Cookie Bars are a delicious treat enjoyed by many. They take the comforting flavors of traditional cookies and transform them into a thick, chewy bar. Every bite is a sweet delight that brings smiles. I remember when my mom would make these for special occasions and family gatherings. The smell as they baked was heavenly, filling the house with warmth. It didn’t take long for them to disappear! Just like my mom, you’ll find that Cookie Bars are worth trying. They are simple to make and always a hit with friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
What makes Cookie Bars special is their flexibility. They have all the flavors we love in cookies, but they come together so easily. Instead of scooping out cookie dough one by one, you can spread it in a pan and bake it all at once. This saves time and makes it perfect for busy households. Another great thing is how customizable they are. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to suit your taste or to use what you have at home.
In my family, Cookie Bars have become a tradition. Whenever there’s a party or gathering, these bars are on the dessert table. They are easy to share, making them great for potlucks or bake sales. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cookie bar fresh out of the oven? It’s a recipe that creates wonderful memories and family moments.
How to Make Cookie Bars
Making Cookie Bars is a breeze! First, you will pull out your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it makes sure your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, you’ll cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. This is when you start to feel excited as the sweet aromas fill your kitchen.
Next, you’ll add in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to blend well after each egg. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Then, it’s time to gently stir in the flour. Don’t feel rushed here; take your time! Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of soft.
Once your dough is ready, spread it evenly in a greased baking pan. The smell of the mixture alone will make your mouth water! When you pop it into the oven, wait patiently. The magical moment will arrive when your bars start to bake, releasing the lovely scent of sweet cookies. After 20 to 25 minutes, you should check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s time to remove the pan. Allow the bars to cool before cutting into them. The joy of serving these warm bars to friends and family feels amazing.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This ingredient adds richness and moisture to the cookie bars, making them soft and chewy.
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1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep sweetness and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
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3/4 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar contributes to the sweetness and helps the bars rise slightly.
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2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and give the bars their structure. You could use flax eggs for a vegan option.
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2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour forms the base of the dough. You can swap it for gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.
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1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookie bars rise and become fluffy.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
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1 cup chocolate chips (optional): These add delightful chocolatey bites!
Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your dietary needs. For instance, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by heating your oven. This ensures an even bake.
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Cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to blend the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time. Crack each egg into the bowl and mix well after adding each. This will add extra fluffiness to your bars.
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Gradually stir in the flour. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix in the flour and baking soda. Be gentle! Stop mixing when there are no flour streaks left. If you want to add chocolate chips or nuts, now is the time.
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Spread the dough in a greased pan. Choose a pan that is about 9×13 inches. Use a spatula to evenly spread the dough. This creates an even bake.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the bars around the 20-minute mark. You want the edges to be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean from the center.
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Let cool before cutting. Allow the bars to sit in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they will set up nicely and be easier to cut.
How to Serve Cookie Bars
Cookie Bars are fantastic on their own but can be even more delightful with some extras. You might consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a comforting dessert. They also pair well with a side of fresh fruit or a coffee for breakfast.
These treats are great for any occasion, too! They make an ideal dessert for a family movie night, or you can bring them to a friend’s house when visiting. For holiday parties, arrange them on a festive plate and watch them disappear quickly.
How to Store Cookie Bars
If you have leftover Cookie Bars (which is rare), you should store them properly to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container, and they will stay good for about a week at room temperature.
If you want to save them for later, consider freezing the bars. Cut them into squares and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, take out a bar and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Cookie Bars
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Soften the butter well. This helps it blend nicely with the sugars to create a light and airy texture.
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Use fresh ingredients. Make sure your baking soda is fresh; this helps your bars rise properly.
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Don’t overmix! Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep your bars soft and chewy.
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Check for doneness. Use a toothpick to determine whether your bars are done baking. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
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Cut when cool. Allow the bars to fully cool before slicing; this will help you get nice, clean edges.
Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars: Swap out chocolate chips for chunks of your favorite chocolate bars for a more decadent treat.
- Nutty Cookie Bars: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Oatmeal Cookie Bars: Stir in some rolled oats to give the bars extra texture and chewiness. This can be great next to fall flavors like cinnamon.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Cookie Bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: To reheat your Cookie Bars, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make them gooey and delicious again!
Q: Can I use a different flour?
A: Yes! You can use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be tasty!
Creating and sharing Cookie Bars can be a heartwarming experience filled with love and happiness. So the next time you’re in a baking mood, remember this simple recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Print
Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously thick and chewy Cookie Bars that blend the comforting flavors of traditional cookies into an easy-to-make bar, perfect for sharing at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually stir in the flour and baking soda until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pair with fruit or coffee. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cookie bars, dessert, baking, sweet treats, easy dessert