If you're craving the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies but want something a little easier to make, you're in for a treat with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! With a chewy texture, gooey chocolate chips, and buttery goodness in every bite, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars resting on parchment paper

Why You'll Love This Sweet Treat

Simple and Quick. Ready in under an hour, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time.
Family Favorite. Loved by both kids and adults, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Versatile. Enjoy them warm out of the oven with a glass of milk or serve them as a dessert at your next gathering.

With just a few pantry staples and a handful of chocolate chips, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies Bars in no time.

Can You Use A Chocolate Bar Instead Of Chocolate Chips In Cookies?

Using a chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips can elevate the flavor and texture of your cookies, providing bursts of rich chocolate in every bite. Experiment with different types of chocolate bars to customize your cookies to your liking!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in making chocolate chip cookie bars:

All-Purpose Flour- It forms the base of the dough and contributes to the overall texture of the bars.
Granulated Sugar- Sugar sweetens the cookie bars and also helps to create a tender texture. It caramelizes during baking, adding moisture and contributing to the golden brown color of the bars.
Baking Soda- Baking soda acts as a leavening agent in the recipe, helping the cookie bars to rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt- Salt enhances the flavor of the cookie bars by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate flavor.
Unsalted Butter- Butter adds moisture, richness, and flavor to the cookie bars.
Eggs-Eggs act as a binding agent in the recipe, holding the ingredients together and providing structure to the cookie bars. They also contribute to the moisture and richness of the bars, helping them to stay soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract- Vanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the cookie bars, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips- Chocolate chips are the star ingredient in chocolate chip cookie bars, providing bursts of rich and indulgent chocolate flavor.

Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread Dough in Pan. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing them into squares.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars cut into squares

Tips And Tricks

Making chocolate chip cookie bars can be a delightful experience, and here are some tips and tricks to ensure your bars turn out perfectly:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients. Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting. Room temperature butter mixes more easily and evenly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter.
Cream the Butter and Sugar Properly. Creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookie bars. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the bars rise and become tender.
Don't Overmix the Batter. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. It's okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining; they will incorporate during baking.

Variations

There are endless variations you can try to customize your chocolate chip cookie bars and add delicious twists to the classic recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Double Chocolate Chip- Stir in some cocoa powder into the dough along with the flour to make double chocolate chip cookie bars. You can also add extra chocolate chips or chunks for an ultra-rich chocolatey experience.
Peanut Butter- Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough before baking to add a nutty flavor and extra richness. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch.
Salted Caramel- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookie dough before baking and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor combination that's irresistible.

Chocolate chip cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some suggestions for what to enjoy with them:

Vanilla Ice Cream- Warm chocolate chip cookie bars paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream create a classic and indulgent dessert experience.
Milk or Coffee- Dunking chocolate chip cookie bars into a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee is a comforting and nostalgic way to enjoy them.
Fresh Fruit- Serve chocolate chip cookie bars with a side of fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.

How Long Do They Last?

Chocolate Chip Cookies Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

You can freeze chocolate chip cookie bars for up to 3 months. To freeze them, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date of freezing for easy reference.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

More Delicious Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Pin with text overlay

Pin It!

If you love this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.