Description
These gooey chocolate chip cookie bars have a thick, chewy texture with crispy edges and a soft, fudge-like center. They are easy to make in one pan and perfect for sharing or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: handful of mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Let it cool slightly but not solidify.
- Pour melted butter into a large bowl, then add 1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir until combined.
- Beat in 2 room-temperature eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the batter is shiny and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Spread the dough evenly and press it down firmly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly underbaked.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 15 minutes, then cut into squares or rectangles.
- For best gooey bite, warm a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should look slightly underdone to keep bars gooey. Use melted butter for thick, chewy texture. Optional chilling of dough for 30 minutes helps with cleaner slicing. Line pan with parchment for easier cleanup and bar removal. Mix gently to avoid toughness. Try mixing chocolate types or adding nuts for variation. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recip
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, gooey cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, easy cookie bars, one pan dessert, chocolate chip dessert