Description
These ultra-gooey chocolate chip cookie bars are made with just five simple ingredients, requiring only one bowl and a 9×13 pan. They offer a perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy middles, and a molten, gooey center.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a sling over the edges, and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy (2-3 minutes with mixer or 5 minutes by hand).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract if using. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add flour and salt (if using). Mix on low speed or by hand just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and press down flat.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Let bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to set before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
Do not overbake; the bars continue to cook on the hot pan after removal. Use softened butter, not melted, for the correct texture. For best results, let cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, gooey cookies, easy dessert, one bowl recipe, 5 ingredient recipe, bake from scratch