Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, offering the same rich flavors and gooey texture but in a convenient bar form. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple family treat, these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center packed with chocolate chips, they are the ultimate cookie experience.
These cookie bars are not only easy to make, but they also require minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step to create the perfect cookie bars that everyone will love.
Why It Deserves a Spot
These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deserve a spot in your baking repertoire for several reasons:
- Quick to Make: With minimal prep time and no chilling required, these bars can be whipped up in no time.
- Feed a Crowd: One batch yields plenty of bars, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of melted brown butter and chocolate creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Gather These Ingredients
To make these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 1 cup (200 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (60 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 and 1/3 cups (297 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups (9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for the top, if desired
- Flaky sea salt, optional
Equipment Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bars:
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing your wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in the chocolate chips.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for baking your cookie bars.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but it helps with easy removal from the pan.
- Oven: Preheat to ensure even baking.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Made Stepwise
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook it, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty. This process adds depth of flavor to your cookie bars. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined and smooth. The mixture should feel creamy and luscious.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Stir in the pure vanilla extract, followed by the eggs and additional egg yolk. Mix until fully incorporated. The extra egg yolk helps to create a chewy texture in the bars.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you desire, you can reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the cookie dough into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure they remain chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Quick Replacement Ideas
If you find yourself missing an ingredient or two, here are some quick replacement ideas:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate Chips: Swap for dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a twist.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the browning of the butter: This step adds essential flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the best results.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake to avoid dryness.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, consider the following storage tips:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Quick Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, the flavor and texture may differ. Using unsalted butter, particularly browned, will yield a richer taste.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
Check for a golden brown edge and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even candies for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
Are these bars safe to eat raw?
As with most baked goods, it’s best to avoid eating the raw dough due to the presence of raw eggs and flour. Always bake the bars for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will deliver delicious results every time.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cookie bars. You won’t regret it! Enjoy every bite of these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, and don’t forget to share with friends and family (or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge!). Happy baking!
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook it, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty. This process adds depth of flavor to your cookie bars. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined and smooth. The mixture should feel creamy and luscious.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract, followed by the eggs and additional egg yolk. Mix until fully incorporated. The extra egg yolk helps to create a chewy texture in the bars.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you desire, you can reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the cookie dough into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure they remain chewy.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate ingredient measurements.
