Jump to Recipe·4.9 from 7 reviews
Your search for the best cookie bar recipes is over! You will LOVE this easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe, along with the thousands of others who have tried and loved this recipe!
this awesome idea!
Meet the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar!
It's pretty bold to claim something as the best, but these chewy chocolate chip cookie bars really are the very best.
Especially if you want the deliciousness of homemade chocolate chip cookies with less than 10 minutes of hands-on-time.
These cookie bars recipe have been a favorite in our house forever now...and I'm so excited to share this recipe with you.
Why you'll love these cookie bars
You are not alone in wanting soft & chewy chocolate chip cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
Because between work, homework, and housework, there just always isn't time to have hours making cookies.
But that doesn't mean you can't have warm cookies from the oven with minimal effort.
That is why you'll love these chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie dough bars.
You can still enjoy the comfort of homemade cookies without needing to roll out each one! Seriously. Isn't that the best news?
Forget the chocolate chip cookie bars with cake mix- you can have these from scratch in under 30 minutes!
- They turn out perfect every single time I make them in my favorite inexpensive 9x13 pan.
- These cookie bars have a delicious flavor.
- The consistency is perfect-not too soft, not too hard, just right.
- They look pretty perfect when you cut them up.
- The bars can be made in advance and stored for a day or two.
- All of the ingredients are standard, basic ingredients you'll have on hand in your pantry.
- These cookie bars are freezer-friendly! You can make them ahead of time and freeze them.
Short on time? Pin this for later!
Perfect for any occasion
This chocolate chip cookie bars recipe is one you'll want to pin, print and keep up your sleeve all year long. It's the perfect go-to treat recipe when you need one for:
- lunchboxes & after-school snacks
- baby & bridal showers
- family gatherings
- cookie exchange
- Sunday night desserts
- quick dessert for a new mom
- the first day of school
Save this recipe for ANYTIME you need easy chocolate chip bars.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 9x13 pan= no rolling out!
You don't need to roll out individual chocolate chip cookies with this best chocolate chip bars recipe. Put all the dough into a 9x13 pan (*aff. link) and you'll have 2 dozen baked in no time!
With only 10 minutes of hands-on time, you'll end up with square chocolate cookies without tons of work.
Directions
You don't need to be a professional baker to have success with these cookie bars, but here are a few steps you'll want to be sure to follow to ensure they turn out perfectly.
STEP 1- CREAM BUTTER & SUGARS
Cream the softened butter and sugars for a few minutes until you get a mixture that looks like this. Make sure it's light and fluffy.
STEP 2- ADD DRY INGREDIENTS
Then add in the flour and dry ingredients and give it a good mix. Your dough should now look like this:
Hint: I never sift the flour and dry ingredients together first because that's just one extra bowl to clean. However, just make sure that you add the flour first, and then add the other dry ingredients onto the pile of flour. Stir quickly with a dry spoon to "sift" and then mix all together.
STEP 3- STIR IN CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Stir in the chocolate chips. There is no need to measure the amount of chocolate chips out. Just pour straight form the bag until you've added enough to your liking. I usually use about 2 cups.
This dough only takes about 5-7 minutes to make! Super fast and easy!
STEP 4- PLACE DOUGH IN PAN
With the dough all made, you're ready to bake! Spray your 9x13 pan pan with your favorite cooking spray. I use Vegalene cooking spray because it has less junk in it than typical spray. And the big can lasts forever.
Firmly press your dough into the pan so that the dough is evenly distributed. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for good measure!
STEP 5- BAKE
Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. *See the FAQ for more details about this temperature and time!
Serving instructions
Eat the cookie bars straight from the pan. Or try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Store the rest for your party or gathering. Just pop the 9x13 pan (*aff. link) lid on top and you're set to go!
FAQ
Can I bake best chocolate chip cookie bars in a glass pan?
If a glass baking dish (like a Pyrex pan) is all you have, don't let that stop you. However, the cookie bars will have softer edges if you bake them in a glass pan.
