Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you’re a fan of cookies but sometimes find yourself craving something a little different, chewy chocolate chip cookie bars are here to save the day! These delightful bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the ease of a bar cookie, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just indulging in a sweet moment at home, these chewy bars are sure to please. With their gooey chocolate chips, chewy cranberries (or cherries), and a hint of cinnamon, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.
Reasons to Love Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
There are so many reasons to adore these chewy chocolate chip cookie bars! Here are just a few:
- Easy to Make: No need to scoop individual cookies; just pour the batter into a pan and bake!
- Perfectly Chewy: The combination of oats, butter, and brown sugar creates a chewy texture that’s irresistible.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Gather These Ingredients
To make your chewy chocolate chip cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (4 ounces, 115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole or low-fat milk
- 3/4 cup (90g) dried cranberries or sour cherries
- 1 cup (90g) shredded unsweetened coconut
- 3/4 cup (60g) rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) milk chocolate chips or coarsely chopped milk chocolate, preferably with a minimum of 30% cocoa solids
Equipment Breakdown
Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: For mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for these cookie bars.
- Oven Mitts: Safety first when it comes to removing hot pans!
- Cooling Rack: To let your bars cool properly once they’re out of the oven.
Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A Simple Method
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making these chewy chocolate chip cookie bars!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and packed dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that chewy texture!
Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Stir in the Milk
Add the whole or low-fat milk and stir until incorporated. This will help keep your bars moist.
Step 8: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the dried cranberries or sour cherries, shredded coconut, rolled oats, and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 9: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 10: Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
Want to give your chewy chocolate chip cookie bars a seasonal twist? Here are some ideas:
- Fall: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a cozy autumn flavor.
- Winter: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a festive crunch.
- Spring: Use dried apricots or blueberries to brighten up the flavor.
- Summer: Incorporate some mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired treat.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries or sour cherries with your favorite dried fruit.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- These bars can easily be made gluten-free by substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your chewy chocolate chip cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Handy Q&A
Can I use different types of chocolate in these bars?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips, or even a mix of different types for a fun twist.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Using a sharp knife, make long strokes to cut through the bars. Cleaning the knife between cuts can help ensure clean edges.
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Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for these delicious chewy chocolate chip cookie bars, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and packed dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that chewy texture!
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Add the whole or low-fat milk and stir until incorporated. This will help keep your bars moist.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries or sour cherries, shredded coconut, rolled oats, and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Feel free to swap out dried cranberries or sour cherries with your favorite dried fruit.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- These bars can be made gluten-free by substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
