Description
These ultra-gooey chocolate chip cookie bars are a simple, 5-ingredient weeknight dessert that delivers a chewy, molasses-rich texture with minimal effort. Perfect for busy parents, they require just one pan and come together in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet and/or milk)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and combined, resembling wet sand (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed or stir gently with a spoon just until the flour streaks disappear. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly underbaked and jiggles.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes immediately after removing from the oven.
Notes
Do not overbake; the bars continue to cook on the hot pan as they cool. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry bars. For best texture, let bars cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1 of 16)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert, weeknight baking, gooey bars, 5 ingredient recipe, one pan dessert, chocolate chip bars