Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Featured in: Sweet Bakes & Treats

These cookie bars boast a delightfully soft and chewy texture, enriched with generous semisweet chocolate chips and a golden buttery crust. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, butter, sugars, and vanilla, they come together quickly and bake in under 30 minutes. Slightly underbaking ensures a gooey center that enhances the rich chocolate experience. Optional nuts add a crunchy contrast. Perfect for sharing or serving warm with vanilla ice cream, these bars satisfy any sweet craving.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:43:00 GMT
Warm, gooey The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, fresh from the oven, with melting chocolate. Save
Warm, gooey The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, fresh from the oven, with melting chocolate. | pixelforks.com

Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite and always disappears at gatherings

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, Optional 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl mix the melted butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 4:
Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined do not overmix.
Step 6:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Step 7:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 8:
Bake for 23–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
Step 9:
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool lift out and cut into bars.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Homemade The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, golden brown and ready to serve, perfect for dessert. Save
Homemade The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, golden brown and ready to serve, perfect for dessert. | pixelforks.com

This recipe always sparks joy and sweet memories whenever we bake it together

Notes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk Spatula Parchment paper Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter chocolate) and may contain tree nuts if added Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens

Close-up of The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, filled with chocolate chips, ideal for sharing. Save
Close-up of The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, filled with chocolate chips, ideal for sharing. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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Enjoy your delicious cookie bars with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the gooey texture in these bars?

To keep the bars gooey, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting in the pan as they cool. Avoid overbaking for best results.

Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap semisweet chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips to customize the flavor.

What is the best pan size to use?

A 9x13-inch baking pan works best to ensure even baking and proper thickness of the bars.

Are nuts required in this preparation?

Nuts are optional. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans adds texture but is not necessary for great flavor.

How should I store these bars for freshness?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; refrigerate if keeping longer.

Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Soft and chewy cookie bars with melty chocolate chips and a rich buttery crust.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

01 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
02 Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How-to Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, blend melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until creamy.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add chocolate chips and nuts: Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Step 07

Transfer batter to pan: Evenly spread the dough in the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 08

Bake bars: Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still soft.

Step 09

Cool and cut: Remove pan from oven and cool completely on wire rack. Lift bars out using parchment and cut into 16 portions.

Gear Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Details

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 295
  • Fats: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams