These Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are thick, chewy cookie bars packed with gooey chocolate chips—perfect for a quick, easy dessert!
Introduction:
If you’re a fan of chewy, buttery cookies but want the ease of a bar dessert, then Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are about to become your new favorite treat. These bars are everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies but in a soft, thick, and chewy form that’s easy to slice and share. Perfect for busy days, potlucks, or just a sweet treat, these cookie bars come together in one bowl and bake up in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. With their golden, crispy edges and gooey, chocolate-filled centers, these bars will satisfy any sweet tooth. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra decadent dessert, or enjoy them straight from the pan as a snack any time of day. Whether you’re a cookie lover or just need a quick dessert to feed a crowd, these Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies will hit the spot every time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread in Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm for the best gooey texture or let them cool completely for a more solid bar.
How to Prepare:
- Butter: Melt the butter fully but don’t let it get too hot—this ensures the sugars dissolve properly, giving you a smooth, chewy texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for the classic cookie flavor, but feel free to swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chunks of white chocolate if you prefer.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of chewy ones.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings:
- Yields: 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them
FAQs:
1. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
- Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a delicious addition. Simply fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips.
2. Can I use a different size pan?
- You can bake these bars in an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t overbake.
3. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
- Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will add a deeper molasses flavor and create a richer, chewier texture.
4. How should I store leftover bars?
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. What can I serve with these bars?
- These bars are delicious on their own, but for an extra indulgence, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are everything you love about chocolate chip cookies, packed into an easy-to-make bar form. With their soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, they strike the perfect balance between cookie and bar, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars come together quickly and disappear even faster! With endless customization options—from adding nuts to experimenting with different chocolate varieties—you can make this recipe your own and enjoy it time and time again.