Description
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping.
5. Prepare the Batter: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect bars every time. First, ensure your butter is melted and slightly cooled. When mixing wet ingredients, whisk vigorously for a full minute to dissolve the sugars completely, creating a glossy texture. When combining dry and wet mixtures, use a spatula and fold until no flour streaks remain—overmixing leads to tough bars. For an even layer, use a slightly damp hand or an offset spatula to press the thick dough into the parchment-lined pan. The key bake test: the edges will be deeply golden, and the center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars are fantastic on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with melted peanut butter or a simple salted caramel sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot coffee, or even crumbled over a bowl of yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat. Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as a crowd-pleasing potluck item.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix melted butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend dry into wet ingredients, fold in most chocolate chips, press dough into a lined 9×13 pan, top with reserved chips, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cold butter instead of melted? No. Melted butter is crucial for the dense, chewy texture of a bar cookie. Cold butter would not incorporate correctly and would affect the spread and finish.
How do I store these bars to keep them fresh? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
My center came out underbaked. How can I fix this? Ensure your oven is fully preheated and use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Use a light-colored metal pan, as glass or dark pans can cause over-browning on the edges before the center is done.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Absolutely! Replace 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with an equal amount of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Why must I cool the bars completely before cutting? Cooling allows the structure to set. Cutting too soon will result in messy, crumbly squares as the interior is still too soft and warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot, freshly melted butter, which can cook the eggs. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which develops gluten and creates a tough, cakey bar.
- Under-measuring the flour. For accuracy, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Overbaking. The bars will continue to set as they cool. It’s better to err on the side of slightly underdone in the center.
- Skipping the parchment paper, which makes removing and slicing the bars incredibly difficult.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert, combining the beloved flavor of classic cookies with the simplicity of a one-pan bake. By following this enhanced guide, paying attention to the key techniques, and avoiding common pitfalls, you are guaranteed a batch of irresistibly chewy, chocolate-packed bars perfect for any gathering or a simple treat at home. Happy baking!