Save Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for dessert as everyone loves the gooey richness combined with a buttery golden crust.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, Optional 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl mix the melted butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4:
- Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined do not overmix.
- Step 6:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Step 7:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 23–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
- Step 9:
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool lift out and cut into bars.
Save These bars always bring smiles at family gatherings and are a sweet way to end any meal together.
Notes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Spatula, Parchment paper, Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added. Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens.
Save
Enjoy these bars fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a gooey texture in cookie bars?
To keep bars gooey, slightly underbake them and allow to cool completely in the pan so they finish setting without over-firming.
- → Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, semisweet chips can be swapped for milk, dark, or white chocolate to suit your preference.
- → What is the purpose of folding in ingredients gently?
Gentle folding prevents overmixing, which helps maintain a tender, soft texture in the finished bars.
- → Can nuts be added to the bars?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded in for added crunch and flavor, though they’re optional.
- → How can I enhance the flavor profile of these bars?
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking adds a gourmet touch by balancing sweetness and enhancing chocolate notes.