Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Cooking

I love hosting Super Bowl parties, and one of my go-to treats has always been these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They're easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing. The chewy center and crispy edges create a delightful texture that everyone loves. Plus, they’re infinitely customizable—you can add nuts or different types of chocolate. I also love how these bars can be made ahead of time, allowing me to focus on the game day festivities. If you want to impress your guests while keeping things simple, these are the perfect dessert!

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:05:35.379Z

When I first tried making cookie bars, I was amazed at how easy and satisfying they were. They give you all the comforting flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies but in a shareable format, which is perfect for any gathering. I found that using a blend of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips adds depth to the flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly underbake the bars to keep them soft and chewy. As they cool, they will continue to firm up without losing that gooey texture, making them ideal for both warm and chilled servings. I always keep them stored in an airtight container to maintain that freshness for days!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor with a chewy texture that everyone craves
Super easy to make and bake, perfect for beginners!
Great for parties or a fun family treat—everyone can enjoy a piece!

      

Ingredient Insights

The foundation of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in the balance of sugars used. Granulated sugar contributes to the spread and crispness of the bars, while brown sugar adds moisture and rich flavor. If you're looking to adjust the sweetness or flavor profile, consider using light or dark brown sugar; dark brown will give a more pronounced molasses flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Butter plays a crucial role in the texture of these bars. Make sure to soften it to room temperature before creaming with the sugars. This is essential for achieving a light and fluffy mixture, which impacts the final texture. If you're in a hurry, you can cut butter into smaller pieces and microwave it briefly, but avoid melting it completely to ensure the right consistency.

Baking Techniques

Proper mixing is essential to avoid overworking the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the bars chewy. Overmixing can develop gluten too much, resulting in a tough texture. It's a good practice to see small streaks of flour remaining, as these will incorporate during the folding stage, especially when you add the chocolate chips.

When it comes to baking time, keep a close eye on your cookie bars in the oven. You want the edges to turn golden brown while the center remains slightly soft—this will ensure they set perfectly after cooling. If you're unsure, use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when done.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.

Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding nuts or using different chocolate varieties, such as white chocolate or butterscotch chips. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Make-Ahead Tips

These cookie bars are ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This not only saves time on event day but also enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld. Just be sure to bring the dough back to room temperature for easier spreading before baking.

If you want to store the baked bars, let them cool completely, then cut them into squares. Place layers of parchment paper between them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Serving Variations

For a fun twist, consider topping your cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving. The warm bars combined with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast. You can also drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added decadence, making them a true crowd-pleaser.

Another way to mix it up is by experimenting with various chocolate chip flavors. Try semi-sweet, dark, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, or a combination of all three! Adding crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans can offer a crunchy texture and additional flavor, transforming the bars into your own signature creation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Unsalted butter is preferred for the best flavor.

→ How do I store the cookie bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the chocolate chips well.

→ Can the dough be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.