Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Bars

Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite during holiday gatherings and birthday parties.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• Dry Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Dry Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• Wet Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar
• Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, room temperature
• Wet Ingredients: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• Add-Ins: Optional: 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

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Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5:

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Step 7:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8:

Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).

Step 9:

Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out and cut into bars.

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

Check price on Amazon

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These bars always bring my family together, creating sweet memories with every bite.

Notes

Swap semisweet chips for milk, dark, or white chocolate. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added. Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens.

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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.

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Enjoy your ultimate gooey cookie bars with friends and family for the perfect sweet treat.

Cooking Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve a gooey texture in these bars?

To get the perfect gooey center, slightly underbake the bars and allow them to finish setting in the pan after removal from the oven.

→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, semisweet chocolate chips can be swapped with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

→ What pan size is recommended for baking?

A 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper helps ensure even cooking and easy removal.

→ Are nuts necessary in this preparation?

Nuts are optional; adding chopped walnuts or pecans provides extra texture and flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

→ How can I add a gourmet touch to these bars?

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavor with a subtle contrast to the sweetness.