This Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want the hassle of scooping out dough or waiting for multiple batches of cookies. These bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. They’re like your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but much easier. Just mix the dough, press it into a pan, and bake. You’ll save time and still get that warm, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven taste everyone loves.
These chewy cookie bars have all the goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but are way easier to make. The edges are golden, the center is soft, and every bite is full of melty chocolate chips. This easy cookie bars recipe is one you’ll come back to often—and you can easily mix in your favorite extras like nuts, coconut, or different kinds of chocolate.
Chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort food, but sometimes you just don’t have the time to scoop and bake tray after tray. That’s where this chocolate chip cookie bars recipe comes in. It has all the classic flavor of your favorite cookies: soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, but with less effort. Mix the dough, press it into a pan, and bake it all at once. No scooping, no waiting between batches. Just one quick bake and you’re done. It’s the perfect shortcut for homemade cookies without all the extra steps.
Did you know that today is National Chocolate Chip Day? And since we are talking about chocolate chips, what better way to celebrate than sharing my chocolate chip recipe in a blog hop? Make sure to check out my friends’ recipes below!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
This chocolate chip bar recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips creates a soft, chewy texture with a slightly gooey center, just like your favorite cookies, but easier.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – Gives the bars their structure and keeps them tender.
- Salt – Just a pinch brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch – This helps create that soft, chewy texture in the center.
- Baking soda – Provides a bit of lift so the bars don’t bake up too dense.
- Egg and egg yolk – The whole egg binds the ingredients, while the extra yolk adds richness and a chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds warmth.
- Butter – Melted butter gives the bars a rich, buttery taste and slightly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps create those golden edges.
- Chocolate chips – The star of the show! Use semi-sweet for a classic flavor or mix in dark or milk chocolate if you’d like.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Mini M&M’s
- White chocolate chips
- Chocolate Sauce
Step 1 – Make the Cookie Dough
Step 2 – Preheat Oven to 375 degrees
Step 3 – Prep Cookie Sheet
Start by measuring your baking tray, then cut two pieces of parchment paper slightly larger than a 9″ x 12″ tray—leave a bit of overhang on each side so you can easily lift the bars out after baking. Place one sheet lengthwise in the tray and the other crosswise on top to form a crisscross. Press the parchment into the corners and along the edges, creasing it so it fits snugly. The extra paper makes removing the bars in one piece simple for easy cutting and serving.
Step 4 – Press Dough into the Tray
Take the dough and press it evenly to cover the baking tray.
Step 5 – Top Cookie Dough with Chocolate Chunks
Add chocolate chunks and spread them over the chocolate chip cookie dough.
Step 6 – Bake in the Oven for 20 minutes
Bake until golden brown.
Step 7 – Lift and Cut
Let the baked cookie bars cool completely on the tray. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars in one piece. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Helpful Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookie Bars
Use the right pan size
I used a 9 x 12-inch baking tray, which gives the bars just the right thickness—soft in the middle with perfectly golden edges. Using a different size may affect the bake time and texture.
Line your pan with parchment paper
This step makes a big difference! Parchment not only prevents sticking but also makes it easy to lift the whole batch out of the pan once it’s cooled. That means cleaner cuts and less mess.
Let the bars cool before slicing
It’s tempting to dig in while they’re warm, but giving the bars time to cool helps them set and makes cutting much easier. For neat squares, wait until they’re completely cooled.
Don’t overbake
Take the bars out when the edges are golden and the center looks just set. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool, keeping the middle soft and chewy.
Customize your mix-ins
Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, white chocolate, or shredded coconut for a fun twist. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1½ to 2 cups so the dough bakes evenly.
Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 egg yolks beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Combine and mix flour, salt, cornstarch, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Start by measuring your baking tray, then cut two pieces of parchment paper slightly larger than a 9″ x 12″ tray—leave a bit of overhang on each side so you can easily lift the bars out after baking. Place one sheet lengthwise in the tray and the other crosswise on top to form a crisscross. Press the parchment into the corners and along the edges, creasing it so it fits snugly. The extra paper makes removing the bars in one piece simple for easy cutting and serving.
- Place the eggs and the extra egg yolks in a small bowl and whisk with a fork thoroughly.
- Whip butter for a minute or two with a mixer.
- Add vanilla to the butter and mix well.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter and mix for another minute or two until combined well.
- Next, add the egg mixture to the butter and blend well.
- Add portions of the flour to the sugar/butter mixture and beat well after each addition.
- Once all the flour is added, beat for a minute.
- Add the ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix well.
- Take the dough and press it evenly to cover the baking tray.
- Add chocolate chunks and spread them over the chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the baked cookie bars cool completely on the tray. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars in one piece. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Quick and easy to make
Save time by baking the dough all at once instead of in batches.
Soft, chewy texture
Just like your favorite cookie, but with an extra gooey center.
Great for sharing
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or an easy dessert night at home.
They’re the ultimate comfort food
There’s something nostalgic about the warm, buttery taste of chocolate chip cookies; these bars capture that feeling in every bite. They’re the kind of treat that feels cozy and familiar.
Fewer steps, same delicious flavor
No need to chill the dough or scoop individual cookies. Mix, bake, and you’re done—perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Perfect for any occasion
Whether you’re baking for a family night, potluck, or just because, these bars are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
You can easily switch things up with chopped nuts, coconut, or different chocolate chips depending on your mood or what you have.
Great for make-ahead treats
These bars store well and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prepping for parties or snacks throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but adjust the ingredients and baking time accordingly.
Yes, just swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
The edges will be golden and the center set but still soft.
Butter is usually preferred in chocolate chip cookies because it adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges. Crisco (vegetable shortening) can make cookies thicker and softer, but it lacks the flavor that butter brings.
Using melted butter instead of softened butter in chocolate chip cookies results in a chewier texture with flatter, denser cookies. It also makes the dough easier to mix, which is perfect for bar cookies where spreading isn’t a concern.
To cut bars evenly and cleanly, make sure they are fully cooled before slicing—this helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling. Use the overhang of the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the baking tray and onto a cutting board. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between slices. If you want perfectly even pieces, you can lightly score the top first with a ruler as a guide before cutting.
More Chocolate Desserts You’ll Want to Try
Double Chocolate Brownie Recipe
These rich, fudgy brownies are loaded with cocoa and chocolate chips for the ultimate double chocolate treat.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
This moist banana bread is made with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a secret ingredient—avocado—for a rich texture and extra moisture.
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
Warm, gooey, and flavorful, this bread pudding combines chocolate and banana for a comforting dessert with a subtle tropical twist.
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this chocolate chip bars recipe! I hope it becomes one of your go-to desserts when you’re craving something sweet and easy. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to leave a comment or share a photo. Happy baking!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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Annie Diamond
Janine, I wish I had one of your soft, chewy chocolate chip bars right now. They would be perfect with my first cup of coffee!