Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect balance between soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all the warm, comforting flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies packed into one luscious, easy-to-slice bar that you can share (or not!). These bars are incredibly simple to make yet satisfyingly rich, delivering that nostalgic cookie experience with minimal fuss and maximum joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. From the rich melted butter that adds moisture and depth to the brown sugar bringing in that chewy sweetness, every component is essential.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Melting the butter lets it marry perfectly with the sugars for that tender crumb texture.
• ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and helps the bars stay moist.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to lightness in the final bar.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Enhances moisture without making the dough too wet.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and that classic cookie flavor we all adore.
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Provides structure to the bars while keeping them tender.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Key to making the bars extra soft and delicate.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Gives just the right lift for a chewy texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bursts of melty chocolate throughout every bite.
• Sea salt flakes (optional – for topping): A finishing touch that adds a sophisticated crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper that hangs over the edges like handles. This simple prep makes sure your bars come out cleanly every time – no sticking, no crumbled edges.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with both the dark brown and granulated sugars. Whisk them together until the mixture looks smooth and the butter no longer separates from the sugars. This blend is the foundation of that luscious, chewy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in your egg, milk, and vanilla extract. These add moisture, richness, and that unmistakable cookie aroma that fills your kitchen with cozy vibes.

Step 4: Bring in the Dry Ingredients

Introduce the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix just until the dough starts to come together but isn’t completely combined yet — this keeps the dough tender and prevents overworking it.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in all the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring every section of dough gets richly studded with chocolate. This step is the heart of the recipe where the magic happens.

Step 6: Transfer and Bake

Drop the dough into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you want some luscious pockets of chocolate shimmering on the surface. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center looks set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan until just warm or room temperature. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out. For a professional finishing touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before slicing into the perfect chocolate chip cookie bars.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars shine on their own, but a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out complex flavors and creates a delightful contrast with the sweet chocolate. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar makes them feel truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. They also make a fantastic treat alongside your afternoon coffee or tea, offering the perfect pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves to add a pop of color. You can even sandwich a little frosting or Nutella between two bars for a delightful cookie bar sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The parchment lining makes it easy to keep them intact and prevents unnecessary drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to warm your bars back up, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the chocolate perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, though you might want to skip adding the extra salt called for in the recipe to avoid oversalting the bars.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can omit the cornstarch, but it helps make the bars extra tender and soft, so substituting with an equal amount of flour might change the texture slightly.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for best results, keeping the structure and texture close to the original.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be lightly puffed and golden around the edges, with a center that looks set but still soft—not wet or jiggly.

Why use both brown and granulated sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor, while granulated sugar helps keep the bars light and balanced. Together, they create the perfect chewiness and taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that packs all the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies into one easy bar, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a fantastic choice. The effortless preparation and incredible taste make it a go-to recipe for sharing, gifting, or enjoying any time you crave that sweet, chocolatey comfort. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!

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