Description
Craving something rich, chocolatey, and incredibly satisfying? These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a game-changer for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a fudgy center. Perfect for casual get-togethers, bake sales, or late-night dessert runs, they’re one of the best easy dessert recipes to whip up with pantry staples. Whether you’re hunting for a quick baking idea, chocolate lover’s snack, or just some sweet food ideas, these bars are the ultimate comfort treat. Think soft golden cookie edges with an ooey-gooey chocolate center—pure bliss in every bite!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Flaky sea salt, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric or stand mixer for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in chocolate chips with a spatula. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top.
7. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Press extra chocolate chips on top.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and the center is just set.
9. Let cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Lift out and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing—or serve warm for extra gooey bars.
Notes
For extra gooey centers, bake on the lower end of the time range and don’t overbake—bars firm as they cool.
Swap in white, milk, or dark chocolate chips, or even add nuts like walnuts or pecans for variation.
Use parchment paper with overhangs for easy lifting and perfect slices every time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: gooey chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert recipe, chocolate chip bars, quick baking ideas, sweet snack, dessert bars