Print

Cookie Bars

Cookie Bars
Print Recipe

These easy Cookie Bars are a quick and delicious treat that combines the chewy richness of cookies with the simplicity of baking in one pan. Perfectly buttery with soft centers and slightly crispy edges, they are versatile, customizable, and great for sharing at any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins (Optional)

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
  • Optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, oats, or peanut butter dollops

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cookie bars release easily after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base that gives the bars a tender texture.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse warmth and depth into the dough.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins, ensuring they are distributed evenly without overworking the dough.
  6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set properly and makes cutting cleaner.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough cookie bars.
  • For thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Remove bars when centers are slightly underbaked for extra softness.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and reduced cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: cookie bars, easy dessert, chewy cookies, chocolate chip bars, one pan dessert, quick treats, buttery bars

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/cookie-bars/