Indulge in the nostalgic charm of classic chocolate chip cookies with a twist – the delectable chocolate chip cookie bar! This recipe, adapted from A Beautiful Mess, offers a delightful combination of chewy center and crispy edges, reminiscent of both cookies and brownies.
Essential Ingredients for Success:
- 1/2 cup butter: Melted and cooled to avoid overheating the batter.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a golden brown color.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie bar.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Contributes to the rise and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose your favorite type – semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): For an extra touch of salty goodness.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and allow it to cool.
- Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and gently press it to fill the pan evenly.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly gooey.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cookie Bar:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars.
- Bake until the edges are golden brown: This indicates that the cookie bars are done.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting: This allows them to set properly.
- Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
Variations and Additional Notes:
- Substitute chocolate chunks for chocolate chips for a more rustic texture.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
- Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, for a different flavor and texture.
- For a festive twist, add in seasonal ingredients like chopped candy canes or pumpkin spice.
How to Tell When a Cookie Bar is Done:
- The edges should be golden brown.
- The center may still look a little gooey, but this is okay.
- Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cookie bars are done.
Enjoying Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Top with a scoop of ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
Conclusion:
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be baking perfect chocolate chip cookie bars every time. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of these classic cookie bars!
Your best bets for determining doneness are appearance and time (make sure to follow your recipe’s instructions).
What is the best way to store chocolate chip cookie bars?
Before storing these cookie bars, allow them to cool fully in the pan. Then, remove them and cut them into bars.
After that, you can keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. I find they stay fresh for 4-5 days this way.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
FAQ
How do you tell if bar cookies are done?
Why are my cookie bars raw in the middle?
Can you’re bake undercooked cookie bars?
How do you know when to stop baking cookies?
How do you know if cookies are done?
Another quick and easy way to check for cookie doneness is to look at the bottoms. (This is personally my favorite way to check if my cookies are done. In my opinion, it’s a no-fail way to check them.) All you need to do is put on an oven mitt and pull the cookie sheet halfway out. Then, use a spatula to lift one of the cookies gently.
How do you know if cookie bars are done?
Knowing when these cookie bars are done is something you’ll both see and smell. The cookies should still be somewhat soft in the middle as they will continue cooking as they cool. My number one barometer for doneness is when the cookie edges brown and pull away from the pan. Look for a golden crust.
How do you test a bar cookie?
Insert a toothpick into bar cookies. It’s sometimes hard to test the doneness of bar cookies because they are so dense and often dark in coloring. Get a wooden toothpick or skewer and push it into the bar. Keep going until you reach the halfway point of the cookie. Withdraw the toothpick.
How do you know if a chocolate chip cookie is done?
A hint of brown may be noticeable on the edges. Chocolate chip cookies are done when they have a firm golden edge or bottom and appear slightly set on top. If the edges become dark brown, they are overbaked. If edges aren’t golden and tops are soft and shiny, bake a little longer.