I prefer the firm, crisp edges that my 9x13 pan give these cookie bars.
My dough is dry and crumbly. What do I do?
Some readers have said their dough is too crumbly. I have never had this problem. But, if you do, you can add an extra egg or reduce the flour. I live at high altitude, so if you are at a lower elevation, you may need to adjust how much flour you use.
Can I double the cookie bar recipe?
Yes, of course! This best chocolate chip cookie bar recipe doubles perfectly. See the notes below for tips on how to double it.
How many cookies does one batch make?
This recipe will make 24 (2 dozen) good-sized cookie bars. You can cut them smaller to make bite-sized portions that are cute for baby showers or gatherings if you need to feed a larger group.
Can I freeze cookie bars?
Absolutely! These chocolate cookie bars freeze perfectly. Make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Even a Ziploc bag will do! Store in the freezer up to 2 months.
What pan should I use?
I always bake my cookie bars inthis 9x13 Nordic Ware baking panfrom Amazon. I have tried a few other pans, but without question, they always turn out better in this pan. A great pan makes all the difference! I've had this pan for 12 years now and it's still holding up strong.
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?
No! I've made them with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, holiday M&Ms, toffee bits, dark chocolat chunks. The sky is the limit!
How long should I bake cookie bars?
Plan to bake these cookie bars for about 25 minutes. (I live at high altitude, so you may need to adjust a few minutes.) The chocolate chip pan cookies will be done when they are a golden brown color.
As with any other chocolate chip cookie recipe, if you prefer cookies more gooey, remove a few minutes early.
Tips for doubling the recipe
Need to a dessert to feed a crowd? Here's a few tips if you plan to double the chocolate chip cookie bar recipe.
- Use a Bosch (*aff. link) or extra large mixing bowl (you'll have over 6 cups of flour plus other ingredients.)
- A double batch will make 2, 9x13 pans or a baker's half sheet (*aff. link) plus an 8x8 baking dish worth of cookies.
- Add 3-5 extra minutes of baking time for the baker's half sheet (*aff. link).
Best baking chips to use
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to because I always have a big bag of Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chipsor Nestle on handbecause they are affordable, but good quality.
Other good combinations:
- milk + semi-sweet
- butterscotch + semi-sweet
- semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate + toffee bits
- white-chocolate chips
- holiday colored M&Ms
Tip
Keep chocolate chips and other mix-ins in the freezer to keep them fresher longer.
Easy gift idea!
This recipe is loved by hundreds of thousands of people, so why not give this as a gift? This recipe paired with this perfect inexpensive cookie bar pan IS the easiest gift ever. It's perfect for:
- a bridal shower
- a housewarming gift
- a Christmas gift
- a wedding gift
- a Favorite Things party (because these are quickly going to be your favorite thing. )
GET THE BEST COOKIE BAR PAN:
AND THEN ATTACH THIS FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD:
Other "best" recipes to try
- Best Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars (quick and simple and ohhh so good!)
- The BEST Easy Chocolate Cake
- Easy Homemade Oreos Everyone Loves
Please leave a 5-Star Rating!
After you make this recipe, will you pretty please leave a 5-star rating? This will help others find this amazing recipe! Thanks SO much! ♡
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4.9 from 7 reviews
- Author: Melissa-So Festive!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
2 dozen chocolate chip cookies with no rolling out! This recipe will quickly become a go-to when you need to feed a crowd in a hurry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup butter or margarine, at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- ¾ tsp. salt
- ¾ tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or more if desired)
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla together until light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs. Mix well.
- Stir in flour, salt and baking soda until combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired.
- Spread on greased 9x13 pan (*aff. link). Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-28 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top. Check the cookie bars after 20 minutes, but they may need an additional 5-8 minutes depending on your oven.
Notes
Feel free to substitute any type of baking chip you like. Great varieties include: butterscotch, dark chocolate, white chocolate or even holiday m&m's are great mixins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
