If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ve just landed on a baker’s treasure! These bars are a warm hug in dessert form: thick, golden, tender, and loaded with gooey chocolate in every single bite. With minimal prep and simple pantry staples, you can have a batch baked and cooling on your countertop in under an hour, ready to share (or not!) with all your favorite cookie lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but each plays a starring role in achieving the perfect soft, decadent bite. Every addition, from the richness of the butter to the sweet bursts of chocolate chips, is essential for classic Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup): Using melted butter gives these bars their signature chewy, fudgy texture—make sure it’s warm but not hot when mixing.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brown sugar is the secret to that deep, caramel-like flavor and plush softness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps the bars brown beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the dough and create moist, tender bars every time.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances every flavor for true cookie-shop magic.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure and ensures your cookie bars are just the right thickness and softness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Encourages a gentle rise, and helps the bars stay light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The real stars—these melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout every soft & chewy bite.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift your bars right up and out once they’re cool. Give the sides a quick greasing for insurance—you want perfectly shaped cookie bars without fuss!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you have a silky-smooth, caramel-colored mixture. The goal is to fully combine the sugars into the butter, building a thick batter base that guarantees your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will hold together, slice cleanly, and absolutely melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs and measure out the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is fully mixed and glossy. This step is the bridge between your buttery base and the dry ingredients—skip the mixer, a trusty whisk does the trick and avoids overbeating.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into your wet ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon. No need for perfection here—a few streaks of flour are okay! Overmixing toughens the bars, and we want them impossibly soft and tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Pour in those luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until they’re just evenly distributed. This ensures every slice of your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will have the perfect dose of melty chocolate.
Step 6: Spread, Bake, and Cool
Scrape your dough into the prepped pan and use a spatula to smooth it out all the way to the corners. Bake for 22-25 minutes, just until the edges look set and golden but the center is still soft—don’t overbake! That’s the secret to chewy perfection. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment to lift them right out for easy slicing.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking is pure magic, adding a little pop to every bite. For extra flair, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns every bar into a dreamy sundae.
Side Dishes
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars make a fabulous treat alongside a tall glass of cold milk (classic, of course!), a rich cup of coffee, or a scoop of your favorite creamy ice cream. If serving at a gathering, pair with a fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or serve as wedges for a fun twist. Stack them high on a cake stand lined with parchment, or wrap individual pieces with bakery paper and twine for festive, giftable treats. Layerings in jars with ice cream make utterly adorable mason jar desserts for summer picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at their absolute best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to five days—perfect for enjoying lunchbox treats, coffee breaks, or midnight cravings.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch (or two) ahead, these bars are freezer-friendly. Once cooled and cut, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months, tasting every bit as fresh when you thaw them at room temp.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked gooeyness, pop a cookie bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate will melt and the bar will turn soft—just like it came fresh from the pan! For a whole panful, reheat in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes, keeping an eye on them.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in these bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. You can also toss in chopped chocolate chunks or butterscotch chips for a fun twist on classic Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
What makes these bars soft and chewy instead of cakey or hard?
The secret is the melted butter and the ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and chew, while careful baking ensures the centers stay just set but never dry or tough.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required! That’s part of what makes Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars so appealing for spontaneous baking. Get them from bowl to oven in minutes and enjoy a fresh batch the same day.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes—simply substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might change slightly, but you’ll still get irresistible cookie bars that are both soft and chewy.
How do I know when they’re baked just right?
Watch for golden edges and a center that’s just set. The pan will finish baking them as they cool, so it’s better to underbake slightly rather than overbake. That way, your Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars stay luscious and tender every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving the ultimate comfort treat, these Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are impossible to resist. With their gooey centers, melty chocolate, and pure home-baked nostalgia, you’ll want to whip up a batch for friends, family, or just yourself—don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you thought possible!
Print
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. These bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, with a chewy texture and loaded with melty chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix 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 until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Bake: Spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still soft. Do not overbake for a chewier texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
