You’re about to set out on crafting chocolate chip cookie bars, a simple yet rewarding baking project. You’ll need an 8×8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, and a mixer.
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar.
Blend until creamy.
Add 2 eggs and 2 tsp vanilla.
Gradually mix in 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
Fold in 1½ cups chocolate chips.
But there’s more to perfecting these bars…
Kitchen Tools Required
To prepare chocolate chip cookie bars, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools.
Each tool contributes to precision and efficiency in your baking process.
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large, 4-quart bowl for combining dry and wet ingredients seamlessly.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer helps achieve a light and fluffy creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Baking Pan: Opt for a 9×13-inch non-stick pan to guarantee even baking and easy release of bars.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital; use a set that includes both dry and liquid measures.
Verify all tools are clean and dry before use.
This setup assures consistent texture and perfect results in each batch.
Happy baking!
Recipe
Chocolate chip cookie bars are an easy and delicious dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the convenience of a bar form.
These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
The recipe is straightforward and requires only a few simple steps, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
With a chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor, these bars are bound to become a favorite.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a baking pan by greasing it. This guarantees easy removal of the bars after baking.
In one bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another larger bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and eggs to this mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Chocolate chips
For the best results, use room temperature ingredients to facilitate even mixing and a better texture.
If you prefer thicker bars, use a smaller pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
You can also customize the bars by adding nuts, dried fruit, or using a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cook & Prep Time
With your kitchen tools ready, focus on the precise timing to achieve perfect chocolate chip cookie bars.
Begin by allocating 15 minutes for preparation.
Guarantee efficiency by pre-measuring 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup each of granulated and brown sugar for approximately 3 minutes until fluffy.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, mixing thoroughly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), dedicating 10 minutes for preheating.
Pour the dough into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark with a toothpick for doneness.
Cool the bars in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Precision guarantees ideal texture and flavor.
Cooking Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt, whisking until thoroughly mixed.
In a separate large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Then incorporate 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking for your chocolate chip cookie bars.
This temperature guarantees the dough’s interior cooks thoroughly while achieving a golden-brown crust.
Follow these steps for precision:
- Position Rack: Place your oven rack in the center position to promote uniform heat distribution.
- Check Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify the accuracy of your oven’s temperature setting.
- Preheat Time: Allow a full 10-15 minutes for your oven to reach the desired temperature before proceeding.
- Prepare Pan: Grease your baking pan with a non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
With your oven preheated and pan prepared, turn your attention to combining the dry ingredients with precision.
Measure exactly 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour using the scoop-and-level method to guarantee accuracy.
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Utilize a fine-mesh sieve to sift these components into a medium mixing bowl.
This technique aerates the flour, assuring even distribution of leavening agents, vital for uniform texture.
Take a whisk and gently stir the ingredients in a clockwise motion, making certain of a homogeneous blend.
This step is important in preventing clumps, which could disrupt the dough’s consistency.
The thorough integration of the dry ingredients sets the foundation for peak texture in your cookie bars.
Step 3. Cream Butter and Sugars Together
To achieve the ideal creamy base for your cookie bars, start by placing 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, into a large mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Use an electric mixer on medium speed for maximum aeration and homogeneity.
Follow these steps for best results:
- Mix: Begin at a low speed to prevent sugar spatter, gradually increasing to medium.
- Scrape: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl’s sides periodically, ensuring even integration.
- Beat: Continue beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Check: Verify the consistency; it should be smooth and free of sugar granules.
This base sets the stage for perfect chocolate chip cookie bars.
Step 4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugars are perfectly creamed, it’s time to introduce the eggs and vanilla, which will enrich the dough’s texture and flavor.
Crack two large eggs into the creamed mixture, ensuring they’re at room temperature for ideal emulsification.
Add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, which will infuse the dough with a subtle aromatic profile.
Using a medium-speed setting on your mixer, blend the eggs and vanilla into the creamed mixture for 1-2 minutes.
Aim for a homogenous batter, ensuring no streaks remain.
Scrape down the bowl’s sides with a rubber spatula to incorporate any unmixed ingredients.
This step is essential for achieving a smooth, cohesive dough that will bake evenly, setting the foundation for perfectly textured cookie bars.
Step 5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Integrate the chocolate chips by gently folding them into the prepared dough using a spatula.
This technique prevents overmixing, guaranteeing the chips are evenly distributed without deflating the dough.
Maintain a light hand to retain the dough’s airiness, vital for ideal texture.
Follow these steps for precise execution:
- Measure accurately: Use 2 cups (340g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips for balanced sweetness.
- Spatula technique: Start at the bowl’s center, scooping under the dough and lifting over the top.
- Rotate the bowl: Turn the bowl 90 degrees with each fold to guarantee even distribution.
- Fold until just combined: Stop once chips are evenly dispersed to prevent a dense final product.
Perfectly folded dough promises gooey, chocolate-studded bars every time.
Nutrition Information
Analyzing the nutritional profile of chocolate chip cookie bars provides insight into their caloric and macronutrient content.
Each serving size, approximately 2×2 inches, typically contains around 200 calories.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: Expect about 30 grams, with sugars contributing greatly to this total.
- Fats: You’ll find approximately 10 grams, mainly from butter, offering richness and texture.
- Proteins: These bars contain about 2 grams, primarily from eggs and flour.
- Dietary Fiber: There’s roughly 1 gram, which assists in digestion but remains minimal.
Pay attention to portion sizes and ingredient variations, as these can alter nutritional values.
Monitoring these metrics helps maintain dietary balance while indulging in this sweet treat.
Final Thoughts
Crafting the perfect chocolate chip cookie bars requires attention to detail and precision in execution.
Start by ensuring all ingredients are measured with accuracy: use a digital scale for the flour (250 grams) and sugars (200 grams each of granulated and brown sugar).
Maintain butter at 68°F for optimal creaming with sugars, achieving a light, airy consistency. Incorporate eggs at room temperature for seamless emulsification.
Evenly distribute chocolate chips (300 grams) to enhance each bite.
Bake at a consistent 350°F, monitoring the internal temperature to reach 200°F at the center for the ideal chewy texture.
Allow cooling to 70°F before slicing. By following these precise techniques, you’ll achieve bars that aren’t only delicious but also demonstrate your baking prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
You can make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Guarantee even mixing by sifting dry ingredients. Maintain texture by adding 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
What Size Pan Is Best for This Recipe?
You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch pan for ideal thickness and even baking. Guarantee even heat distribution by lining it with parchment paper. This size allows proper dough spread, yielding a uniformly golden texture and consistent baking results.
How Can I Prevent the Bars From Becoming Too Dry?
Guarantee moisture by using 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, and 1 1/4 cups brown sugar. Combine thoroughly to avoid overmixing. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick to retain gooeyness.
Can I Substitute Butter With a Non-Dairy Alternative?
You can substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a 1:1 ratio for precise results. Confirm the substitute is at room temperature for ideal mixing and consistent texture throughout.
How Do I Store the Bars to Maintain Freshness?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. For ideal texture, layer parchment paper between bars. Refrigerate if necessary, but allow bars to reach room temperature before serving to preserve desired chewiness.
