Forget individual cookies – let's talk about the ultimate dessert efficiency: chocolate chip cookie bars. This recipe delivers all the gooey, chewy goodness of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but in a convenient, easily sharable (or not!) 9x13 pan. It's perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying that sweet craving after a long day. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, easily adaptable for homemade cooking, and undeniably one of the best recipes out there.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious bars.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. A stand mixer works wonders, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the job just fine.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Chocolate Chip Infusion: Stir in the chocolate chips. For extra chocolatey indulgence, consider adding a cup of chopped nuts or even some white chocolate chips.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry bars.
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Cool & Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting much easier.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help it cream properly with the sugars.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue! Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier treat.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the batter.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Drizzle melted salted caramel over the cooled bars for an extra layer of decadence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
These easy-to-make chocolate chip cookie bars are a delightful addition to any occasion. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy!