Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.5
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Description
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine standard cookie ingredients like flour, sugars, and chocolate chips, with melted butter to create a dough that is thick and sticky. The baking process at 325°F in a 9x13 pan allows the bars to develop a soft, chewy center with golden edges. Including a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor concentrated at the surface, while an optional sea salt garnish balances the sweetness with a subtle savory note.
The bars are pressed evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or fingertips to ensure uniform thickness. After baking, the bars should be slightly firm to the touch with a light golden top, signaling the chewy consistency inside. Cutting is easier if the pan is lined with foil or parchment, allowing for clean, neat squares.
This recipe scales well, doubling the ingredients and adjusting pan size and baking time accordingly when making a larger batch. The bars are best enjoyed freshly baked but maintain texture when stored properly.
Doubling the recipe requires spreading the thicker dough in a larger pan and baking longer until the top is light golden and slightly firm.Take care not to overbake to maintain maximum chewiness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt Morton brand
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter gently melted and then cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips plus a bit more for sprinkling over the top of the dough - we like Guittard semisweet chocolate chips
- sea salt flakes optional for sprinkling over the top - I recommend Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a 9" x 13" metal baking pan with non-stick spray. Or, if you want really clean cuts, line the pan with heavy duty foil or parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the edges on the long sides of the pan. Then lightly spray the foil-lined pan with non-stick spray. This will allow you to pull up on the foil and lift the bars out of the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar until combined. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.
- With a rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. When about half-way combined, add chocolate chips and continue to fold until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Transfer dough to prepared pan. Dough will be thick and sticky. Press evenly into pan using a spatula and/or your fingertips. (Tip: Use the buttery side of the butter wrapper to press the dough into the pan - or simply rub your finger tips with a little butter, and then press the dough into the pan.)
- If desired, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips over the top, pressing them in a bit. It's also fun to sprinkle M&M's over the top - the mini M&M's are our first choice!
- Bake for about 23 minutes or so, or until top is light golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. For the chewiest bars, do not over bake. I might even recommend to slightly under bake!
- Remove pan to wire rack. Optional: Sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the top IMMEDIATELY after the pan comes out of the oven - YUM!
- Let cool to room temperature and then cut into individual bars. If using a foil lining, first cut around the perimeter of the pan to loosen, and then lift bars from pan using the foil overhangs. Transfer to cutting board and cut into squares with a knife or rigid pastry cutter.
Notes
- You can line your pan with foil or parchment paper to lift the bars out for cleaner cuts after baking.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform thickness and even baking.
- For the chewiest bars, avoid overbaking; the top should be lightly golden and just firm to the touch.
- Doubling the recipe requires a larger pan and adjusting baking time to about 29-30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 228 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 228kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 127mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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