Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Easy

Name: Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (200g) brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips

Posted on July 22, 2025

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If you’re a chocolate chip cookie lover, you’re in for a treat! This Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is the perfect combination of soft, gooey, and indulgent goodness, all packed into a simple-to-make dessert bar. Imagine the best parts of a chocolate chip cookie – but thicker, richer, and even easier to whip up. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to treat for every occasion.

These bars are perfect for sharing at parties, packing in lunchboxes, or sneaking bites straight from the pan (no judgment here). Plus, there’s no need to scoop individual cookies – it’s just mix, bake, and slice. Ready to dive into dessert bliss?

The Story Behind These Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookies have been a classic American dessert since Ruth Wakefield invented them at the Toll House Inn in the 1930s. Over time, bakers everywhere have experimented with the original recipe, creating endless variations. Cookie bars are one of those genius adaptations. Turning the cookie into a bar saves time and brings out a slightly fudgier texture.

For me, this recipe has a special place in my heart. I first made these as a college student, experimenting in my tiny dorm kitchen. I wanted a dessert that felt homemade but didn’t require fancy equipment or hours of work. These bars turned out so good, my friends started requesting them for study sessions and birthdays. To this day, they remind me of late-night baking adventures and shared laughter.

Plus, they’re perfect year-round. In the summer, these bars are great for picnics; in the winter, they’re a cozy treat with hot cocoa. Honestly, any day is better with cookie bars!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s talk about what makes these cookie bars so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that ultimate chewy texture and rich flavor.

Unsalted Butter: The key to a rich and tender bar. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted works too – just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: This is what gives the bars their signature chewiness. Dark brown sugar works great for a deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar is equally delicious.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the perfect texture. You can use coconut sugar as a substitute for a slightly caramel-like taste.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add structure. Room temperature eggs will make your batter smoother.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on this! It enhances the overall flavor. I recommend pure vanilla extract over imitation for a more natural taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the recipe. You can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them light. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Salt: A little pinch boosts the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Semi-sweet chips are classic, but feel free to mix in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chunks for variety.

Tip: If you like nuts, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Essential Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookie bars:

Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and one for dry. Glass or stainless steel works best.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier. Don’t have one? A sturdy whisk and some patience will do the trick!
Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for this recipe. If you prefer thicker bars, use a smaller pan and adjust the baking time.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but makes cleanup a breeze and ensures easy removal.
Cooling Rack: Helps the bars cool evenly and prevents soggy edges.

Pro Tip: If your baking pan tends to stick, grease it lightly or use parchment paper with a bit of cooking spray.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to create cookie bar magic:

Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter with 1 cup (200g) of brown sugar and 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until fluffy – about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in 2 large eggs (room temperature) and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined but don’t overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 2 cups (340g) of chocolate chips. Save a handful to sprinkle on top for extra appeal!
Spread Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice into squares once fully cooled.

Tip: For easier slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Watch the bake time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bars. You want them slightly underbaked for maximum chewiness.
Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps the batter mix evenly.
Customize your chips: Try mixing white chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.

Fun Fact: Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking creates a sweet-and-salty flavor combo that’s irresistible!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will still be amazing!
Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup (120g) of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Seasonal Add-ins: Toss in dried cranberries or chopped peppermint candy during the holidays.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

My favorite variation? Adding a swirl of caramel sauce into the batter before baking. It creates pockets of gooey caramel that are out-of-this-world delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookie bars are best served slightly warm, but they’re just as good at room temperature. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Serving: Pair with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for dessert perfection.
Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To store longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that “freshly baked” feel.

Tip: The flavors deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more irresistible!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on cutting the recipe into 16 bars):

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 2g

While these bars are definitely indulgent, they contain wholesome ingredients like eggs and butter that contribute to energy and satiety. If you’re looking to make them slightly healthier, try using dark chocolate chips for antioxidants or experimenting with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like biting into a thick, chewy, chocolate-studded cookie bar. This Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (because you deserve it!), these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you try it or if you have your own fun variations to share. And don’t forget to save or share this post for later – you’ll want to have this dessert in your back pocket for any occasion. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Butter gives the best richness and chewiness.

What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?

Use a sharp knife and measure with a ruler if you want perfect squares. Wipe the knife clean after each cut.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use two 9×13 pans or a larger pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No, this recipe skips the chilling step, making it quicker to prepare!

How do I know when the bars are done?

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs – not wet batter.