Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Easy & Delicious

Why Make This Recipe

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that everyone loves. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These bars combine the deliciousness of chocolate chip cookies with the ease of baking a cake. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just for yourself, these cookie bars are sure to impress.

How to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2¼ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 2 cups for mixing into the dough, and ¼ cup reserved for topping)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, followed by flaky sea salt if desired.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are best served warm, but they are also great at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a plate. For an extra treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top.

How to Store Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookie bars in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to two months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Make sure your butter is melted and cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed together.
• Do not overmix the dough; this keeps the bars chewy and not tough.
• Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variations in flavor.

Variation

You can easily change things up by adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough. Another variation is to use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Q: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to two months.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Delightful chocolate chip cookie bars that combine the classic cookie flavor with the convenience of cake. Perfect for parties or everyday treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 8 ounces unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

Chocolate and Toppings

• 2¼ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided 2 cups for mixing into the dough, and ¼ cup reserved for topping
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, followed by flaky sea salt if desired.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
2. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

These cookie bars are best served warm, but they are also great at room temperature. Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.