Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These cookie bars combine the best of classic chocolate chip cookies in an easy-to-cut bar form. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips and optional nuts, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 cups Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (divided)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 13×10 inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the flour mixture. Stir in 1 2/3 cups of the chocolate morsels and the nuts if using. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips on top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool completely.
• Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate morsels for white or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
• Add shredded coconut or dried fruit to the batter for added texture.
• If avoiding nuts, omit them or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Storage

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the bars tasting too salty.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the center set but still slightly soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

Delicious and chewy cookie bars packed with semi-sweet chocolate morsels and optional nuts, perfect for a homemade treat. These bars combine the best of classic chocolate chip cookies into an easy-to-cut pan dessert, offering a rich buttery flavor with a soft, golden brown texture.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)

Add-ins

• 2 cups Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (divided: 1 2/3 cups + 1/3 cup)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 13×10-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray and set it aside to prepare for the cookie batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together well to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This creates the base for a tender cookie bar texture.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure complete incorporation and a smooth batter.
5. Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined, forming a thick cookie dough.
6. Add Chocolate and Nuts: Stir in 1 2/3 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and the optional chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.
7. Press into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared jelly roll pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup chocolate morsels evenly over the top for added texture and chocolate distribution.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars for serving.

Notes

• You can omit nuts or substitute with your favorite type like walnuts or pecans for different textures.
• For softer bars, slightly underbake and let them set in the pan during cooling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
• Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly and create a better texture.
• Using a jelly roll pan sized 13×10 inches ensures perfect thickness when spreading the dough.

Keywords: cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert, homemade cookie bars, chocolate morsels, baked dessert