# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
05 - 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
09 - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
10 - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, blend melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips and nuts if using.
07 - Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is just set, taking care not to overbake for optimally gooey bars.
09 - Remove from oven, cool completely on a wire rack in the pan, then lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
