Introduction:
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a soft, chewy, and indulgent treat. These bars combine the rich flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with a thicker, more decadent texture. Perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or enjoying as an after-dinner treat, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their gooey, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, they are a sweet, irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
Preheat oven and prepare pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Make the cookie dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add chocolate chips and nuts:
Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts (if using).
Bake:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The bars should still be soft and slightly underbaked for that gooey texture.
Cool and serve:
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Description:
These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are thick, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate chips in every bite. The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates a soft and gooey center, while the edges become beautifully golden and slightly crisp. These bars are the perfect solution when you want the taste of chocolate chip cookies but with less effort and more delicious results.
Tips:
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a soft, tender texture.
Customize your add-ins: You can add more than just chocolate chips. Try white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor.
For a thicker texture: If you like your cookie bars extra thick, use an 8×8-inch pan instead of the 9×13-inch pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly (it may take a few extra minutes).
Variations:
S’mores Cookie Bars: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs to the batter before baking for a fun twist on a classic s’mores treat.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: Swirl in some peanut butter to the dough for a peanut butter-chocolate chip combination that’s out of this world.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: For an extra chewy texture, replace a cup of flour with quick oats to create oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars.
Corrections:
If you find your bars are too gooey and undercooked, try baking them a few minutes longer but be careful not to dry them out. The bars should still feel soft and slightly sticky in the middle even when done.
Ensure you don’t over-bake them. The gooey texture comes from slightly underbaking, so check them around the 20-minute mark.
Enjoy!
These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. Their irresistible gooey center and rich chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth. They’re quick to prepare and always a hit, so enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
