Description
These soft-baked chocolate chip cookie bars are a one-bowl, emergency dessert that is chewy, gooey, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, they offer the comfort of a cookie with the ease of a bar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease.
- Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove until liquid but not hot. Let it cool for about a minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about a minute until slightly dissolved.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold in with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using). Reserve a handful of chips to press on top if desired.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing into the corners.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the parchment overhang and slicing into squares.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should look slightly soft as it will firm up while cooling. For chewier bars, use melted butter rather than creamed butter. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry bars. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, soft baked cookies, easy dessert, weeknight treat, one bowl recipe, chewy bars, emergency dessert