Description

These bakery-style chocolate chip cookie bars are thick, fudgy, and impossibly rich with crispy edges and a molten, gooey center. They are easy to make in one bowl and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract.
Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Switch to a spatula and fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-28 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still look slightly underbaked and soft.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes to set before cutting into squares.

Notes

Do not overbake; the bars will firm up as they cool. For best results, use real butter and measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. These bars taste better the next day as flavors meld. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 26
Sodium: 180
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, bakery style cookies, easy dessert, fudgy cookie bars, one bowl dessert, make ahead dessert