Irresistible Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Indulging in a batch of Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is like wrapping yourself in a warm, gooey hug. Picture this: thick, chewy bars studded with melty chocolate chips, each bite bursting with rich, buttery flavor. The sweet aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone in the house circling like hungry hawks, eagerly anticipating the first taste.

You might even find yourself reminiscing about childhood baking adventures, when flour explosions were a regular occurrence and licking the bowl was the ultimate prize. These cookie bars aren’t just desserts; they’re a celebration of joy, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Get ready for an experience that’ll have you shouting, “Who needs fancy pastries when I can have these divine bars?”

I remember the first time I made these cookie bars; they vanished faster than I could say “chocolate chip.” My friends gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation, and I swear I saw one friend perform a happy dance after the first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create that chewy center everyone loves.

• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and creates that delightful crispness on top.

• Brown Sugar: Choose dark brown sugar for richer flavor and moisture; it’s key to those chewy edges.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened; room temperature butter blends beautifully into the dough.

• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together perfectly; room temperature eggs mix better.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for deep flavor; it elevates your cookie bars to another level.

• Baking Soda: This leavening agent gives your cookie bars just the right lift as they bake.

• Salt: A pinch enhances flavors and balances out all the sweetness from the sugars.

• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic but feel free to mix in some dark or milk chocolate!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, melt your unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in pure vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts happening!

Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips: Now comes the best part! Fold in those glorious chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top—a toothpick inserted should come out slightly sticky.

These steps will guide you through creating incredible Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are bound to impress! Remember to keep an eye on them near the end of baking time so they don’t overcook. Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Preheat your oven, mix your ingredients, and bake until golden brown for optimal results. This ensures even cooking and that irresistible gooey center everyone loves.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors wonderfully, making every bite memorable.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Baking these bars reminds me of family gatherings where laughter was plentiful and cookies disappeared faster than I could keep up. It’s those sweet moments that make baking so rewarding.

FAQ

What makes Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars different from regular cookies?

These bars combine the best of cookies and brownies with their chewy texture and rich flavors.

Can I freeze Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Yes, they freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center; they’ll continue to cook as they cool down.

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Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Indulge in the warmth of Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, where gooey chocolate meets chewy goodness in every bite. These irresistible bars are quick to prepare, making them a delightful treat for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy nights at home. With their rich buttery flavor and melty chocolate chips, they are sure to become a family favorite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix in granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
4. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown with a slightly sticky toothpick when tested.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (73g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For a unique twist, substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit. Enhance flavors by adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.