Bar cookies, a potluck staple, are versatile treats that can be single-layered like brownies or multi-layered with cake-like or chewy textures. They are made from a batter or stiff dough that is poured or pressed into a baking pan or dish, then baked, cooled, and cut into squares or diamonds. The process of baking, cooling, and cutting these bars allows for easy sharing and serving at gatherings.
These chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful treat, featuring a soft and chewy texture that’s full of chocolatey goodness. Made with brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of salt, these bars are incredibly easy to make and will surely please any chocolate lover.
I adore a classic, and there’s nothing more timeless than this chocolate chip cookie bar recipe. It’s designed to be baked in an 8×8 square baking pan, much like brownies. This size is just right for my household, especially since I tend to devour the majority of them. Ha!
These chocolate chip cookie bars are a lifesaver! This recipe is quick and easy, yielding a perfect batch of soft, chewy bars. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for a treat, you can easily scale up this amazing recipe to meet the demand.
Whip up the best chocolate chip cookie bar recipe in just 5 minutes of preparation time. After a quick 20-minute bake, you’ll achieve gooey, chewy, and doughy yet fully cooked chocolate chip cookie bars that are absolutely irresistible. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert nirvana that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
“In this chocolate chip cookie bar recipe, we focus on simple ingredients to create a delicious treat. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up these bars in no time. If you’re missing any ingredients, we’ll discuss some easy substitutions. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make these chocolate chip cookie bars for a delightful and satisfying dessert.”
- all-purpose flour: For the best results in these cookie bars, I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, consider using an all-purpose gluten-free baking flour. Both options will ensure your cookie bars have the perfect texture and flavor.
- brown sugar: In this cookie bar recipe, the use of brown sugar adds a rich flavor that compliments the chocolate perfectly. I love the depth of flavor that light brown sugar brings, but if you prefer a stronger molasses taste, consider using dark brown sugar instead. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and desired outcome for these delicious cookie bars.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetening these treats, both white and organic cane sugar are excellent options. Granulated sugar, whether white or organic cane, can be used interchangeably to achieve the desired sweetness in your baking.
- salted butter: For a rich caramel flavor in your baking, consider using brown butter as a substitute for salted butter. Alternatively, unsalted butter, ghee, or coconut oil are all good substitutes. Each option offers its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect match for your recipe.
- Chocolate chip: Feel free to select your preferred chocolate chip variety for these cookie bars. I personally enjoy using dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Additionally, if you find yourself with an abundance of candy, especially after Halloween, consider trying out this Candy-Stuffed Cookie Bar variation!
- Sea salt: Sea salt and iodized table salt are not the same, so if you decide to use table salt instead, I recommend using only half of the amount stated in the recipe.
Creating Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
To begin preparing these cookie bars, start by creaming together the butter and sugars until they are thoroughly combined. Then, add the vanilla and egg, and beat the mixture again until everything is well mixed, and the sugar has dissolved.
You have the option to combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl before starting the rest of the recipe, a method I recommend for even distribution. Alternatively, you can add the dry ingredients directly to the mixer on top of the beaten wet ingredients.
Regardless of the method you choose, beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined and the dough is uniform throughout.
Add your preferred chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough, then stir on low speed until they are evenly distributed.
“Creative Mix-ins for Your Cookie Bars”
For a delightful twist to your cookie bars, consider incorporating a variety of mix-ins. Sprinkles can add a festive touch, with red and green ones perfect for Christmas, while black and orange ones can make them spooky for Halloween. White chocolate chips or chunks can bring a creamy sweetness, and peanut butter chips offer a rich, nutty flavor. For a warm, comforting spice, try adding cinnamon chips. Each addition creates a unique and delicious cookie bar that’s sure to please!
How to make a chocolate cookie bar?
To start, combine the butter and sugars, creaming them together until they are evenly combined. Next, add the vanilla and egg, and beat the mixture again until everything is well mixed and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, salt, and baking soda, then set it aside for later use.
For best results, you can choose to combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl before starting the rest of the recipe. This step ensures that the distribution of ingredients is even. Alternatively, you can simply add the dry ingredients directly into the mixer on top of the wet ingredients. Beat the mixture until just combined and the dough is uniform throughout. Then, add your favorite chocolate chips or other mix-ins and stir at a low speed until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Prepare an 8×8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it lightly. Transfer the cookie bar dough to the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to evenly press it into the pan. If desired, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top of the dough before baking.
To bake these chocolate chip cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars. Enjoy!
Once the cookie bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool in the baking pan for at least 30 minutes. The longer they cool, the better they will hold up when you cut them into bars. If you plan to serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, don’t worry too much about how they look, as the taste and warm, gooey texture are what really matter in that situation.
“Storage Instructions for Cookie Bars”
To store these cookie bars, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week or store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Conclusion:
Chocolate cookie bars are a delightful and versatile treat, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and rich, chocolatey goodness. They provide a chewy and dense texture that’s both satisfying and comforting, making them an excellent alternative to traditional cookies.
One of the appealing aspects of chocolate cookie bars is their simplicity. They’re easy to make with minimal ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a quick and delicious dessert. The process typically involves mixing together butter, sugars, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, then baking the mixture in a pan until it’s set and slightly firm.
Once baked, chocolate cookie bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They’re delicious on their own but can also be served with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage is straightforward as well. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or they can be frozen for longer storage. Simply allow them to cool completely before storing to maintain their chewy texture.
In conclusion, chocolate cookie bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or a decadent dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
FAQ’S:
What Ingredients Are Typically Used in Bar Cookies?
Bar cookies, also known as bars, are a popular potluck staple. They are made by pouring or pressing a batter or stiff dough into a baking pan or dish, then baking, cooling, and cutting them into bars, squares, or diamonds. These bars can have a single-layered, brownie-like texture, or they can be multi-layered, with a cake-like or chewy consistency.
Is it Safe to Bake Cookies in a Glass Dish?
It’s a bad idea to bake cookies in a glass dish. The glass will take far longer to heat, so the cookies won’t receive heat from below as they are designed to. Instead, they will get heated from above. This will result in cookies that are softer and won’t bake well.
Does Glass or Metal Bake Faster?
A metal baking pan heats up quickly in a hot oven since metal is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing for rapid heating and cooling. Interestingly, though, metal pans bake items more slowly than glass pans.
What Size Pan is Typically Used for Making Bar Cookies?
An 8×8-inch square baking dish is ideal for making almost any dessert in bar form. This size, equivalent to a 2.6-quart dish, is perfect for serving 2-4 people with leftovers or for sharing with 9 to 16 guests, depending on your generosity.
How Can You Maintain the Softness of Bar Cookies?
To ensure your baked goods stay fresh and delicious, it’s crucial not to let them lose all their moisture. Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This will help maintain their texture and flavor, keeping them tasting great for longer periods.
