Chocolate chip cookie bars are the ultimate twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, offering all the rich, comforting flavors of the beloved treat in a shareable, easy-to-enjoy form. Imagine the golden, slightly crisp edges and the soft, gooey center filled with warm pockets of melted chocolate — every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. These bars are the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience, making them ideal for everything from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. The beauty of chocolate chip cookie bars lies not just in their simplicity, but in their ability to effortlessly bring people together, offering a slice of joy in every corner. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or on their own, they bring a satisfying, warm-hearted indulgence that never goes out of style.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delicious and convenient variation of the classic chocolate chip cookie. They combine the same rich, buttery flavor and gooey chocolate chips found in traditional cookies, but are baked in a single pan, resulting in a thick, soft, and chewy texture throughout.
Ingredients
- baking spray with flour
- 1 ⅓ cups white sugar
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all the ingredients. This ensures everything is ready to go when you're prepared to start mixing. Having your ingredients measured and within reach also helps streamline the baking process, making it smoother and more efficient.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 13×9-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Lightly spray the foil with baking spray to prevent sticking. This step makes for easy removal of the cookie bars once baked and ensures that the edges won’t stick to the pan, giving you clean, perfect slices. Set the prepared pan aside for later use.
- Cream together the white sugar, brown sugar, and butter using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, giving the cookie bars a tender, airy texture.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until just combined. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This gradual addition of eggs ensures the batter emulsifies smoothly, while the vanilla adds a fragrant depth of flavor to the dough without overmixing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just about fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This method ensures the dry ingredients are evenly mixed without overworking the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures that each bite will have a perfect balance of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts, adding both texture and flavor to the cookie bars.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface, ensuring the dough is evenly distributed for consistent baking. This helps the cookie bars bake uniformly, resulting in a perfect texture from edge to edge.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set in the center. For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through, switching it from front to back. This ensures that the bars cook evenly, preventing any over-browning on one side and helping them bake to the perfect consistency.
- Allow the cookie to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which should take about 1 hour. Once cooled, use the foil overhang as handles to lift the cookie out of the pan. This makes it easy to remove the cookie bars without them breaking, ensuring they stay intact and are ready for cutting into perfect squares.
- Cut the cooled cookie into 24 squares, approximately 2 inches each. This ensures that the bars are the perfect size for serving, offering a satisfying portion while making them easy to share with others.
