Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Cookie Bars because they’re simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable. With a golden, buttery base and gooey, chocolatey bites in every square, they deliver the perfect cookie experience in a more convenient form. They’re great for potlucks, school lunches, or late-night dessert cravings—no mixer required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)
• Optional mix-ins: nuts, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, toffee bits

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and any additional mix-ins.
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

• Add peanut butter chips or swirl peanut butter into the batter for a nutty twist.
• Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate for extra richness.
• Stir in shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a unique flavor.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-and-salty finish.
• Add chopped candy bars or crushed pretzels for a fun texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, store with a slice of bread or a piece of parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, microwave each bar for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars without chocolate chips?

Yes! You can swap the chocolate chips for nuts, raisins, or any mix-ins you like.

Why are my bars dry?

They may have baked too long. Remove them from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft—carryover heat will finish baking them.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe doesn’t require chilling—the dough is ready to bake immediately.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Can I bake them in a smaller pan?

You can use a 9×9-inch pan for thicker bars; increase baking time by 5–7 minutes.

How do I know when the bars are done?

They’re ready when the edges are golden brown and the center no longer looks raw.

Can I use brown butter for extra flavor?

Yes, brown butter adds a delicious nutty depth—just let it cool slightly before mixing with the sugars.

Can I frost or glaze the cookie bars?

Definitely! Add a drizzle of melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or even a light layer of vanilla glaze.

Conclusion

Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of ease and indulgence—soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. With their golden edges and gooey centers, they deliver everything you love about cookies in a fast, fuss-free form. Whether you keep them simple or customize them with your favorite mix-ins, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or just as an everyday treat.

Cookie Bars

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Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with the same irresistible flavor as classic cookies—without the hassle of shaping. Baked in one pan and cut into squares, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)
• Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, or toffee bits

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and any desired mix-ins.
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
9. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Do not overbake—slightly underbaked bars stay soft and chewy.
• For a nutty twist, add peanut butter chips or swirl in melted peanut butter.
• Use a mix of chocolate types for richer flavor.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty touch.
• Store with a slice of bread to keep bars soft.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg