Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bring the best of both worlds—chewy edges and a soft, gooey center—in every bite. These bars are packed with rich, melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden-brown base that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 50 minutes.
With only 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the heavenly aroma as they bake. The warm, caramelized edges and tender middle create a delightful contrast, while the chocolate bursts with sweetness. Whether for dessert, a snack, or a treat with coffee, these bars are pure comfort in every slice.
What You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- ½ cup almond flour (spooned and leveled; can substitute with more all-purpose flour if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 packed cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
- ½ cup melted butter or melted coconut oil (use coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet, depending on taste)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top; optional but recommended)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Line the greased dish with parchment paper on all sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, sea salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty finish.
- Bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
- Allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars and serving.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy treat, pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Pro tip: Drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent dessert!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try mixing in a tablespoon of espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Baking Made Easy: Time-Saving Tips
To streamline the process, measure and prep all your ingredients before starting. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to combine the wet and dry ingredients quickly. Short on time? Skip the parchment paper and simply grease the pan well—just be sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ cup almond flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 packed cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter or melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup dark chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Line the greased baking dish with parchment paper on all sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and almond flours, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, and use a spatula to spread it evenly to the pan’s edges. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing and serving.