Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Introduction

Few desserts can rival the universal appeal of Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They capture all the nostalgic flavors of classic cookies but deliver them in a soft, thick, irresistibly fudgy bar form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a make-ahead treat, or simply craving something sweet and simple, these cookie bars promise to satisfy.

With minimal prep and no need to scoop individual cookies, this recipe is a lifesaver for both beginner bakers and busy home cooks—and always results in a tray of crowd-pleasing, gooey perfection.

Why Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Stand Out

The true magic lies in their texture: a chewy center, golden edges, and generous bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. Unlike standard cookies, bars bake up thick and stay moister longer, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or as an after-school snack. They’re easy to slice, transport, and customize with mix-ins like nuts or caramel.

Essential Prep for Success

For best results, do not overmix your dough and use room temperature ingredients. Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temp leads to a smoother, creamier dough, which is key to that craveable chewiness.

Line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless removal and cleaner slices. The parchment creates a nonstick surface that keeps your bars gorgeously intact and easy to serve.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Combine your wet and dry ingredients separately, gently folding in the chocolate chips last so you don’t crush them. Spread the dough evenly in your lined pan—use a spatula or the back of a spoon for a smooth surface.

If precise measurements are important, especially when scaling up for parties or giving as gifts, an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display ensures your flour and sugar amounts are just right, yielding perfectly chewy bars every time.

Bake until the edges are set and golden but the center is just slightly underdone—this ensures the chewiness that sets cookie bars apart from regular cookies.

Serving & Storing Your Bars

Let your bars cool completely before slicing for neat squares. A quality, even slice is best achieved with a sharp knife. Once cut, store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week.

Perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a tall glass of milk, these bars travel well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition and Yield

This recipe yields about 16 bars, depending on the size of your cuts. Each bar comes in at roughly 180–200 calories, thanks to rich butter and a generous helping of chocolate, making them a sweet treat to savor in moderation.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Recap)

These cookie bars deliver the nostalgia of home-baked cookies but with less work and more chewy comfort in every bite. With gooey chocolate chips, soft centers, and crisp edges, they’re a surefire favorite for any occasion.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, allowing some overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. For the most accurate results, measure your dry ingredients with the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts.
6. Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. A sturdy silicone spatula or the back of a spoon works well for this task.
7. Bake for 23–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking—the center should look slightly underdone for extra chewiness.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares and store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for lasting freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

These chewy chocolate chip cookie bars promise fuss-free, crowd-pleasing baking with all the undeniable flavor of your favorite classic cookies—no chilling or batch-baking required. Give them a try whenever you crave that signature combination of gooey, chewy, and chocolaty!