The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, I spent countless afternoons in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, surrounded by the smell of freshly baked bread and sweet treats cooling on the counter. She always said, “Baking isn’t about perfection it’s about love.” That philosophy stayed with me.
Fast forward to today, and one of my favorite comfort desserts is Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re everything I adore in a dessert soft, gooey, and filled with melty chocolate chunks. Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and spacing, these bars are baked in one pan, sliced, and shared easily. Perfect for busy days when you want homemade warmth without the fuss.
Every time I make these chocolate chip cookie bars, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from simple ingredients turning into something special. Whether it’s a Sunday afternoon treat, a bake sale classic, or a cozy dessert after dinner, these bars never disappoint. They’re chewy in the center, golden at the edges, and taste like a warm hug in dessert form.
If you’re craving a sweet bite that’s quick to make and guaranteed to please, this chocolate chip cookie bars recipe will become your go-to. You don’t need fancy equipment just a bowl, a whisk, and a bit of love. Let’s bake something irresistible together.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these chewy, buttery chocolate chip cookie bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Tip: Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks for the richest flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper for good measure.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix this keeps your bars soft and chewy.
Step 4: Add chocolate chips
Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). The dough will be thick and irresistible try not to eat it all before baking!
Step 5: Bake the bars
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the center is set but still soft. A few gooey spots are perfect!
Step 6: Cool and slice
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm or cool completely for clean-cut pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chocolate chip cookie bars with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness
- A cup of hot coffee or cold milk for cozy comfort
These bars also make great gifts wrap them in parchment, tie with ribbon, and share a little homemade love.
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, where baking is a family tradition. My grandmother taught me that good food comes from the heart, and this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe brings that warmth to every bite. Soft, gooey, and full of chocolate chunks, these bars are a quick, no-fuss treat that anyone can make. I love baking them for my family and friends it’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary moments into sweet memories. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, these cookie bars are pure comfort in every square.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. In just one pan and under 40 minutes, you can have a batch of chewy, golden bars that fill your home with that irresistible cookie aroma. They’re perfect for sharing or not (I won’t judge!).
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe inspires you to bake, share, and enjoy every gooey bite. After all, the best recipes are the ones that make memories as sweet as the treats themselves.