Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 1 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly; 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar; 3/4 cup white sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chocolate chips (any kind or mixed); 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional); 3 cups gluten-free flour blend; 2 flax eggs (prepared by mixing 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 6 tbsp water, let sit for 5-10 minutes); 1 cup plant-based butter

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a treat that perfectly balances chewy texture with rich, melty chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is totally going to be your new favorite. Imagine all the deliciousness of classic chocolate chip cookies baked into one big, soft, and easy-to-slice pan—making sharing and snacking a pure joy. Whether you want a quick dessert fix or something to bring to a get-together, these bars hit the spot every time, packed with butter, brown sugar, and tons of chocolate chips for that unbeatable, homemade flavor.

A single square piece of chocolate chip cookie bar with a golden brown top and a thick, darker, moist chocolate center sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture beneath. On top of the cookie bar, there are three chocolate chips placed around the edges near the ice cream. A round scoop of vanilla ice cream rests above the center, drizzled with smooth milk chocolate sauce that forms loops across the ice cream's surface. Around the plate at the base of the cookie bar, a few extra chocolate chips are scattered. In the blurred background, more cookie bar pieces are on another white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of any great recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients, and this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is no different. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and deep flavor you expect from a cookie bar that melts in your mouth.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the bars their structure and chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough, keeping them light without losing softness.
1/4 teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly: Adds richness and keeps the bars tender and buttery.
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
3/4 cup white sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding protein for a satisfying bite.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Gives that warm, sweet aroma that lifts the entire flavor.
2 cups chocolate chips: The star ingredient—choose your favorite kind or mix it up to keep things interesting.
1/2 cup toffee bits (optional): For a delightful buttery crunch, if you want to kick these bars up a notch.
3 cups gluten-free flour blend (optional): Makes this recipe accessible for gluten-free friends without compromising texture.
2 flax eggs for vegan option: Perfect substitutes to keep these bars just as delicious without eggs.
1 cup plant-based butter: Keeps the recipe vegan-friendly while delivering that creamy, rich mouthfeel.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This ensures your cookie bars won’t stick, and clean-up will be a breeze. Setting up your pan properly is a small step that guarantees your bars will bake evenly and lift out perfectly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix acts as a foundational blend that balances leavening and texture, making sure your cookie bars hold together with just the right softness and chew.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Take a separate large mixing bowl and combine the 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, 3/4 cup white sugar, and the melted butter that’s been allowed to cool slightly. Next, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing after each to fully incorporate. Finally, pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for that flavorful depth that every great cookie bar needs.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Work gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix or your bars can get tough. Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips for those irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate. For an extra touch, reserve some chips to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to smooth out the surface. Bake the bars for about 25 minutes, but start checking around 20 minutes to avoid over-baking. Look for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but still soft—this ensures the bars have that coveted chewy, slightly gooey texture.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once baked, give the cookie bars time to cool completely in the pan. This chilling phase allows the bars to firm up just enough, making them easy to cut into neat squares without falling apart. Bonus: they taste amazing chilled!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make your cookie bars look especially inviting. For an extra pop of flavor, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds an exciting contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. They’re a perfect match with something warm or cold, providing that satisfying sweet snack with any beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack cookie bars in a decorative box with parchment paper or arrange them on a platter with colorful napkins. You can even layer them with whipped cream and berries for an easy and impressive no-bake dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps their texture soft yet chewy and prevents drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat without the wait.

Reheating

If you like your cookie bars warm, pop individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in a warm oven. The chocolate chips will soften and melt again, mimicking that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Mix and match semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips to customize your bars to your taste. Each type brings its own unique richness and sweetness.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Use the plant-based butter instead of regular butter and replace eggs with flax eggs (made by mixing ground flaxseed with water). This swap keeps the bars just as flavorful and satisfying.

Why are my cookie bars too soft or underbaked?

Oven temperatures vary, so make sure your oven is fully preheated and check your bars starting at 20 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft to the touch.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, using the quantity specified in the ingredients. This makes the bars accessible to gluten-free eaters while maintaining texture.

Why is it important to let the bars cool completely before cutting?

Cooling helps the cookie bars firm up and prevents them from crumbling. If cut too soon, the bars can be too gooey and lose their shape.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves homemade desserts with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. It’s so rewarding to pull a pan from the oven filled with warm, gooey chocolate and buttery sweetness. I promise once you try these cookie bars, they’ll become your go-to for birthdays, snack time, or anytime you want to share something irresistible with family and friends. Happy baking!