Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for when you’re craving chocolate chip cookies but want something just a little bit easier! Simply make the batter and press it into a pan, instead of rolling each individual cookie.
I can’t believe the school year is so close to being over! Lars is done with kindergarten next week, which is crazy, and Soren is done tomorrow. One thing we’ve tried to do every week or so is make our bus driver a treat because, well, he deserves it! He is such a great guy and I will truly miss seeing him every day! This weeks treat? Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
What You’ll Need
Unsalted Butter
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
All-Purpose Flour
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – dark or milk chocolate would also work!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
To start, make sure your butter is at room temperature. To do this quickly, I like using this trick. In a large bowl with an electric beater or mixer, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s creamy, about 1 minute. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
Next, add the instant pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and beat to combine. Add the flour and beat until well combined, followed by the chocolate chips. Spread the batter into a 9×13″ baking dish and bake the bars in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes. The top will be golden brown. Let them cool. If you want to eat them warm, cut them into bars after about 10 minutes. When they’re warm, you will likely need a fork or a spoon to eat them. They are delicious warm topped with ice cream! If you want them a bit firmer and easier to eat with your hands, let them cool completely.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Questions
What is the purpose of the pudding mix? The pudding mix adds extra vanilla flavor, along with keeping the bars soft and moist. I use it in this cookie recipe, too, which makes really soft and delicious chocolate chip cookies!
Can different pudding mix flavors be used? Definitely! You could use chocolate pudding mix to make these more brownie-like, or butterscotch and cheesecake pudding mix would be delicious, too.
Can different chips be used? Yes. I use semi-sweet chocolate chips but you could also use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, or really any kind that you prefer. You could also add nuts or chopped candy, if you would like.
How should I store these? These bars should be stored covered in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.