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To make these delicious chocolate chip cookie bars, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional) - Sea salt for sprinkling You can also consider adding some optional ingredients. For a fun twist, try using different types of chocolate chips. You can mix in dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for added flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Just remember, if you choose to add nuts, mix them in gently at the end. A sprinkle of sea salt on top will give your bars an extra flavor pop. This simple ingredient list makes it easy for you to bake these treats at home. You can find the full recipe above to guide you step by step. Enjoy preparing these delightful cookie bars! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars later. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside. 4. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together. Mix until creamy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. 5. Now, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs. Mix well after adding each egg. This helps create a smooth batter. 6. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the bars soft and chewy. 7. Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. 8. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. 9. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top for an extra flavor boost. 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. 11. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 12. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy your delicious cookie bars! To bake the best chocolate chip cookie bars, avoid common mistakes. One mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make your bars tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. Another mistake is not measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour leads to dry bars. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. To achieve the perfect texture, use room-temperature butter. Softened butter helps create a creamy mix. If your butter is too cold, it won’t mix well. Also, bake until the edges are golden brown. The center should have a few moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick. Want to boost the flavor of your cookie bars? You can use different types of chocolate. Try dark chocolate or milk chocolate for variety. Adding extracts is another great idea. Almond extract gives a unique twist. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. This enhances the sweet chocolate flavor. For more texture, consider adding nuts. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fresh taste. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free cookie bars, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends. These blends often contain rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the liquid in the recipe. A good rule is to use less liquid for almond flour. For gluten-free baking, add a binding agent. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as a substitute for eggs. This mix helps hold the bars together. For vegan cookie bars, replace eggs with flax eggs. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Instead of butter, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both provide a rich taste and texture. If you want to add a hint of flavor, use a dash of almond milk or oat milk. You can add fun flavors to your cookie bars. Try mixing in dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. Chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, also work great. For a festive touch, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Around the holidays, consider mixing in white chocolate chips or peppermint pieces for a seasonal twist. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy baking! To keep your chocolate chip cookie bars fresh, use an airtight container. This method keeps moisture in and air out. You can store the cookie bars at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh there for up to a week. Just remember, cold storage can change the texture slightly, making them a bit firmer. If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookie bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, take out what you need. Thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. Freezing may change the texture a bit. They might not be as soft as when fresh, but they'll still taste great! How long do chocolate chip cookie bars last? Chocolate chip cookie bars can last up to a week when stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. They may stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. Can I use frozen cookie dough for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cookie dough! Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it. If you have a store-bought dough, check the package for any specific instructions. It may affect the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them. Why are my cookie bars too dry? Dry cookie bars often happen due to too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure flour correctly. Use the spoon and level method instead of packing it down. Also, check your oven timer. If you bake them too long, they will dry out. What to do if the bars are undercooked? If your bars are undercooked, put them back in the oven right away. Bake them for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Check often to ensure they don't overbake. The edges should look golden brown, and the center should look set. In this blog post, I shared how to make tasty cookie bars. We covered all the key ingredients, detailed steps for mixing and baking, and expert tips to avoid common mistakes. You also learned about variations for gluten-free and vegan options, plus fun flavor twists. Storing your cookie bars properly can keep them fresh and delicious. Remember, small changes can lead to great results. Enjoy baking and experimenting with your cookie bars!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these decadent chocolate chip cookie bars that are easy to make and bursting with flavor! Made with buttery goodness, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt, these cookie bars are perfect for parties or a sweet everyday snack. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try! Click through now to explore the full recipe and satisfy your sweet tooth today!
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Ingredients
  

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and well combined (about 2-3 minutes).

        Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

            Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed through the dough.

              Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top for an extra flavor boost.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

                  Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for approximately 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Once fully cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your delicious cookie bars!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-16 bars