Chocolate Chip Bar Bliss

Craving a simple, satisfying treat? These chocolate chip bars are the answer! They’re incredibly chewy, bursting with chocolatey goodness, and have that irresistible buttery flavor that makes them the perfect afternoon snack.

Stack of delicious chocolate chip bars ready to be enjoyed. — A tower of tempting chocolate chip bars.

In our house, snacks are a must! And when those snacks involve chocolate chips, they instantly become a family favorite. Whether it’s a slice of chocolate chip banana bread, a batch of chocolate chip cupcakes topped with cookie dough frosting, or even a decadent s’mores skillet chocolate chip cookie, we’re always eager for a chocolate chip indulgence.

So, it’s no surprise that chocolate chip bars hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). They’re quick, easy, and deliver that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor in a convenient bar form.

What You’ll Need to Make These Amazing Chocolate Chip Bars

Close-up shot of a stack of freshly baked chocolate chip bars. — Get ready to bake these irresistible chocolate chip bars.

Good news! If you have the basic ingredients for chocolate chip cookies, you already have what you need for these delicious bars. Here’s a quick rundown:

Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of these bars.
Baking Soda: Helps give the bars a slightly chewy texture.
Butter: Provides richness and that classic buttery flavor. Use unsalted butter for best results.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses and contributes to the bars’ chewiness. Light brown sugar is preferred.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crispy edge.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and other ingredients.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of semi-sweet chocolate chips, or experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.

Easy Steps: How to Make Chocolate Chip Bars

Sliced chocolate chip bars displaying their chewy texture. — Perfectly sliced chocolate chip bars ready to be devoured.

Making these decadent chocolate chip bars is surprisingly easy! They come together quickly and require minimal effort, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend baking project.

Mixing the ingredients for chocolate chip bars. — Mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, and combine with chocolate chips.

Pouring the chocolate chip bar mixture into a prepared pan. — Mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, and combine with chocolate chips.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract.
Combine and Add Chocolate Chips: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Prepare and Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips: Making the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ever

Arrangement of chocolate chip bars showcasing their texture. — Tips and tricks for perfect chocolate chip bars every time.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few baking tips that can take these chocolate chip bars from good to absolutely irresistible. Here are a few of my secrets:

Use Room Temperature Eggs: This is crucial for achieving a smooth and evenly textured batter. Room temperature egg yolks break more easily, allowing them to mix thoroughly with the egg whites and other ingredients. Additionally, eggs at room temperature whip up to a greater volume, resulting in a lighter and airier final product. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, simply place them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
For Extra Chewy Bars, Shorten the Baking Time: If you prefer a gooey, chewy texture, remove the bars from the oven a few minutes earlier. I usually take mine out around the 20-minute mark. Keep in mind that every oven is different, so keep a close eye on the bars the first time you make this recipe to determine the perfect baking time for your oven. The bars should be slightly soft in the center but set around the edges.
Let Them Cool Completely Before Slicing: I know it’s tempting to dive in as soon as these bars come out of the oven – the aroma is absolutely intoxicating! But resist the urge! Slicing the bars while they’re still hot will result in a messy, crumbly disaster. Patience is key. Allowing the bars to cool completely to room temperature will allow them to firm up and set properly, resulting in clean, beautiful slices. For even cleaner cuts, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour or two before slicing.

Looking for More Easy Dessert Bar and Cookie Recipes?

Butterscotch Cookies
Apple Pie Bars
Giant Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies with Orange and Lime

Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

These chewy chocolate chip bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe yields approximately 18 bars.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins

Yields: 18 bars

Author: Marlynn Schotland

Ingredients:

2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
12 tablespoons (1-½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and then cooled to room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking pan by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix well.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add chocolate chips and fold into the mixture until just combined. Be careful not over-mix the batter.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to bring the dough into the prepared pan covered with parchment paper, then even out the dough and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a light golden brown and the edges will start to slightly pull away from the sides.
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature on a wire rack before slicing into bars into 2″ squares with either a knife or a pastry cutter.

Notes:

Makes approximately 18 bars (depending on the size of your slices)

You can use foil instead of parchment paper to line the pan, just be sure to grease the foil with cooking/baking spray. My preference is parchment paper; I find it makes removing and slicing through the bars, and clean up, so much easier.

When baking, try to avoid using cold eggs. I usually take them out of the fridge as soon as I start gathering my ingredients and let them sit on the countertop for a few minutes before incorporating them. Read this article for more on why you should use room temperature eggs when baking.

For chewier bars: remove from the oven before the bars are slightly firm to the touch, around 20 minutes.

For crispier bars: remove closer to the 25 minute mark.

You can substitute dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate chips or chunks, if you prefer.

DAIRY-FREE OPTIONS: I make this dairy-free by using my fave vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition Facts (per bar, approximate):

This recipe is adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, May 2006.