Super Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
The best chocolate chip cookie bars are irresistibly soft and chewy with a golden-brown, slightly crisp edge. They’re loaded with gooey, melted chocolate chips in every bite, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a rich buttery flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup shortening
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by either greasing it or lining it with parchment. paper or foil for easy removal. If using foil, spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup shortening, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup packed brown sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the bowl and continue beating for another 2 minutes, until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes. For extra soft and chewy bars, remove them at the 15-minute mark—they may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they'll continue setting as they cool.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. To speed up the cooling process, place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time.