Name: Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Is there anything more comforting than a pan of homemade Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars cooling on your kitchen counter? These irresistible bars are everything you adore about classic cookies, but made even simpler and more indulgent. Each bite delivers that melt-in-your-mouth, chocolate-studded perfection—with a satisfyingly crisp edge and a decadently soft center. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, celebrating something sweet at home, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars promise a flavor-packed experience that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with straightforward pantry staples, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—the result is all about layers of flavor, gooey texture, and that signature golden color. Each ingredient brings its own touch, ensuring these bars are everything you crave in a homemade treat.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Creates that rich, tender crumb and deep buttery flavor that makes these bars so irresistible.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds caramel-like depth and moisture, lending to the bars’ signature chewy center.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness and helps get those perfectly crisped edges.
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and give the bars structure while keeping them deliciously soft.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Elevates every other flavor and brings that classic cookie aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation for thick, sturdy bars with just the right amount of chewiness.
Baking soda (½ tsp): Gives lift and ensures a beautifully tender texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances all the sweetness and pops the chocolate flavor.
Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star ingredient, providing pools of gooey chocolate in every single bite.
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping): A sprinkle on top adds an elevated touch and intensifies those rich chocolate notes.

How to Make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this little step means your bars will lift out effortlessly and give you easy, clean squares every time.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well blended. This is where the magic starts—melting the butter means extra-fudgy bars down the line.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is combined into a harmonious, silky batter. The eggs help with structure, while the vanilla sets a cozy, inviting mood that will fill your kitchen as the bars bake.

Step 4: Stir Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them separately first ensures you won’t get any sneaky lumps and that your bars bake up evenly in every corner of the pan.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to cakey bars, so keep it light for that dreamy gooey texture.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

This is when your Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars really come to life! Fold in the chocolate chips so they’re nice and evenly distributed, ensuring you’ll get melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, watching closely as the edges turn golden while the center stays just set. Remember, don’t overbake—slightly underbaked bars are the secret to gooey perfection.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing to help them hold their shape. If you love that sweet-salty combo, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while the bars are still warm. Then slice, serve, and let the chocolatey joy begin!

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For that bakery-style flair, I love a light dusting of flaky sea salt or a gentle drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on each square is always a good decision too—especially when you want to turn a simple treat into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot espresso, or even a raspberry coulis for a fruity twist. They also go beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a light yet luscious contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into different shapes using a cookie cutter for festive occasions, or layer them in jars with ice cream for decadent parfaits. For parties, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine—they make charming little gifts or party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long! Just keep the lid tight to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for planning ahead. Arrange the cooled bars in layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

For that straight-from-the-oven gooeyness, microwave a bar on a microwave-safe plate for about 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate gets soft and melty again, and your kitchen will smell heavenly all over. If you’re reheating a larger batch, a few minutes in a low oven will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to keep your Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars perfectly balanced. Salted butter can add a fun extra punch of flavor if that’s your preference.

What kind of chocolate can I use?

While classic semisweet chips are the go-to, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even a mix for a unique twist. You can also add chopped nuts or swirls of caramel for extra decadence.

Why are my cookie bars cakey instead of gooey?

This usually happens if the bars are overbaked or the dough was overmixed. For best results, pull them from the oven when the center is just set, and always mix the batter just until the flour disappears.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for optimal texture.

How do I cut clean squares without a mess?

Let the bars cool completely or even chill them briefly before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts—this will help create those neat, bakery-style squares everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong cookie lover or just searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are your new go-to. Every pan is packed with comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of magic. Trust me—bake them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, loaded with chocolate chips and a hint of sea salt for a delectable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Topping:

Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake: Spread dough in the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Do not overbake for gooey bars. Let cool before slicing. Add sea salt if desired.