You are absolutely going to LOVE these easy and delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, along with 500,000+ others who have pinned this recipe.

Be sure to check to check out the FAQ at the end of this post, photo instructions + recipes for a few other crowd favorites you’ll want to have up your sleeve. 

Meet the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar recipe!

And yes, I mean the best. I rarely claim something to be the “best”  but in this case (and the World’s Best Chocolate Cake), I will.  Just look at these chocolate chip cookie bars.

Time Saving Recipe-No Need For Individual Cookies

I originally posted this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar recipe for May 15th–National Chocolate Chip Day. Did you know such a holiday existed? It’s true. A day dedicated to chocolate chips calls for a delicious way to celebrate.

If you don’t have time to make individual chocolate chip cookies, then this recipe is just for you!

This chocolate chip cookie bar recipe is one you’ll want to keep up your sleeve all year long.

Perfect for:

• lunchboxes & after-school snacks
• baby & bridal showers
• family gatherings
• Sunday night desserts
• quick dessert for someone

The Easiest Gift Idea!

This recipe is loved by hundreds of thousands of people, so why not give this as a gift? This recipe paired with the perfect cheap cookie bar pan would be so fun for:

• a bridal shower
• a housewarming gift
• a Christmas gift
• a Favorite Things party (because these are quickly going to be your favorite thing. )

Grab the Free Printable Recipe Card

Really, ANYTIME you need a fast dessert but want that delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie taste, this is it! 

So What’s So Great About These Cookie Bars?

Personally, I have never been a huge fan of chocolate chip cookie bars. Most of the recipes I’ve tried are dry, crumbly, and the flavor doesn’t do it for me.

Until now.

I was flipping through our family recipe book when I came across this cookie bar recipe from my Aunt Sherol. I needed a quick dessert, so I decided to give this chocolate chip cookie recipe a try.

Anyway, ever since she shared this amazing chocolate chip cookie bars recipe, I’ve been hooked.

Why You’ll Love Them Too:

• They turn out perfect every single time I make them in my favorite inexpensive 9×13 pan.
• These cookie bars have a delicious flavor.
• The consistency is perfect-not too soft, not too hard, just right.
• They look pretty perfect when you cut them up.
• The bars can be made in advance and stored for a day or two.
• All of the ingredients are standard, basic ingredients you’ll have on hand in your pantry.
• These cookie bars are freezer-friendly! You can make them ahead of time and freeze them.

Like I mentioned before…

I use this easy and quick recipe when I need a treat in a hurry. Need a treat to take to someone? Or a last minute party dessert? I promise you, you will not be disappointed!

You can have a few dozen cookies made in about 30 minutes! 

Steps to the  Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

You don’t need to be a professional baker to have success with these cookie bars, but here are a few steps you’ll want to be sure to follow to ensure they turn out perfectly.

Step 1

Cream the butter and sugars for a few minutes until you get a mixture that looks like this. Make sure it’s light and fluffy. 

Step 2

Then add in the flour and dry ingredients and give it a good mix. Your dough should now look like this: 

Hint: I never sift the flour and dry ingredients together first because that’s just one extra bowl to clean. However, just make sure that you add the flour first, and then add the other dry ingredients onto the pile of flour. Stir quickly with a dry spoon to “sift” and then mix all together.

Step 3

Stir in the chocolate chips. There is no need to measure the amount of chocolate chips out. Just pour straight form the bag until you’ve added enough to your liking. I usually use about 2 cups. 

This dough only takes about 5-7 minutes to make! Super fast and easy!

Step 4

With the dough all made, you’re ready to bake!  Spray your 9×13 pan pan with your favorite cooking spray. I use Vegalene cooking spray because it has less junk in it than typical spray. And the big can lasts forever. 

Step 5

Firmly press your dough into the pan so that the dough is evenly distributed. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for good measure! 

Step 6

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. *See the FAQ for more details about this temperature and time! 

This recipe will make 24 (2 dozen) good-sized cookie bars. You can cut them smaller to make bite-sized portions that are cute for baby showers or gatherings. 

Ways to Serve Them

Eat the cookie bars straight from the pan. Or try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Store the rest for your party or gathering. Just pop the 9×13 pan lid on top and you’re set to go!

FAQ:

What kind of pan should I use? 

I always bake my cookie bars in this 9×13 Nordic Ware baking pan from Amazon.  I have tried a few other pans, but without question, they always turn out better in this pan. A great pan makes all the difference! If you don’t have a pan like this, be sure to use a metal one. A glass pan will make the cookie bars turn out soggy. If soggy cookies are your thing, go for it. But I prefer the firm, crisp edges that my aluminum pan give these cookie bars. After all, I want them to turn out like cookies. And I’m betting you do, too.

I’ve had this pan for 12 years now and it’s still holding up strong.

I also love giving this 9×13 aluminum baking pan as a wedding or housewarming gift with this Chocolate Chip Cookie bar recipe.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, of course! This recipe doubles well. If you do double the recipe, make sure you use a large enough mixing bowl to hold all the ingredients.

If you plan to double the recipe, you’ll want to use a large baking sheet. This is the baking sheet that I always use for a double batch.

Tip: plan to bake the double batch about 5 extra minutes than the normal recipe.

What kind of Chocolate Chips do you use?

I always have a big bag of Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Nestle on hand because they are affordable, but good quality. If I really want to splurge, I’ll buy Ghiradelli when they are on sale. Get creative and try an assortment of milk and semi-sweet chocolate. Or butterscotch and milk chocolate. Another really yummy combination is chocolate chips and toffee bits. Really, the sky is the limit!

Tip: You can keep extra chocolate chips in the freezer and pull them out when you’re ready to use. No need to thaw!

What if the dough is too crumbly?

I have had a lot of readers telling me their dough is too crumbly. I have never had this problem. But, if you do, you can add an extra egg or reduce the flour. I live at high altitude, so if you are at a lower elevation, you may need to adjust how much flour you use.

How long should I bake my cookies?

I’ve had the best turnout baking these chocolate chip cookie bars for about 25 minutes. I live at high altitude, so you may need to adjust the timing just a bit. A lot of readers have left comments below, so you could read what others say. Mostly, just watch for the bars to be golden brown in color. It won’t hurt if you overbake them a few minutes. It’s all up to your preference.

I’d love to see your amazing kitchen skills at work! Tag your chocolate chip cookie bars on Instagram with @sofestive.

OTHER “BEST” Recipes:

Best Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe 

Amazing Carmelitas Cookie Bars (quick and simple and ohhh so good!)

The Last Chocolate Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Delicious Homemade Oreos

Ready for this amazing recipe?

Here it is! You’ll also find it in our free 15 Super Simple Holiday & Party Food Ebook! (Read: 15 of the best simple recipes you need to have up your sleeve!)