Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cookie fresh out of the oven? Now, imagine a whole pan of those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies, perfectly baked and ready to be cut into squares. That’s exactly what these Toll House Cookie Bars bring to the table. They’re everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies, but without the need to roll out dough or bake them one by one. Simply cut into bars, and you’re ready to dig in. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t want to go back to regular cookies!
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These cookie bars have all the irresistible flavor of a traditional chocolate chip cookie but with a chewy, golden crust and a soft, gooey center. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a family dessert, a bake sale, or just a little indulgence on a cozy afternoon. So, grab a glass of milk and let’s dive into this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Toll House Cookie Bars
Here’s why these Toll House Cookie Bars will win over your taste buds:
Easy and Quick
No cookie scooping required! These bars are made in one pan, making them quicker and easier to whip up than traditional cookies. And no more worrying about unevenly sized cookies!
Chewy, Gooey, and Irresistible
These cookie bars are the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and golden-brown. Every bite is loaded with rich chocolate chips, giving you that satisfying cookie flavor in bar form.
Versatile
These bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or need a dessert for a family dinner, these cookie bars will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Sharing
These cookie bars are easy to slice and share, making them ideal for get-togethers, potlucks, or as an after-school snack for the kids.
Customizable
Feel free to mix it up! Add nuts, caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a unique twist on this classic treat.
Ingredients in Toll House Cookie Bars
Let’s take a look at what makes these cookie bars so delicious:
Butter
The base of any good cookie recipe! Butter provides that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and tenderness.
Sugar
A combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar gives these bars the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping these bars stay soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that makes these cookie bars irresistible.
All-Purpose Flour
The foundation for the bars, giving them that perfect texture—light and tender.
Baking Soda
A little baking soda helps the bars rise and gives them that perfect texture, soft in the middle with a slight crisp on the edges.
Salt
Just a pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Chocolate Chips
The star ingredient! These are the delicious pockets of chocolate that melt and ooze throughout the bars. Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or a mix of both, depending on your preference.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s how you can make these delicious Toll House Cookie Bars:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here, just enough to incorporate everything.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re fully cooled, cut into squares.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these cookie bars warm or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends—or for keeping all to yourself!
How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars
Toll House Cookie Bars are great on their own, but here are a few fun ideas to elevate your experience:
With Ice Cream
Top these warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Fresh Whipped Cream
Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a lighter, airy complement to the rich bars.
Coffee or Tea
Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting snack.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on the bars while they bake! Overbaking can cause them to dry out. You want the bars to be golden brown on top with a soft center.
Add-ins
Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even swirls of caramel sauce would make a fun twist on this classic recipe.
Keep It Soft
For extra chewy bars, try storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh for several days.
Make Ahead
These cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, simply slice them into bars and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter adds richness and a slightly firmer texture to the bars.
Q2: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A2: Yes! Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully in this recipe for those who prefer a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
Q3: Can I add nuts to these bars?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch and flavor.
Q4: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Q5: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A5: Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for later use.
Q6: Can I use brown sugar only?
A6: Yes, you can use only brown sugar if you prefer, though the texture may be slightly chewier. Mixing both brown and white sugar creates the best balance of texture and sweetness.
Q7: How do I know when they are done baking?
A7: The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Q8: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A8: Yes! You can freeze the dough in a ball, then press it into the pan once thawed. Just let it soften slightly before baking.
Q9: Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
A9: Yes, you can use melted coconut oil as a substitute for butter, but it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Q10: How can I make these bars more indulgent?
A10: Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter for an extra decadent treat!
Conclusion
Toll House Cookie Bars are the ultimate combination of chewy, gooey, chocolatey goodness. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookie bars are guaranteed to become your new favorite dessert. So, grab the ingredients and let’s bake up something delicious!
Print
Toll House Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The best Toll House cookie bars are incredibly simple to make and pack all the classic chocolate chip cookie flavors into soft, chewy bars. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (150g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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2 cups (350g) semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup (100g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch (approx 23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Mix in the eggs until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
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Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using).
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Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie bars are golden brown on top.
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Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 24 pieces.
Notes
Pan Size: For thicker cookie bars, bake this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan. For thinner bars, you can also use a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes in this case.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg