The Gooiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Ever Made

Warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie bars bring comfort straight to your kitchen.

Soft, gooey chocolate chip cookie bars melt in your mouth with every delectable bite.

Packed with rich chocolate and a tender, buttery base, these bars are a sweet lover’s dream.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required for this simple treat.

Each square promises a nostalgic journey back to childhood memories of homemade goodness.

Crisp edges and a chewy center make these bars irresistible for any dessert craving.

You’ll want to whip up a batch and savor every single morsel.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookie bars.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.

• Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and creamy texture for the cookie bars.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the gooey, soft texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the chocolate.

• Chocolate Chips: Deliver delicious chocolate bursts throughout the cookie bars.

Directions for Making Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Canvas

Line a 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

If using cooking spray, coat the entire surface evenly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect toasty environment for your cookie bars.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 4: Create Butter Magic

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Cream these ingredients using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a creamy dream.

Step 5: Introduce Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly with the electric mixer until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 6: Marry the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently and carefully, stopping as soon as everything is just combined.

Overmixing will make your bars tough, so be gentle.

Step 7: Chocolate Chip Celebration

Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Use a spatula to ensure every bite will have a chocolate surprise.

Step 8: Spread the Love

Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth, consistent layer.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slightly crisp edges.

The center should look set but still soft.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire batch out.

Cut into 9 delightful squares and enjoy your homemade treat!

Helpful Advice for Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

• Gently fold flour into wet ingredients until just combined to keep bars tender and soft.
• Swap chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles.
• Look for golden edges and slightly soft center to avoid dry, crumbly bars.
• Use softened butter and eggs at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to maintain gooey, perfect consistency.

Creative Twists for Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based eaters.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, substituting with stevia for a healthier alternative for those watching sugar intake.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars Serving Approaches

• Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these gooey chocolate chip cookie bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
• Fancy Plating Style: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Party Sharing Trick: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at potlucks, gatherings, or kids' birthday parties.
• Decadent Topping Twist: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the bars just before serving to elevate the indulgence factor.

The Right Way to Store Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

• Keep cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
• Seal bars in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, maintaining their gooey texture and freshness.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months for long-lasting enjoyment.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing them to return to their original soft and chewy state.

FAQs

• Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine, butter provides better flavor and texture. Margarine might change the consistency and taste of the cookie bars.

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

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

• Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• What chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are ideal. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Ensure the chips are good quality for the best taste.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars Why They’re So Good

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these delightful chocolate chip cookie bars that satisfy sweet cravings in minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Mix ingredients using basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls and electric mixer, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, school events, or afternoon snacking with friends and family, these bars bring instant joy to any occasion.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust chocolate chip quantity or swap with other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible gooey chocolate chip cookie bars deliver pure comfort with rich, buttery layers of sweet indulgence. Crisp edges and melty chocolate centers make these bars a delightful treat you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
• 1 large egg

Sugars and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, packed

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×9-inch square dish with parchment paper or generously coating with non-stick spray.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
5. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing evenly throughout.
8. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
9. Bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly soft center, which indicates perfect cookie bar consistency.
10. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out the parchment and slicing into 9 equal squares.

Notes

• Always use room temperature butter for smooth, even mixing that creates a perfectly creamy base for your cookie bars.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars – mix just until ingredients are combined for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting, ensuring your bars come out cleanly without sticking.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these delicious bars accessible to everyone.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg