Save Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.
This recipe has become our family's favorite treat to bake together on weekends.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- Dry Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Dry Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- Wet Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Wet Ingredients: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Add-Ins: Optional 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 6:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Step 7:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
- Step 9:
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out and cut into bars.
Save Making these bars has become a cherished family moment we look forward to every weekend.
Notes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added. Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens.
Save Enjoy these bars fresh out of the oven for the ultimate gooey experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I achieve the gooey texture in these bars?
To get that perfect gooey texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting in the pan as they cool.
- → Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can swap semisweet chips for milk, dark, or white chocolate according to your preference.
- → Are nuts required for these bars?
Nuts are optional. You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or omit them entirely.
- → What pan size is best for baking these bars?
A 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars.
- → Is there a way to add a gourmet touch to these bars?
Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavor with a subtle salty contrast to the sweetness.