Name: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 sticks (8 ounces / 226 grams) unsalted butter; 2 1/4 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie bars bring comfort straight to your plate.

Baking these delectable treats fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

Soft edges and chewy centers make these classic chocolate chip cookie bars a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

Rich chocolate chunks melt perfectly against buttery, golden dough, creating a simple yet indulgent experience.

The blend of sweet chocolate and tender cookie base promises pure satisfaction with every bite.

Friends and family will request this recipe again and again.

Grab a napkin and get ready to savor each delicious square.

FAQs

Are chocolate chip cookie bars easier to make than traditional cookies?

Yes, they’re much simpler! You spread the dough in one pan instead of individually dropping and shaping cookies, which saves time and reduces cleanup.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for standard chocolate chips, you can experiment with milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for light golden brown edges and a slightly puffed center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.

Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt on top?

While optional, the sea salt enhances the chocolate’s flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweet cookie bars, creating a more complex taste profile.

Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up these delightful chocolate chip cookie bars with minimal effort, using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, bake sales, or casual dessert cravings, these bars appeal to both kids and adults with their classic chocolate chip flavor.
Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding nuts, different chocolate chip varieties, or a sprinkle of sea salt to make the recipe uniquely yours, creating endless flavor possibilities.
Stress-Free Baking Experience: No need for individual cookie scooping or complex shaping – simply spread the dough in a pan and bake for a convenient, no-fuss dessert that delivers maximum deliciousness.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A core ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel flavor and moisture to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, soft texture.

Binding Ingredients:

Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic notes.

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

Chocolate Chips, Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Add delicious chocolate bursts and create classic chocolate chip cookie experience.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate and adds a gourmet touch.

Preparation Ingredient:

Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of cookie bars and prevents sticking.

Simple Steps for Classic Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides.

Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly with no lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Components

In a large bowl, combine:

Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Melted butter

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Pour in vanilla extract and eggs, then mix until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough Magic

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stop mixing when just a few flour streaks remain.

Carefully fold in chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Spread the Love

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top, pressing them gently into the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-25 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the center looks slightly puffy.

As soon as you pull the pan out, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 45 minutes.

If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the refrigerator to speed things up.

Once they’re barely warm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into delightful squares or rectangles.

Prevent dry bars by not overbaking, watching closely after 18 minutes and checking with a toothpick for moist crumbs.
Brown butter before mixing for a rich, nutty caramel-like undertone that elevates the classic chocolate chip taste.
Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth, even mixing and a consistently soft, chewy bar texture.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment to maintain freshness.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, buttery texture.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of butter. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to add crunch and depth of flavor. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa percentage for a less sweet, more intense chocolate experience.

Party Platter Perfection: Slice bars into fun, bite-sized pieces and arrange on a colorful serving tray for gatherings and potlucks.
Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve warm bars alongside vanilla ice cream or cold milk for a classic comfort food experience.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual bars in cute parchment paper or place in decorative cookie boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Breakfast Twist: Crumble bars over yogurt or enjoy with morning coffee for a delightful sweet start to your day.

Store cooled chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, restoring their delicious texture.
Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness and enhance the chocolate chip flavor.

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices

Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

The Best Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Ever

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