If you have a soft spot for indulgent desserts that hit all the right notes, you are going to absolutely adore this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the classic chocolate chip cookie transformed into a thick, luscious bar that stays perfectly gooey in the center with golden, slightly crisp edges. This treat combines the nostalgia of cookie dough with a rich, chocolate-filled warmth in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for casual afternoons or special gatherings. Whether you need a comforting snack or a quick homemade dessert, these bars bring delight with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible bars. Each item plays a key role in building the perfect texture, depth of flavor, and that irresistibly gooey charm that makes this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe so special.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone that gives structure without making the bars too dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Adds just enough rise and tenderness to produce a soft crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Contributes rich flavor and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Brings sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
- Packed brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for added depth.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give the bars a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warm aroma and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star of the show, providing gooey pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped nuts, optional (1/2 cup): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you like a little texture.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your gooey chocolate chip cookie bars release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Having this mixture ready helps you incorporate it seamlessly into the wet ingredients without overworking your dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and baked brown sugar using a mixer or strong whisk. Beat until the mixture looks fluffy and lighter in color, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial—it introduces air for a tender, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add your eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. Mixing these in thoroughly ensures your bars have a harmonious flavor and smooth texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be mindful not to over-mix as it can cause tougher bars instead of that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts so every bite promises bursts of chocolate richness and nutty crunch.
Step 7: Spread Dough and Bake
Evenly spread the dough into your prepared pan, gently pressing it down to create an even thickness. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges will turn a lovely golden brown while the center stays soft and gooey—perfectly capturing the essence of this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing them into squares. Cooling is essential because it helps the bars set without losing that signature gooey texture.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds dreamy creaminess alongside the gooey chocolate chips.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creamy, smooth drinks balance the sweetness and make each bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual bars in mini ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top. They also make fantastic picnic treats or lunchbox surprises when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a simple ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delightfully gooey for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep those bars around longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating
To enjoy the gooey magic again, simply warm a slice for about 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a preheated 300°F oven. This brings back that fresh-baked, melty chocolate chip goodness like new.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chips, feel free to substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
What if I don’t have nuts, can I skip them?
Yes, the nuts are completely optional. Omitting them will still result in deliciously gooey bars, perfect for those who prefer a nut-free treat or have allergies.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center remains soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia eggs to replace the eggs, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Why are my cookie bars turning out dry?
Dry bars usually mean they’ve been baked a bit too long or the dough was overmixed. Keep an eye on baking time and mix until just combined to retain moisture and gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyous about making this Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of classic cookie flavors with an irresistible gooey texture that warms the heart and brightens any day. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles all around. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
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 deliver the perfect combination of a soft, chewy center and slightly crispy edges. Made with classic ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, brown and granulated sugars, and loaded with semisweet chocolate chips, these bars are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch if desired.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Press down gently using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack in the pan for approximately 15 minutes. Then cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure proper creaming and mixing.
- Optional nuts can be omitted or substituted with other nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts depending on preference.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Reheat bars briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked gooey texture.
