How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect combination of the classic chocolate chip cookie in an easy-to-make bar form. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also deliver a delightful texture and rich flavor that makes them a favorite for gatherings, bake sales, or just a sweet treat at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, ensuring a delicious result every time. Imagine biting into a chewy, gooey bar with chunks of chocolate melting in your mouth—this recipe brings that vision to life with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should appear pale and slightly voluminous.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
5. Stir in Chocolate Chips
   Fold the chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Spread Batter in Pan
   Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so you may need to use the back of the spatula to smooth it out.
7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The bars should be set but still soft in the center.
8. Cool and Cut
   Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. The bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut and handle.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Once cool, cut the bars into squares and serve. These bars are delicious on their own but can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

About the Main Ingredients

• Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the bars, contributing to a tender and chewy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps to create a crispy edge while baking.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor due to its molasses content. It also helps to achieve a chewier texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and moisture. They help the bars rise and set properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars, adding a subtle depth of sweetness.
• Flour: The main structural component of the bars. It provides the base for the dough and helps hold the bars together.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips and sugars.
• Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient that adds rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout the bars. Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness and a nice contrast to the dough.

These chocolate chip cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal fuss. Enjoy making and sharing these bars, and watch as they become a new favorite in your recipe collection.