Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

why make this recipe

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deliver the best of both worlds: the familiar flavor of chocolate chip cookies with an easy, one-pan format that bakes into soft, chewy, ultra-gooey bars. They’re fast to mix, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home.

introduction

These bars feature a rich buttery base studded with plenty of melty chocolate chips. Baked in a 9×13 pan, they stay soft and slightly underbaked in the center for that irresistible gooey texture while the edges turn golden.

how to make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Make the batter by combining melted butter with sugars, then whisk in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined and fold in chocolate chips. Spread the batter in a prepared 9×13 pan and bake until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. Let cool before slicing so the bars hold together while staying gooey.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your gooey chocolate chip cookie bars!

how to serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Serve warm for maximum gooeyness. Top a square with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, sprinkle flaky sea salt for contrast, or pair with coffee or milk. Cut bars into 9–12 pieces depending on how generous you want servings to be.

how to store Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days — bring to room temp or warm briefly before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.

tips to make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Don’t overmix once you add the flour; overworking develops gluten and yields tougher bars.
• Check for doneness a few minutes before the lower end of baking time if you prefer extra gooey centers. The center should look slightly underdone when removed.
• Use a spatula to spread batter evenly, scraping the corners well to avoid thick or thin spots.
• For deeper flavor, substitute half the butter with browned butter.
• Try mixing different chocolate chips (semisweet, milk, or chunks) for varied texture and melt.

variation (if any)

• Add 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.
• Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut or 1/2 cup oats for chewiness.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Swap 1/2 cup of flour for finely ground almond flour for a slightly denser, nuttier bar.

FAQ

Q: How can I keep the center gooey but the edges set?
A: Remove the bars when the edges are golden and the center still jiggles slightly. Residual heat will finish setting while preserving gooeyness.

Q: Can I halve this recipe for a smaller pan?
A: Yes — halve all ingredients and use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan; reduce bake time and check early.

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes — reduce or omit additional salt if using salted butter to avoid excess saltiness.

Conclusion

For more ideas, variations, and step-by-step photos of Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, see Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Crazy for Crust.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars, perfect for any gathering or a cozy dessert at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips Can use semisweet, milk, or chunks

Method

 

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Baking the Bars

1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

For maximum gooeyness, serve warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months.