Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for Cookie Lovers

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for any dessert lover! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, gooey cookie bar, bursting with rich chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth. These delightful bars are not just a modern indulgence; they have roots in the classic cookie recipes that have been cherished for generations. The combination of chewy texture and decadent chocolate makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

What I love most about Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars is their incredible versatility. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a potluck with friends, or simply a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. The convenience of baking them in a single pan means less mess and more time to savor each delicious bite. Trust me, once you try these cookie bars, you’ll understand why they have become a beloved staple in many households!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, I love walnuts or pecans)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on these delicious chewy chocolate chunk cookie bars! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a 9×13 inch baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring that our cookie bars rise perfectly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving our cookie bars that chewy texture.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that chewy texture!
5. Fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using) with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Preparing the Baking Pan

Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the baking pan.

1. Line the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking and make for easy removal later.
2. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the edges don’t stick.

Baking the Cookie Bars

With the batter and pan ready, let’s get these cookie bars in the oven!

1. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, making sure to reach the corners.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
3. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into bars later.

Assembling and Serving

Now comes the best part—cutting and serving these delicious cookie bars!

1. After the cookie bars have cooled for about 15 minutes, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 24 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
3. Transfer the cookie bars to a serving platter or an airtight container. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to ensure your chewy chocolate chunk cookie bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the right texture.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It allows the bars to set and makes them easier to cut.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of rich chocolate and soft, chewy cookie goodness. The combination of textures and flavors makes them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat after a long day. For serving suggestions, I love to pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to elevate the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite! Print

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for Cookie Lovers
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
Enjoy these chewy chocolate chunk cookie bars, bursting with rich buttery flavor and loaded with chocolate chunks. Perfect for sharing, they make a delightful treat for any occasion!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans recommended)
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Instructions
1. Gather all ingredients and tools: a large mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, and a 9×13 inch baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.
7. Line the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
8. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with cooking spray or butter.
9. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
12. After cooling, lift the cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board.
13. Cut into squares or rectangles (aim for about 24 bars).
14. Transfer to a serving platter or an airtight container. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the right texture.
• Allow the bars to rest after baking for easier cutting.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes