Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This easy, versatile recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for every occasion.
Servings: 12
Calories: 328kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter softened
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar packed
- 1 Egg large
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups Flour
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ½ cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×9” square baking pan and set aside.
- In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream together butter, light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter/sugar mixture and beat until combined. Set aside
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
- Press the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Top with remaining chocolate chips and press in slightly.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the top is just barely browned.
- Place baking pan on a wire cooling rack and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer, they hold up better as they cool).
- Cut into 12 or 16 squares depending on the size you prefer and serve.
Notes
Reheating and Storage Information
Now, let's talk logistics. Say you've made these delightful bars but (miraculously) haven't devoured them all. How do you store them? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to reheat, a few seconds in the microwave will get those chocolate chips all gooey again. A word of caution: try not to overdo it, as we don’t want our precious bars turning hard.Can this be Frozen?
Absolutely! If you want to have a handy treat for "emergencies" (read: unexpected cravings), just wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, place them in a zipper storage bag, and freeze. They'll be good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to indulge, just let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave.Can this be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Perfect for when you have a busy week coming up but still want that homemade touch. Just prepare the dough, press it into the pan (don't forget those chocolate chips on top!), and cover it with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate it overnight and bake the next day.Substitutions & Variations
Baking is both an art and a science, but there's always room for creativity!- Chocoholic? Try using dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a twist.
- Add-ins: Think about tossing in some nuts (walnuts or pecans would be divine), dried fruits, or even swirl in some caramel or peanut butter.
- Dietary Needs: You can replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. For a vegan version, use a flax egg and vegan butter.
Helpful Cooking Notes
To wrap things up, a few tips to ensure your cookie bars are the talk of the town:- Even Pressing: Make sure to press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: I know, waiting is hard. But letting the bars cool completely helps them set and makes slicing a breeze.
- Get Creative with Serving: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.