Introduction to Divine! Love making these babies in the oven
Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get a bit hectic, especially when juggling family, work, and everything in between. That’s why I absolutely adore this recipe for chocolate chip cookie bars—Divine! Love making these babies in the oven! They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for those busy days when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Divine! Love making these babies in the oven
Let me tell you, these chocolate chip cookie bars are a game changer! They’re incredibly easy to make, which is a blessing when you’re short on time. Plus, they bake up in just 30 minutes, filling your home with that irresistible aroma of fresh cookies. And the best part? They’re so deliciously gooey and rich that even the pickiest eaters in your family will be begging for seconds. Trust me, you’ll be making these babies on repeat!
Ingredients for Divine! Love making these babies in the oven
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful chocolate chip cookie bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie bars, giving them structure and that classic chewy texture.
- Baking soda: A must-have for leavening, it helps the bars rise and become nice and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but butter is best for flavor!
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives our bars that delightful sweetness and helps them spread out while baking.
- Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it adds a deeper flavor and chewiness that’s simply divine!
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this magical ingredient brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show! They melt beautifully and create those gooey pockets of chocolate we all love.
- Chopped nuts (optional): If you’re a fan of a little crunch, toss in some walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
For those of you who might want to mix things up, feel free to get creative! You can swap in whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a vegan version. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor!
Don’t worry about memorizing all this; the exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing. Let’s get ready to bake these babies!
How to Make Divine! Love making these babies in the oven
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookie bars in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. If you skip this step, you might end up with gooey centers and burnt edges. Nobody wants that! So, while you’re prepping, let the oven do its thing.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can either grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. I’m all about making life easier, and parchment paper is a game changer! It helps the bars come out without sticking, so you can enjoy every last crumb.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent (baking soda) and ensures that your cookie bars rise perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to get your arm workout in for the day! Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Now, let’s move on to the fun part—creaming the butter and sugars! In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look like a fluffy cloud of sweetness! This step is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that delightful texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to ensure that everything is well combined and that the eggs are fully incorporated. Don’t forget to add that splash of vanilla extract here too! It’s like a warm hug for your cookie bars.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; we want our bars to be soft and chewy, not tough! It’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left; they’ll mix in when we add the chocolate chips.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Here comes the best part—folding in the chocolate chips and nuts (if you’re using them). I always get a little giddy at this stage because the thought of those gooey chocolate pockets makes my heart sing! Use a spatula to gently mix them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Spread and Bake
Now, spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure it reaches all the corners. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up a bit more. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re cool, grab a sharp knife and cut them into squares. I like to cut mine into generous portions because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a big piece of cookie bar? Enjoy every bite of these divine treats!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for even baking.
- Use a spatula to fold in chocolate chips gently to avoid overmixing.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for baking the bars. If you don’t have one, a similar-sized dish will work.
- Mixing bowls: A medium and a large bowl are perfect. You can use any bowls you have on hand.
- Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients. A fork can do the job in a pinch!
- Spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips and spreading the dough. A wooden spoon works too.
- Wire rack: For cooling the bars. If you don’t have one, a plate will suffice.
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the chopped nuts for a nut-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Delight: Use dairy-free butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a delicious vegan version.
- Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, add an extra cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture and use chocolate chunks instead of chips for a rich, chocolatey experience.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for a chewy texture and added fiber. This gives a delightful twist to the classic recipe!
- Seasonal Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor, especially during the fall and winter months.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these divine cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to enhance the flavors.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Wrap them in colorful parchment paper for a delightful homemade gift!
FAQs about Divine! Love making these babies in the oven
1. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, you can mix it up with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type brings its own unique flavor, making these cookie bars even more divine!
2. How do I store the leftover cookie bars?
To keep these babies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously chewy for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
3. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan and baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookie bars whenever you want!
4. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs! Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This works beautifully in the Divine! Love making these babies in the oven recipe!
5. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even swap in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what you love!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking these chocolate chip cookie bars—Divine! Love making these babies in the oven! The joy of pulling a warm, gooey treat from the oven is unmatched, especially when you see the smiles on your loved ones’ faces. Whether it’s a quick dessert after dinner or a sweet surprise for a friend, these bars bring a little happiness to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookie bars fill your home. Trust me, you’ll be making these divine delights again and again!
Print
Divine! Love making these babies in the oven today!
Delicious chocolate chip cookie bars baked to perfection.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips.
- To make these bars extra indulgent, drizzle melted chocolate over the top after they have cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg