Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you have ever wished your favorite chocolate chip cookies were thicker, softer, and even more indulgent, these Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the golden, buttery edges of a classic cookie combined with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center like a brownie. Every bite is rich, tender, and loaded with warm, melty chocolate chips.

These cookie bars are perfect for bake sales, parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. They deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort — no scooping, no chilling, and no rolling dough required.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

Thick, soft, and gooey in the center with perfectly golden edges
Easier than traditional cookies — everything bakes in one pan
Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, and dessert trays
Customizable with nuts, dark chocolate, or caramel chips
Great warm or at room temperature

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or dark chocolate chunks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks just set but still slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes. Lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

Do not overbake — slightly underbaked centers create that gooey texture.
Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Let bars cool before cutting for clean edges.
Warm slightly before serving for fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Pair with cold milk or hot coffee for a cozy treat.
Crumble over ice cream sundaes or blend into milkshakes.
Wrap individually for bake sales, gifts, or lunchboxes.

Storage

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deliver everything you love about classic cookies — but bigger, softer, and more indulgent. With simple pantry ingredients and one baking pan, you can create a dessert that feels special yet effortless. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy every sweet craving.