Craving a sweet treat that's easy to whip up and perfect for sharing? These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are your answer. They're a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering all the chewy, chocolatey goodness you love in a convenient bar form.
Butter is the backbone of our cookie bars, providing richness and a tender texture. Using softened butter helps it blend smoothly with the sugars. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to create a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that brown sugar alone can provide.
Eggs add structure and moisture, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. The all-purpose flour forms the dough’s base, and baking soda helps the bars rise just enough without becoming cake-like. A touch of salt balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate flavor.
Finally, the star of the show, chocolate chips, bring melty, gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
These cookie bars are delightful on their own, but for a special touch, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can take them to the next dessert level. For an afternoon treat, pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your cookie bars go in, they start baking immediately and evenly. While that warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’re looking for a smooth, well-combined mixture here.
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time. Beating them in separately helps the dough come together without lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that lovely aroma and depth of flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. This step is crucial because it ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix them until they’re just combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough.
Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Spread the cookie dough into the pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a top that’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. Let them cool in the pan to firm up before cutting and serving.
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