Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

this RECIPE

Introduction to Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Life can be a whirlwind, especially for busy moms and professionals like us. When you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between, finding time to whip up a delicious dessert can feel impossible. That’s where these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come to the rescue! They’re not just any cookie bars; they are a rich, chocolatey delight that’s quick to prepare. Picture this: gooey chocolate chips melting in your mouth after only a few bites, bringing a smile to your loved ones’ faces. Trust me, these are sure to impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the epitome of convenience and taste. In just 41 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering treat that satisfies any sweet tooth. Whether you need a quick dessert for unexpected guests or a delightful snack for the kids, these bars are perfect. Plus, they’re packed with rich chocolate flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into what makes these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars such a sweet success. Gather these key ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to chocolate paradise!

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it ensures a creamy texture that binds everything beautifully.
• Light Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the deep chocolate flavor, giving the bars a wonderful crunch.
• Large Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agents, helping create that gooey, fudgy consistency we all adore.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds warmth and depth, making the bars taste even more decadent.
• All-Purpose Flour: A must for structure, it creates the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers an intense chocolate flavor. Make sure it’s unsweetened to keep that rich essence.
• Baking Soda: This little leavener helps the bars rise slightly, keeping them from being overly dense.
• Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate flavor to another level.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Be generous with these! They’re the star of the show, providing that delightful melty texture. You’ll need two and a half cups, but feel free to adjust to your liking.

For the exact quantities of each ingredient, check the end of the article, where you’ll find a handy printable version!

How to Make Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—baking these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! Follow my step-by-step guide for delicious results, and remember to enjoy the process!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, grab a 9 x 13 inch pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides a bit. This makes removing the bars later a breeze. Trust me, no one wants to battle with a sticky pan!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Now, let’s cream our butter and sugars together. In a stand mixer bowl, combine one cup of softened unsalted butter, one cup of light brown sugar, and half a cup of granulated sugar. Cream this mixture for about three minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Breathe in that sweet aroma—it’s heavenly!

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Time to add some magic! Crack in two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This little step makes a world of difference, adding that lovely warmth to your bars.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together two and three-quarters cups of all-purpose flour, three-quarters of a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, and one teaspoon of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before we combine it with the wet mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Do this in batches, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Mix just until blended—overmixing can make your bars tough. We’re aiming for decadence here!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now, for the pièce de résistance! Gently fold in two and a half cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let’s be honest; more chocolate is always better! Feel free to pinch a few chips for yourself; no one’s watching.

Step 7: Press Dough into Pan

Using your hands or a piece of parchment paper, press the sticky dough evenly into your prepared pan. If life gets messy, lightly coat your hands with nonstick cooking spray. We want even layers, so every bar is perfectly chewy and chocolatey.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for that extra gooeyness. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center can still look a little soft. A little underbaking equals fudginess, which is just how I like it!

Step 9: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Patience pays off! Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Slice them into squares and get ready for some serious dessert applause. Enjoy every bite of these delicious Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Tips for Success

• Keep ingredients at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and cocoa.
• Don’t overmix after adding the flour; a few lumps are okay!
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate.

Equipment Needed

For these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Stand Mixer: An electric mixer works too if you don’t have one.
• 9 x 13 Inch Baking Pan: A glass or metal pan both work well.
• Parchment Paper: If you’re out, using foil with a light spray of cooking oil will do just fine.
• Mixing Bowls: Grab a medium bowl for your dry ingredients.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk for mixing and a spatula for scraping down the sides!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, the beauty of these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in their versatility. Here are a few delightful variations you might want to try:

• Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for that extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Minty Fresh: Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract, and swap some chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips. It’ll give your bars a refreshing twist!
• Double Chocolate: For the true chocolate lovers, consider adding an extra half cup of cocoa powder. It ramps up the chocolate flavor significantly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Your bars will still be just as fudgy and delicious!
• Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You’ll have a vegan delight without losing flavor!

Experimenting with these variations can lead to new favorite versions, keeping the joy of baking alive in your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect on their own, but pairing them can elevate your dessert experience. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee makes the perfect companion. Enjoy them at parties or cozy family gatherings!

FAQs about Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

As with any beloved recipe, I’m sure you have a few questions swirling in your mind. Let’s tackle some common ones about these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars so you can bake with confidence!

Can I use dairy-free chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using dairy-free chocolate chips is a great way to make these bars suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. They’ll taste just as delicious!

How should I store the leftover bars?

To keep them fresh, store your Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, pop them in the fridge!

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

You bet! Let the bars cool completely, then slice them up. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, perfect for an instant chocolate fix anytime!

What if I want my bars to be less sweet?

If you’re aiming for a less sweet treat, try reducing the granulated sugar a little. You can even opt for dark chocolate chips, which can cut down on the overall sweetness while still delivering rich, chocolatey goodness.

Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

Of course! If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, consider using flax eggs as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg needed. This will work beautifully in creating the gooey texture we all love!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is like wrapping your kitchen in a warm, chocolatey hug. The process brings a sense of joy and accomplishment, making it perfect for any busy mom or professional looking to add a bit of sweetness to their day.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them with loved ones, each bite is a reminder of life’s simple pleasures. These bars aren’t just desserts; they’re little moments of joy you can create and savor together. So, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic commence!

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