkle to the cookie dough! If you love cookies over cake, make this into a birthday cake by adding frosting to the top and candles.
• Chocolate chips: You can use any type of chocolate in this recipe. White chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or milk chocolate chips all work perfectly.
• Crunchy texture: Add a handful of your favorite chopped nuts to the batter or topping.
• Add sea salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the bars to add a delicious contrast in the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars: Use the same method to brown the butter in this brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe to make these bars. 
• Monster Cookie Bars: Add a handful of M&M candies, peanut butter and or peanut butter chips to the cookie dough.

recipe tips

• I love eating these within 20 minutes of when they come out of the oven. Particularly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top 🙂 These bars will harden and become firm as they cool.
• Place a slice of regular white bread in with the cookies when storing. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft longer. Be sure to use white bread if possible so it won’t transfer any other flavors. 
• Be sure not to over-mix the dough, this will prevent the bars from being soft and tender. 
• Use parchment paper or foil: Make sure you completely cover the bottom of the pan with parchment paperor aluminum foil so you have an easy clean up and it will prevent the bars from sticking.

LEFTOVERS & storage

To Store: Cookie bars are always best when they are fresh but you can store any leftovers in the same baking pan, transfer to an airtight container, or large ziplock bag. They will keep fresh for 5 days or you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To Freeze: You can also freeze any leftover bars for up to 3 months by placing cooled bars in a freezer-safe ziploc bag. For best results, let the cookies bars defrost at room temperature when ready to eat. The best way to enjoy them is when they are at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Pin

This recipe was last updated May 15, 2024 to include additional photos and information. Originally posted November 30, 2020 By Kathryn Donangelo.