If you love chocolate chip cookies but don’t love scooping dough or baking batch after batch, these Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. They deliver everything you crave crisp golden edges, soft centers, and plenty of melty chocolate—in one easy pan.
This is the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet totally effortless. Perfect for busy weeknights, bake sales, or casual gatherings, these chocolate chip cookie bars give you bakery-style results with minimal time and cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan easy: No scooping, no multiple batches
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges with a soft, gooey center
- Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes start to finish
- Classic flavor: Everything you love about chocolate chip cookies
- Great for sharing: Ideal for parties, potlucks, and lunchboxes
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps with foolproof results
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven and line a square baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well. This makes removing and slicing the bars much easier later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Then, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
After that, mix in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as the dough comes together to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Press into the Pan
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top so it bakes uniformly.
Step 8: Bake Until Gooey
Bake until the edges turn golden and the center looks just set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs for that signature gooey texture.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Finally, let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. This helps them set and hold their shape.
Tips for Best Results
- Slightly underbake: This guarantees a soft, gooey center
- Use room-temperature ingredients: They blend more smoothly
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make bars tough
- Cool before cutting: Warm bars are fragile and harder to slice
- Customize easily: Add nuts, different chocolate, or flaky salt
FAQs
How do I keep cookie bars gooey?
Bake just until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underdone.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double it and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the time as needed.
Do chocolate chip cookie bars need refrigeration?
No, they keep well at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I freeze cookie bars?
Yes, freeze sliced bars for up to three months and thaw before serving.
What makes these bars chewy instead of cakey?
The butter-to-flour ratio and minimal mixing keep them chewy.
