Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes
These Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With a chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
These cookie bars are a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of soft, gooey texture and delicious chocolate chips makes them irresistible!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with a soft, gooey texture
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing
- Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to celebrations
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
These Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful experience. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, enjoying a family movie night, or simply craving something sweet, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Their rich, chocolatey goodness appeals to both kids and adults alike, making them a go-to treat for any gathering.
The beauty of these cookie bars lies in their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an added flavor boost. This flexibility ensures that they can cater to various taste preferences, making them a hit at any occasion.
Why They’re So Gooey
The secret to the gooey texture of these chocolate chip cookie bars lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar not only sweetens the bars but also contributes to their chewy texture. Brown sugar, in particular, retains moisture, which is key to achieving that soft, gooey finish.
Moreover, baking them just until the edges turn golden while keeping the center soft ensures that you bite into a perfect blend of crispy and chewy. This attention to baking time is crucial for replicating that dreamy, gooey texture that everyone loves in a chocolate chip cookie.
Perfect for Sharing
These cookie bars are incredibly easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Simply bake, cool, and slice them into squares for a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Their large size means that you can easily prepare a big batch, ensuring there's plenty to go around at parties or gatherings.
Additionally, they store well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and keep them fresh for later. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft and gooey texture. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these chocolate chip cookie bars are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft.
Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Enjoy your delicious cookie bars warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warmth of the bars combined with the cold creaminess of the ice cream creates a delightful contrast that elevates this dessert to new heights. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
Alternatively, consider pairing these bars with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The rich chocolate flavor complements coffee beautifully, while a classic glass of milk is a nostalgic pairing that can take you back to childhood.
Storing and Freezing
To keep your Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply cut the bars into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid.
Frozen cookie bars can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that warm, gooey texture. This makes them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Yes, dark chocolate chips will add a richer flavor to the cookie bars.
→ How should I store these cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute in this recipe.
Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These Soft and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With a chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Classic Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g