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

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate cookies and the convenience of a bar format. As a passionate baker, I can’t help but share my love for these cookie bars, which have become a staple in my kitchen. Originating from the classic chocolate chip cookie, these bars take the beloved recipe to new heights, offering a chewy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

People adore Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars not just for their incredible taste, but also for their simplicity. They are perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or a cozy night in. The combination of gooey chocolate chunks and a soft, buttery base creates a satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookie bars are sure to impress and become a cherished recipe in your home.

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 baking pan (I prefer a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe). 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 step is crucial as it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookie bars rise properly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic begins, as the air gets incorporated into the butter and sugars, making your cookie bars chewy and delicious!
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, as this can lead to tough cookie bars. I usually switch to a spatula for this step to gently fold in the flour.
5. Now, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using). I like to reserve a handful of chocolate chunks to sprinkle on top before baking for that extra chocolatey goodness!

Preparing the Baking Pan

Before we pour our delicious batter into the pan, we need to prepare it. This step is essential to ensure that our cookie bars don’t stick.

1. Line the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the cookie bars out once they’re baked.
2. Lightly grease the parchment paper with a bit of cooking spray or butter. This extra step helps to ensure that the cookie bars come out perfectly.

Baking the Cookie Bars

Now that our batter is ready and our pan is prepped, it’s time to bake these beauties!

1. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top for that extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
3. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. I usually start checking at the 25-minute mark. The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps the cookie bars set up a bit more.

Assembling and Serving

After the cookie bars have cooled slightly, it’s time to cut and serve!

1. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the cookie bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. This makes it so much easier to cut them into squares.
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 based on how you like to serve them.
3. Transfer the cookie bars to a serving

   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 recommend pairing 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. Let’s spread the love for these cookie bars together! Happy baking! Print

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

   Print Recipe

   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!

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
   • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
   • Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x

   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)

   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, then 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. Switch to a spatula to gently fold in the flour.
   6. Fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts (if using), reserving a handful of chocolate chunks for topping.
   7. Line the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
   8. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
   9. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   10. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top.
   11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark. The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
   12. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
   13. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cookie bars out of the pan onto a cutting board.
   14. Cut into squares or rectangles (aim for about 24 bars).
   15. Transfer the cookie bars to a serving platter and enjoy!

   Notes

   • For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chunks.
   • These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.