Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Author: Lora

Published: June 21, 2025

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Introduction to Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Welcome to the delightful world of Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! If you’re like me, juggling family, work, and everything in between, you crave recipes that are quick yet indulgent. These bars hit the sweet spot, mixing rich chocolate with gooey chocolate chips—a treat that can brighten even the busiest of days.

Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a gathering or a comforting snack after a long day, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Let’s dive into making these delightful cookie bars that will win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly a mom’s best friend! They come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy schedules. The combination of rich chocolate and melty chocolate chips creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love. Plus, they make perfect goodies for school bake sales or casual family nights. Trust me, they’ll disappear before you know it!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating delicious Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it ensures the bars stay tender and rich.
Light Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a delightful caramel note to our bars.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help achieve that irresistible crust.
Large Eggs: They provide structure and binding, creating a chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A must for enhancing the flavors and making every bite heavenly.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our bars; it provides stability and balance.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is the star ingredient that brings rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent to help the bars rise slightly during baking.
Salt: It elevates the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The more, the merrier! These will melt beautifully and create pockets of chocolate joy.

For optimal results, using room-temperature ingredients is key. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a slightly healthier alternative. Remember, the specific quantities for each ingredient are listed at the bottom of the article and are available for printing.

How to Make Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to have the right temperature to achieve those perfectly baked Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Take a moment to line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes for a simple removal later—no sticky mess, I promise!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Now, in the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the room-temperature unsalted butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the mix, giving your cookie bars a delightful texture. You want them to be chewy, not dense!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, crack in those large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smoothly combined. This step amplifies the flavor, elevating your chocolate experience to new heights. A thorough mix ensures that every bar bursts with that comforting taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This blending of dry ingredients helps to disperse the baking soda evenly, prepping them to work their magic during baking. Trust me; this step is often overlooked but equally important!

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

With your mixer set on low, carefully add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in batches. It’s vital to mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and no one wants that! Remember, we’re going for deliciously soft and chewy here.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now comes the best part! Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Save the remaining cup for later! This folding technique is key to keeping the cookie bars soft and tender while adding those luscious melted chocolate pockets. They’re well worth the wait!

Step 7: Press Dough into Pan

Using your hands or a sheet of parchment paper to avoid stickiness, press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Make sure it fills the corners but don’t compress it too much. A gentle touch will keep your bars from becoming too dense. We want them soft and dreamy!

Step 8: Sprinkle Remaining Chocolate Chips

Next up, sprinkle those last chocolate chips on top. Let your creativity shine here! This little step not only enhances the presentation but also gives you more of that gooey chocolate experience. Trust me; your guests will appreciate the extra touch!

Step 9: Baking Time

Time to pop the pan into the oven! Bake for 22-26 minutes, watching closely as the edges set while the center looks just about set—it shouldn’t be jiggly. Remember, your Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will continue to cook a bit more outside of the oven thanks to residual heat!

Step 10: Cooling and Slicing

Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is vital to achieving perfect slices. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slicing them into squares is easier now, and you won’t end up with a crumbly mess. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips for Success

Always use room-temperature butter for a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t overmix the dough; a gentle hand preserves that sought-after softness.
Experiment with chocolate chip varieties—milk chocolate, dark, or even white chocolate!
For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Equipment Needed

Stand Mixer: A hand mixer works too if you don’t have a stand mixer.
9 x 13 Baking Pan: Any similarly sized pan will suffice in a pinch.
Parchment Paper: Aluminum foil can be used, but parchment ensures easier removal.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of different sizes will make mixing effortless.
Whisk and Spatula: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and folding chocolate chips.

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Incorporate ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter for a sweet and salty twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Mint Chocolate: Mix in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor boost.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Layer cookie dough on the bottom and bake for an indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Pair these bars with a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful dessert sundae.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a touch of elegance.
Bring to picnics or potlucks—your friends will love sharing them!
Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a festive presentation at parties.

FAQs about Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making or enjoying these delightful Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely! Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

What’s the best way to store them?

Keep your Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, try refrigerating them, but I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I substitute ingredients if I’m out of something?

For sure! If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine, but the taste may vary slightly. Also, feel free to experiment with alternative sugars or flours to fit dietary needs. Just be mindful of how those substitutions might affect texture!

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges of the bars should look set while the center should look slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Trust your senses—if they smell incredible, it’s a good sign!

What can I do if the bars turn out too dry?

If you find your cookie bars are on the dry side, it may be a sign of overbaking or too much flour. In the future, be sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down. You can also enjoy the bars warm with ice cream to counteract dryness!

Final Thoughts on Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There you have it! These Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple joys and cherished moments. Each bite is a little piece of happiness, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. I love how easy they are to make, turning ordinary days into something special. Plus, watching loved ones savor the rich chocolate goodness is a delight that warms my heart. So gather your ingredients and make these bars—your loved ones will thank you, and you might just create a new family favorite!