Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These chocolate chip cookie bars combine everything you love about a classic cookie with the convenience of a pan bake. Think soft, slightly chewy centers with crisp edges, pockets of melty semi-sweet chocolate, and a warm buttery aroma that fills the kitchen the moment they come out of the oven. They are ideal for bake sales, potlucks, school lunches, or a simple weeknight dessert when you want something comforting without shaping dozens of cookies. If you enjoy seasonal spins on cookie classics, you might also like this take on pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that adds autumn flavor. These bars hold together well for easy slicing, travel nicely, and taste even better the next day after the flavors have settled.

Ingredients

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 and 1/4 cups provides structure for chewy, sturdy bars.
1 teaspoon baking soda, gives a bit of lift without over-expanding the bars.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, helps create a tender, slightly cake-like crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, adds rich butter flavor and fudgy texture.
1 cup packed light brown sugar, adds moisture and a subtle molasses note.
1/3 cup granulated sugar, helps with browning and a light crisp top.
1 large egg, at room temperature, provides structure and richness.
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature, adds extra chew and tenderness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, boosts overall flavor and aroma.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, provides melty chocolate pockets throughout.
Optional: sprinkle of flaky sea salt, for a bright contrast on top.

For inspiration on mixing cookie styles and textures, see this related recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Step-by-step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment hangs over two opposite sides for easy lifting later.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures even leavening and texture.
In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps remain. Whisk briskly so the sugars dissolve a bit into the warm butter.
Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until well combined. Make sure the egg is at room temperature to prevent the butter from seizing.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix; stop when you no longer see streaks of flour.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough. Reserve a few chips if you want to press extras on top before baking. For other cookie technique ideas, you can compare methods with the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer. Use a piece of parchment or your fingers lightly oiled to smooth the top.
If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and press some additional chocolate chips on top for a pretty finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-34 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Allow to cool in the pan for at least an hour before lifting out and cutting into squares. Cooling helps the bars set so they slice cleanly.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 to 34 minutes
Total Time: 45 to 49 minutes
Servings: About 16 squares
Calories: Approximately 266 kcal per serving

For other flavored chip cookie ideas, you might enjoy this take on caramel chocolate chip cookies.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips
- Use room temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly with the warm butter and sugars.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking. An offset spatula or a lightly greased piece of parchment works well.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- If you want a deeper cookie flavor, press additional chocolate chips on top before baking for extra melty pockets. For inspiration on butter flavor swaps, see browned butter pecan chocolate chip cookies.
Storage
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Freezing
- Freeze individual squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Variations using only existing ingredients
- Extra-chocolate: Stir all the chocolate chips into the dough and press extra chips on top before baking.
- Salted top: Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after pressing dough into pan for a sweet and salty contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bars are done?
The top should be lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use cold butter instead of melted butter?
This recipe is written for melted butter to give a fudgy texture. Using cold butter will change the dough structure and is not recommended.
Do I have to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a tender crumb. You can omit it, but the texture will be slightly less soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger or two pans, adjusting bake time as needed.
Why add an extra egg yolk?
The extra yolk adds richness and chew without excess moisture that a whole egg would introduce.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers the best parts of a cookie in simple squares. Perfect for sharing, they travel well and stay soft and flavorful for days when stored properly. If you want a softer, cake-like bar or a slightly different texture, check out this version for comparison at Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Preppy Kitchen. For another reliable take on chocolate chip bars, see this tried and true recipe at Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Our Best Bites. Try the recipe, slice a warm square, and share your results with friends and family for a cozy treat.