Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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When it comes to sweet indulgences, few things can compete with the rich, mouthwatering promise of gooey chocolate chip cookie bars. These delightful treats are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of warmth and nostalgia, often reminding us of lazy afternoons spent baking with family or friends. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy family movie night, a potluck, or simply because you have a craving, these cookie bars offer that perfect blend of chewy and crispy textures with a gooey chocolate center that is simply irresistible.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Firstly, it’s incredibly straightforward and requires minimal time—perfect for when those chocolate cravings hit hard. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a short baking time, you’ll have a fresh batch of cookie bars ready in no time.
Moreover, they’re budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for school events or casual get-togethers. No one will believe these decadent bars cost so little to make! From kids to adults, chocolate chip cookie bars have universal appeal, making them a hit at every gathering. Imagine serving these chocolatey beauties at a family brunch or cozy winter gathering—who could resist?
“These cookie bars are truly divine! I made them for my family’s movie night and they disappeared in minutes. The gooey chocolate is perfectly balanced with the slight crunch of the edges. My new favorite recipe!” – Emma R., a satisfied home baker.
Preparing Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Let’s break down the steps required to bring these gooey delights to life. This recipe is quite easy and uncomplicated, making it perfect even for novice bakers. Here’s the step-by-step overview that sets the stage:
- Gather your ingredients. You’ll need some basic pantry staples, like flour and sugar.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure even incorporation.
- Combine everything carefully. No one wants tough cookie bars, so be sure not to overmix.
- Spread and bake. The batter goes into a lined pan before it transforms into delicious bars in the oven.
What you’ll need
For these decadent, gooey delights, here’s a simple list of ingredients to gather:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (about half of a 12 oz bag)
Feel free to experiment with substitutions if needed. For instance, coconut sugar can replace regular sugar for a deeper flavor profile, or you could swap half the chocolate chips for nuts for a delightful crunch.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s dive into the simple yet satisfying process to create these incredible cookie bars. Follow these straightforward instructions for the best results:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper, or spray it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt until well blended.
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in the chocolate chips!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into nine delicious squares.
Best ways to enjoy it
These gooey chocolate chip cookie bars can be enjoyed in a variety of delightful ways! Serve them warm, straight from the pan, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true treat. They’re also fabulous when paired with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra touch, dust finished bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to save some for later, you can easily freeze them. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Helpful cooking tips
Want to elevate your cookie bars even further? Here are some pro tips to ensure success:
- Don’t skip the parchment! It’s a game changer, making for easy removal and cleanup.
- Chill the dough. For thicker bars, chilling your batter for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture.
- Consider using different types of chocolate chips (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate) to mix things up!
Creative twists
Get adventurous with flavor by trying these variations:
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts—walnuts or pecans are fantastic choices.
- Peanut Butter Swirls: Add dollops of peanut butter to your batter before baking for a nutty, swirling effect.
- Oreo Cookie Bars: Fold in crushed Oreo cookies with the chocolate chips for an unexpected treat.
Common questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this delightful recipe:
How long does it take to make these cookie bars?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking takes 20-22 minutes. In just a half-hour, you can be ready to enjoy!
Can I substitute other types of sweeteners?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
For a gluten-free adaptation, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just ensure your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
Now that you have all the details, you are well on your way to creating the ultimate gooey chocolate chip cookie bars. Happy baking!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper, or spray it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt until well blended.
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into nine delicious squares.
