Soft, chewy bars with a gooey center and golden edges.
These Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bring all the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies into a convenient bar form. Perfect for those who crave the gooey center and golden edges of a cookie in every bite.
Why you'll want it now, These bars offer the perfect blend of gooey chocolate and chewy cookie in every bite.
Why this recipe works
Using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar keeps these cookie bars moist and chewy, while a touch of cornstarch adds softness to the texture. Baking them in a pan ensures even cooking and a perfect balance of gooey center and slightly crisp edges.
Equipment
9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) baking pan
parchment paper
mixing bowls
whisk
rubber spatula
cooling rack
How to make it
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, whisking until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and slicing into bars.
These Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering the perfect balance of chewy and gooey in every bite. Enjoy!
How you'll know it's ready
The edges should be golden and the center should be set but still soft to the touch.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
The specified baking temperature is perfect for standard ovens. If using a convection oven, reduce the temperature by 25°F and start checking a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Troubleshooting
If bars are too dry, ensure you are measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
If the bars are overly gooey, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
To prevent the bars from being too thick, ensure your baking pan is the correct size.
If the chocolate chips sink to the bottom, gently toss them in a tablespoon of flour before mixing into the dough.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Make ahead
Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading in the pan and baking.
Variations
Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze chocolate chip cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I keep cookie bars from being too cakey?
Ensure you don't overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can incorporate too much air and result in a cakey texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
Look for golden edges and a center that is set but still soft to the touch.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 bar (55 g)
Calories250
Total Fat12 g
Saturated Fat7 g
Cholesterol35 mg
Sodium150 mg
Total Carbohydrate34 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Total Sugars21 g
Protein3 g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.