There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, gooey delight of chocolate chip cookie bars. Combining the beloved flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with the ease of a bar form, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Kirsten’s dark chocolate chip cookie bars elevate this classic dessert to a whole new level. The deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate perfectly balances the sweet, buttery dough, creating an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a quiet evening at home, these cookie bars are sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these delectable bars, ensuring that your baking experience is as enjoyable as the result.
Ingredients for Kirsten’s Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips (60-70% cocoa)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
How to Make Kirsten’s Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside. These dry ingredients will provide the structure and leavening for the cookie bars, ensuring they bake evenly and have the perfect texture.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookie bars rise and develop a tender crumb.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before moving on to the next step. This ensures that the batter is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookie bars. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Fold in the Dark Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using). Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The high-quality dark chocolate will provide a rich, intense flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie dough.
- Spread the Dough in the Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or your hands. Press the dough gently to ensure it reaches the corners of the pan and is evenly distributed. This will help the cookie bars bake uniformly.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Add the Topping: While the cookie bars are still warm, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt flakes over the melted chocolate. This optional step enhances the rich chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. These cookie bars are perfect for sharing and storing for later enjoyment.
About the Main Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any good cookie recipe, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for the cookie bars. It contains a balanced amount of protein, which helps to create a tender and chewy texture.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookie bars rise and achieve a light, airy texture. It reacts with the acids in the brown sugar and butter, producing carbon dioxide gas that gives the bars their lift.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cookie bars and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. It also helps to strengthen the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookie bars. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Beating the butter with the sugars creates a light, fluffy base that is essential for the perfect cookie texture.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture of the cookie bars. Brown sugar, in particular, adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, thanks to its molasses content.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the cookie bars. It enhances the sweetness and complements the rich taste of the dark chocolate.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the cookie bars. They also add moisture, helping to create a tender and chewy texture. Beating the eggs into the batter one at a time ensures they are fully incorporated.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: The star of the recipe, dark chocolate chips bring a rich, intense flavor that sets these cookie bars apart from the classic version. Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids, which gives it a more complex and less sweet flavor profile. This contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie dough.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans provides a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the cookie bars. Nuts also contribute healthy fats and protein, making the bars a bit more substantial.
Topping:
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Melting additional dark chocolate chips on top of the warm cookie bars creates a luscious chocolate layer. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra burst of chocolate flavor with every bite.
- Sea Salt Flakes (Optional): Sprinkling sea salt flakes over the melted chocolate adds a sophisticated touch. The salt enhances the chocolate’s richness and provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness, making each bite even more irresistible.
Kirsten’s dark chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect combination of rich, intense chocolate and sweet, buttery cookie dough. By following this detailed recipe, you can create a delicious and visually appealing dessert that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply enjoying them as an everyday treat, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
