Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour (315g); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing pan; 2 cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 65 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the perfect cross between a classic chocolate chip cookie and a soft, chewy bar, all baked in one convenient pan that makes sharing (or sneaking bites) so much easier. Each bite offers a golden crust with pockets of melted semi-sweet chocolate that dance on your tongue, making these bars a delightful indulgence for any occasion or simple snack time treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick square cookie bar with two visible layers: the top layer is golden brown with a slightly cracked, soft texture, while the bottom layer is light brown with dark brown melted chocolate pieces embedded within it. The cookie bar is resting on white parchment paper, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and there is an empty space where this piece was taken out from a larger batch in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each component plays its part: flour for structure, brown sugar for rich caramel notes, eggs for that tender crumb, and of course, lots of chocolate chips to give you that classic cookie appeal.

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookie bars together with a perfect tender texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides just the right lift to keep the bars soft without being cakey.
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth of flavor and intensifies the chocolate notes.
2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk: Keeps the bars rich, moist, and fudgy.
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma.
12 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps create that golden crust.
2 cups light brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and that chewy, caramelized bite we all love.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, ensuring every bite has gooey melty chocolate.
Butter (extra for greasing pan): Prevents sticking and helps the parchment lay smoothly.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by brushing a small amount of melted butter on the bottom and sides of your 9×13 pan. This simple step ensures the bars won’t stick. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over two longer sides—it makes lifting the bars out a breeze once they’re baked. Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for the magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and if you’re feeling adventurous, that optional espresso powder. This blend creates the perfect base to balance the sweetness and give a slight rise for tender bars.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Vanilla

In a small bowl, combine the eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. This combo is the secret to achieving a rich, moist crumb in each decadent bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture

Melt the butter gently in a saucepan or microwave, then remove from heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar until all those pesky lumps dissolve—this ensures a smooth, caramel-like sweetness throughout the bars. Transfer this mixture to a larger bowl and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Slowly whisk the egg and vanilla mixture into the cooled butter and brown sugar. Mixing these carefully keeps your batter smooth and luscious without scrambling the eggs.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in your flour mixture and chocolate chips using a spatula. Stir just until the flour disappears and the chocolate chips are evenly distributed—being careful not to overmix to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

Step 7: Spread Batter and Bake

Evenly spread the batter into your prepared pan using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface nicely. Then pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Beware of overbaking, which can dry them out.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set perfectly so they won’t fall apart when cut. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board. If they stick a bit, gently loosen the edges with a butter knife. Cut into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe

A single thick layer of golden brown cookie dough with a slightly rough texture fills a rectangular metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper. The cookie dough surface is scattered with semi-melted dark chocolate chips, some slightly sunk into the dough and others resting on top. The edges of the dough are slightly raised and cracked, showing a soft, chewy inside. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the image shows the entire pan from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to elevate the chocolate’s richness. Or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive, sweet touch. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce can turn these bars into an irresistible dessert with extra flair.

Side Dishes

Think about pairing your cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo that thrills every time. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can brighten the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast. A steaming cup of coffee, milk, or hot chocolate makes the perfect partner for these chocolate chip delights.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bars cut into bite-sized pieces for a fun party platter or stack them with layers of whipped cream and strawberries for an impromptu trifle. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts. Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe is versatile enough to impress no matter the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them soft and fresh. If you prefer a slight crisp on the edges, you can leave the container partially open for a bit, but airtight is best for that chewy texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Reheating

Warm your bars slightly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that just-baked gooeyness, or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Either way, they’ll taste freshly baked and heavenly again.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give the bars a richer, less sweet flavor which pairs beautifully with the brown sugar. Feel free to customize your bars based on your chocolate preferences.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

No worries! The espresso powder is optional and mainly used to enhance the chocolate aroma. Your bars will still be fantastic without it.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free while still maintaining great texture and flavor.

Why do the bars need an extra egg yolk?

The extra yolk adds richness and moisture, contributing to the chewy, fudgy texture that makes these bars so deliciously satisfying.

How can I tell when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden top and test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, or the bars may become dry.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (9×13 Pan) Recipe. It’s a classic turned convenient, perfect for sharing with family or savoring a quiet moment alone with a cup of your favorite drink. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s one of those sweet treats that brightens your day and keeps you coming back for just one more bar.