If you have a soft spot for chocolate treats that melt in your mouth and bring a nostalgic comfort with every bite, you are going to adore this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars capture the essence of your favorite chocolate chip cookie but in a thicker, chewier form that is simply irresistible. Imagine warm, buttery dough filled with rich semisweet chocolate chips, perfectly balanced sweetness, and just enough gooeyness to make each square a little slice of happiness. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed way to brighten any gathering or cozy up a quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making these bars, the ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the perfectly measured sugars that add depth, every ingredient is a small hero in this delicious treat.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold everything together without toughness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough and creates a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and keeps the texture moist and chewy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Contributes brightness and helps with that slight crispness on the edges.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a beautiful caramel tone and deepens the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add a bit of lift to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the overall taste.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans): Adds extra crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and either grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately guarantees that your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite is consistently delicious.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air, resulting in tender bars that aren’t dense.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with subtle, fragrant sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can develop gluten and make the bars tough, so aim for a gentle fold.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped nuts. This is where the magic truly starts—those morsels of chocolate and bits of crunch throughout every delicious forkful.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan and press it down lightly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this keeps the gooey center intact.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares. This short resting time helps them set enough to cut cleanly but keeps that irresistibly gooey texture.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate takes these bars from everyday treat to party-worthy dessert. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate them further. A hot cup of coffee or milk pairs perfectly, turning your snack into an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these bars with marshmallows and extra chocolate chips for an enhanced s’mores twist, or cut into bite-sized pieces for a fun dessert platter. Wrapping individual squares in wax paper makes the perfect grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover gooey chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last bite.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they maintain their delightful texture and can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm your cookie bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to restore that freshly baked softness and gooey chocolate charm.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips for this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are classic, you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor to your liking.
What if I don’t have nuts or don’t like them?
No problem at all. The nuts are optional—you can simply leave them out for a nut-free version that’s just as delicious and gooey.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend is suitable for cookies and bars for the best texture.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
You want the edges to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the center stays soft and gooey without being raw.
Can I double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan?
Doubling is possible, but be cautious with baking time and pan size. You might want to use a 9×18-inch pan and slightly increase baking time, checking often for doneness to maintain the gooey center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe that has the power to brighten any day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re just moments away from creating a batch of bars that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these bars offer comfort, joy, and that perfect gooey chocolatey goodness every time you bite in. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share this little slice of happiness!
Print
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the convenience of a bar format. Soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for sharing, snacking, or dessert. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, making them a delightful treat for cookie lovers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the dough for a better texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can cause toughness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and press it down gently with a spatula to create a flat surface for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The center should remain soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before cutting into 24 squares and serving.
Notes
- For added texture, try using pecans or walnuts as the optional nuts.
- Do not overbake to maintain the gooey interior—check at 25 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best mixing results.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
