Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe

What is a chocolate chip cookie dough bar recipe? What are these little squares of happiness? How did you remember eating cookie dough when you were a kid? Is this all grown up? I like cookie dough more than regular cookies. I think it’s better. Is it easier to bake individual cookies? Is it like a blondie meets cookie dough and they had ‘a beautiful, delicious baby’?
What is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar recipe?
What is a chocolate chip cookie like? Is this a no-bake treat? What is the beauty of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe? How do I make dough without eggs? Is it a perfect combination of convenience and indulgence? My kids describe it as “the best thing ever invented” and I’m not even exaggerating!
Why you will love this recipe?
What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Do you need fancy equipment?
- Flavor:The taste is just amazing. What is that classic chocolate chip cookie dough flavor? Is it nostalgic and comforting all in one bite?
- Simplicity:What are some foolproof recipes that don’t require chilling, rolling or shaping? Is it possible to mix everything together and bake it in a pan? If I can do it (and I have my kitchen mishaps), you definitely can.
- Cost-All the ingredients are pantry staples. What is a perfect last minute dessert? If you’re craving something sweet, what are you
- Versatility:Can you customize this recipe? Add nuts, different kinds of chocolate chips (dark, white, peanut butter), sprinkles – the possibilities are endless. What are the possibilities? What is your favorite way to add sea salt to a dish?
I’ve tried tons of blondie recipes, and this one hits the sweet spot. Is it softer and chewier than any I’ve ever found? Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? What is the best way to streamline the process?
How do I make chocolate chip cookie dough bar?
Quick Overview
How do I make these bars? How do you mix wet and dry ingredients together, stir in chocolate chips? How do you press the mixture into a pan, and bake. How do you get the perfect cookie dough texture? What’s a little messy when you press it into the pan? How do I cook a delicious meal in the oven Is it so easy for a mom to help out?
Ingredients Notes
For the Main Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s properly soften, not melted! What makes a difference in texture?
- 34 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, obviously! But it also contributes to the chewy texture.
- 34 cup packed brown sugar: 1 cup each. The brown sugar in the bars adds a nice molasses flavor and keeps them moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It really enhances the cookie dough flavor. I use pure vanilla extract, but imitation works too in a pinch.
- I like to use room temperature eggs. I use a few small ones. Use them in the batter.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid adding too much. Too much flour will make bars dry.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This gives the bars a little lift and helps them bake evenly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Use your favorite kind! I usually do a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. I like it.
Optional Mix-In
- 12 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans or macadamia nuts): Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkles: For extra fun and color!
- What is the best way to add sea salt to a dish?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have a large kitchen, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. I usually grease and flour, just to be safe! Don’t skip this step or your bars will stick!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. If you have an electric mixer, it usually takes about 3 minutes. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can do it by hand. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. What should I do to make the mixture smooth and creamy?
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk baking soda and salt into flour?
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you overmix the flour, it will make the bars tough. Be careful not to over mix! The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
What mix-ins can you use to make chocolate chips?
Step 6: Press into Pan
I use a spatula to spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking pan. I like to use my hands.) I usually wet my hands slightly to prevent the batter from sticking. The batter will be thick, so you might need to press it down firmly to get it into all the corners.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Comes out with moist crumbs attached. The center should still be slightly soft. Don’t overbake, or the bars will be dry.
Step 8: Cool
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them set up and prevent them from crumbling. If you lined a pan with parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan and onto an offset cutting board. What is the best board for easier cutting?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the bars into squares and serve. Is it okay to eat them as is, or top them with ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and/or some kind of topping? Sprinkle with powdered sugar. What are some good side dishes to serve with cold milk?
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas to take a bar to the next level?
For Breakfast:Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or latte. What are some good ways to start the day?
For Brunch:Serve them with fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas. Cut them into smaller squares for a more elegant presentation.
As Dessert: Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. This makes for a truly decadent dessert.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. They’re the perfect comfort food for a movie night.
Growing up, my grandma always served warm chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream, and these bars bring back that same cozy feeling. I sometimes like to crumble them over a bowl of ice cream for a next-level sundae experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe turns out perfectly every time:
Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted. Properly softened butter will cream together with the sugar to create a light and airy batter.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and make the bars tough. Mix until just combined.
Chocolate Chip Choice: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. I like to use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, but you can also use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. Experiment and find your favorite!
Baking Pan Prep: Make sure to grease and flour your baking pan thoroughly to prevent the bars from sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. I find that greasing and flouring works best, but parchment paper is a good option if you’re worried about sticking.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. The baking time can vary depending on your oven. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Cooling Time: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them set up and prevent them from crumbling. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They might become a little firmer in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
I usually make a big batch and freeze half for later. It’s so nice to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I need it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my all-time favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar Recipe. I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s a winner in my book because it is so simple, so delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious desserts, be sure to check out my blondie recipes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking, friends! And please, leave a comment below to let me know what you think or if you added any fun twists to the recipe.