Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

These bars offer irresistibly soft, chewy texture combined with melty chocolate chips embedded in a buttery, golden crust. Prepared with simple pantry staples and melted butter, they bake quickly to a perfect balance of gooeyness and structure. Slightly underbaking ensures maximum softness, while adding nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates flavors. Ideal for sharing, these bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:37:00 GMT
Golden, gooey Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars piled high, ready to share warm from the oven. Save
Golden, gooey Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars piled high, ready to share warm from the oven. | hyperladle.com

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

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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.
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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
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Freshly baked Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with melted chocolate, perfect dessert squares. Save
Freshly baked Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with melted chocolate, perfect dessert squares. | hyperladle.com

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.

Close-up of the Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, showcasing a soft, chewy texture and delicious scent. Save
Close-up of the Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, showcasing a soft, chewy texture and delicious scent. | hyperladle.com
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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.

Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Soft and chewy bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a golden, buttery crust.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Complete Time
40 mins
Recipe by Victoria Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Details Meatless

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

01 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
02 Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 01

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Step 03

Cream together wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just blended, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add chocolate and nuts: Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 07

Transfer and smooth dough: Spread dough evenly into prepared pan and smooth surface with a spatula.

Step 08

Bake until set: Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is just set; avoid overbaking for gooey texture.

Step 09

Cool and slice: Cool completely in pan on wire rack, then lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 pieces.

Gear Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Notes

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts.
  • Check packaged ingredients for possible allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Offered for reference only—please check with a healthcare professional for diet advice.
  • Energy: 295
  • Fats: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams