Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars

Who in this world doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? At least, none that I know. :) What if I told you there is an easier and better version of these delicious treats? Would you believe me? Try these chocolate chip cookie bars.

These cookie bars are super easy to make with easily available ingredients and guess what, these has the same gooeyness of chocolate chip cookie.

Also, try out my M&M cookie bars. They are equally delicious and colorful.

let's deep dive into chocolate chip cookie bars.

Why will you love these chocolate chip cookie bars?

1. Beginner friendly and easy to follow recipe.
2. No rolling or chilling of a dough is needed.
3. Time saving and perfect for sharing.
4. Loaded with chocolate chips.
5. Highly customizable and as delicious as chocolate chip cookies.

How do you make a chocolate chip cookie bar?

You just need to follow these 4 step process to make these soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars. Let's get an overview.

Sr. No.	Steps
1.	Mix wet ingredients.
2.	Combine wet ingredients.
3.	Mix both.

Chocolate chip cookie bars ingredients

Here is the list of total ingredients. Please check the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour - This is the base of our cookie bar. This provides structure and helps everything bind together.

Baking soda - This works as a leavening agent and helps the cookie bar with a perfect rise.

Salt - Just a pinch, but it will enhance the cookie bar flavor.

Unsalted butter - Use regular unsalted butter, which is at room temperature. This makes our cookies soft, chewy, and gives the cookie bar its signature brown color.

Light brown sugar - This not only provides the moisture, making our cookie bar soft but also provides a caramelly flavor to the cookies.

Caster sugar - This adds the sweetness and makes pur cookie bars crispy from outside. Use caster sugar, or granulated sugar, both are fine.

Egg - Use a room temperature free large egg. This works as a binder that holds everything together.

Vanilla extract - Just a splash of vanilla but adds nice flavor to the cookie bars.

Chocolate chips - Loads of them.. 😊 Our cookie bars are incomplete without adding chocolate chips? :).

Any substitutes

All-purpose flour - Replace all-purpose flour with gluten free flour to make it gluten-free.

Tools needed

1. Measuring cups / measuring spoons - to measure ingredients.
2. Weighing scale - to precisely measure ingredients, especially flour.
3. Spatula - to mix the cookie bar batter.
4. Whisk - to mix the butter and sugar mixture.
5. Baking pan - to bake the cookie bars.
6. Parchment paper - to line the baking pan for easy removal of the cookie bar.
7. Mixing bowls - To prepare cookie bar mixture.

Chocolate chip cookie bars (step-by-step) recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cookie bars. Set aside.

2. Sift all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.

3. In another bowl, add unsalted butter and both sugars (white and brown). Beat using a hand beater until light and creamy.

4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and beat again until combined.

5. Now add chocolate chips.

6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

7. Start mixing with a spatula until everything comes together.

8. Gently fold and prepare the cookie dough. It will be very sticky and soft, but don't worry. That is how it is supposed to be.

9. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan

10. Spread it into a nice, flat layer using a spatula. Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F or 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is brown on the sides.

11. Perform the toothpick test. The toothpick should come out clean with very few crumbs attached to it.

12. Add some chocolate chips when the cookies are still warm. It will stick to the cookie bars and give them a nice, colorful look.

13. Transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool down for at least 30 minutes.

14. Once cooled, remove the parchment paper.

15. Cut the cookie bar into 16 squares.

16. Serve and enjoy.

How to serve?

Here are some of my recommendations.

Plain and warm - Enjoy the cookies immediately after you cut them into squares. They will be easy to hold but still gooey and chocolatey from inside. Believe me, it tastes heavenly.

Ice cream - Everything tastes best when served with scoop of vanilla ice cream? And, these cookie bars are no exception.

Kids tiffin - This homemade chewy cookie bar makes a great snack for kids' tiffin. It’s my sons favorite.

Coffee - Pair with a cup of your favorite coffee and enjoy.

Watch me making it (video)

https://youtu.be/ekyXVmiLIlw

Storing and freezing instructions for the chocolate chip cookie bars recipe

Store these cookie bars at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer depending on when you want to enjoy them.

Storing instructions

Room temperature - Let the cookie bars cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the individual bar with a cling wrap and store them in an airtight container. They will stay ok for up to 5 to 7 days. This will keep the cookie bar moist for a long period of time and also save it from outside odor.

Refrigerate - Once wrapped, refrigerate the cookie bars for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze them if ypu wish to enjoy after 2 weeks.

Freezing instructions

For freezing, wrap the individual cookie bar once using a cling wrap and freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziplock. They will stay on for up to 2 months.

Thawing instructions

When you want to enjoy the cookie, either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the kitchen counter for a couple of hours. Microwave it for a few seconds in case you are in a hurry. In fact, this is the best way to enjoy it as a gooey cookie, as chocolate will melt, making the cookie bar gooey.

Variations

Swirl Nutella or caramel - Swirl in some Nutella or salted caramel in the end, just before baking, and upgrade the cookie bar to the next level.

Add chopped nuts - For a nutty flavor and extra crunch, add in some walnuts, almonds, or pecans in the cookie bar dough before baking.

Secret tips to make the chocolate chip cookie bars recipe

Do not overmix - Mix just enough to make the dough after adding the all-purpose flour. Overmixing will form the gluten, making our cookie bars dense.

Avoid overbaking - Take the cookie bar out when its edges are set, and it is a slight golden color on top. Don't worry if they still look a little raw to you, it will continue to cook in the pan until it is set.

Let the cookie bars cool - For a perfect square, give the cookie bar at least 30 minutes to cool down. If you cut when it is still warm, it will not ruin the taste but will ruin the taste of the cookie bar.

Add chocolate chips after baking - Save some chocolate chips in the end and press them gently on the warm cookie bar.

FAQ'S

Can I use bigger pan?

Yes, just double the quantity for 9 x 13 inch pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them. 

Want to try some other cookie bars / cookies recipes? 

1. Pizza hut cookie recipe.
2. Eggless oatmeal cookie.
3. No brown sugar cookie.

Did you make it?

Did you make the chocolate chip cookie bars yet? I would love to hear your comments about it. Please let me know in the comments section below. Your feedback matters to me a lot.

When you try this recipe, do not forget to post it on Instagram and tag @dessertkatta or use #dessertkattarecipes.

Recipe card