Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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When you want that classic cookie experience but in bar form—thick, chewy, and easy to slice—this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe delivers every time. These bars are rich and golden with a soft, gooey center and crisp edges, loaded with melty chocolate chips. No frosting, no fuss—just a simple one-pan dessert that hits all the right notes.

Ideal for casual gatherings, school lunches, or when you’re craving something sweet without rolling individual cookies. Everything goes into one pan, bakes up beautifully, and slices cleanly. It’s quicker than cookies, more satisfying than brownies, and crowd-tested to disappear fast.

This version of cookie bars is designed for balanced sweetness, a tender crumb, and the ideal chip-to-dough ratio. The brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while a touch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor. We underbake just slightly to ensure that dreamy, soft center.

Unlike many cookie bar recipes that can turn out dry or cakey, these bars stay soft for days. No mixer is required—just a few bowls and a sturdy spatula. You can also customize the mix-ins: try swapping in butterscotch chips, chopped walnuts, or even white chocolate.

These bars also travel well and freeze like a dream. Bake a batch, slice them up, and store for when that chocolate craving hits. They’re even better the next day.

Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or cool and cut into neat squares for a snack box, these bars are versatile and reliable. They’re the cookie lover’s answer to easy baking.

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in baking soda, salt, and flour until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Bake: Spread dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until edges are set and center is just slightly underbaked.
5. Cool and Slice: Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.

Tips:

• Don’t overbake—slightly gooey centers make for softer bars.
• Let the bars cool completely for cleaner cuts.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter for variety.
• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick, simple, and endlessly adaptable, these bars are everything you want from a cookie—only easier. Perfectly chewy with golden edges and gooey centers, they’re pure comfort in every bite.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert. With simple ingredients and no special equipment needed, they bake into thick, chewy squares full of chocolatey goodness. A classic favorite made even easier.