Description
Chocolate chip cookie bars bring comfort and nostalgia to sweet cravings with minimal effort. Quick mixing and simple baking make these bars a perfect dessert for busy home bakers seeking delicious shortcuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 175C (350F). Create a non-stick surface in an 8×8-inch pan using parchment paper with extended edges for effortless removal.
- Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and uniform. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, stirring until completely blended.
- In a separate container, thoroughly mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Delicately fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to create an even layer. Optionally, scatter additional chocolate chips across the surface for extra decadence.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly soft center as indicators of perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool within the pan for approximately 15 minutes. This resting period helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
- Lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper overhang. Slice into square portions and serve either warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize chocolate chips by mixing different varieties like milk, dark, and white for a complex flavor profile.
- Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or sea salt to elevate the basic recipe and create unique textures.
- Ensure butter is completely melted but not hot when mixing to prevent scrambling the egg and maintain smooth dough consistency.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to one month for extended enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 201
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg