There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the smell of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies—but what if you could enjoy that same classic flavor in a thick, gooey, shareable square? Enter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—the perfect dessert for when you want the satisfaction of homemade cookies without all the scooping and baking in batches.

These bars are soft in the center, golden at the edges, and absolutely loaded with melty chocolate chips. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is foolproof, fast, and guaranteed to deliver delicious results every time.

There are plenty of reasons why Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are quickly becoming a go-to dessert in many homes:

Quick to make: No need to chill dough or bake multiple batches.
One pan = less cleanup: Everything goes into a single baking dish.
Perfect texture: Soft and chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on top.
Great for sharing: Cut into squares and serve a crowd with ease.

If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies but want a simpler method with the same indulgent taste, these bars are exactly what you need.

While the flavor is nearly identical to traditional cookies, the texture and prep are what set cookie bars apart.

Thicker and gooier: Bars tend to be softer and more decadent than individual cookies.
No scooping required: You spread the dough into a pan instead of portioning out dozens of cookies.
Less time-consuming: All the baking happens in one go.

Think of them as the more relaxed, low-effort sibling of the classic chocolate chip cookie—with equally delicious results.

Here’s everything you’ll need to bake a rich, buttery batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

These pantry staples come together to create a perfectly sweet, chewy bar with gooey chocolate in every bite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these cookie bars, you don’t need any fancy tools—just basic kitchen essentials:

9×13-inch baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper (optional but recommended)

This straightforward setup makes these bars perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of crowd-pleasing Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—do not overmix.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Press Into Pan

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth the surface.

6. Bake

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

7. Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. This allows them to set and hold their shape better when sliced.

Use melted butter for rich flavor and chewy texture. Just make sure it’s slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and cleaner edges.
Don’t overbake—the bars should look just set in the center. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Press extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.

Want a crispier top and chewy center? Bake closer to 28 minutes. Prefer firmer bars? Bake up to 32 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have room for error. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly bars. Always check a few minutes early.
Not cooling before slicing: The bars may fall apart if you cut them while hot.
Skipping the parchment: Makes it harder to remove the bars cleanly from the pan.
Using cold eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and evenly.

By avoiding these, you’ll guarantee your cookie bars turn out perfect every time.

Easy Variations and Creative Add-ins

Want to change things up? Here are some delicious ideas:

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet
Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist
Swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking
Mix in white chocolate or butterscotch chips

This recipe is a great base for customizing to your taste or the occasion.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

These bars are as versatile as they are tasty. Here’s how to serve them:

Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
On a dessert tray for parties or holidays
Wrapped individually for lunchbox treats or edible gifts
Cut into mini squares for bite-size sweet table options

Serve them on a rustic wooden board or tiered dessert tray to impress guests.

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to a week.
Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture.

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pair beautifully with all kinds of non-alcoholic treats:

Cold milk (a classic for a reason!)
Hot chocolate or mocha
Iced coffee or oat milk latte
Herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile
Fruit smoothies or milkshakes

Whether it’s a cozy evening or a midday pick-me-up, these pairings enhance the rich flavor of the bars.

Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but baking time will vary. An 8×8-inch pan will make thicker bars and take longer to bake.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Why are my bars too dry?
Most likely, they were overbaked. Check your oven temp and start checking at 28 minutes.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked bars?
Absolutely. Press the dough into the pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

Whether you’re baking for a group or indulging in a treat for yourself, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the answer. With their golden edges, gooey centers, and pools of melty chocolate, they’re guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth. Best of all, they come together quickly and disappear just as fast!