Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Featured in: Desserts & Baking

These gooey chocolate chip bars deliver a perfect balance of softness and chewiness, filled with generous semisweet chips. The buttery crust adds golden texture, making them a delightful treat to share. Baking at the right temperature ensures a slightly underbaked center for maximum gooeyness while the edges turn perfectly golden. Optional nuts add a crunchy contrast, and a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Serve warm for a decadent experience.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:33:00 GMT
The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, warm from the oven, with melting chocolate chips. Pin It
The Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, warm from the oven, with melting chocolate chips. | urbanspatula.com

Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.

I have made these cookie bars many times for family gatherings and everyone always asks for the recipe again

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, Optional 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a large bowl mix the melted butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry and wet:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined do not overmix.
Add chocolate chips and nuts:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Spread dough:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 23–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
Cool and cut:
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool lift out and cut into bars.
These tempting Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a soft, chewy texture and golden color. Pin It
These tempting Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a soft, chewy texture and golden color. | urbanspatula.com

My kids love helping me fold in the chocolate chips and nuts—it’s become our special baking tradition

Notes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk Spatula Parchment paper Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter chocolate) and may contain tree nuts if added Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens

Bake a batch of Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a satisfying dessert, perfect with ice cream. Pin It
Bake a batch of Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a satisfying dessert, perfect with ice cream. | urbanspatula.com

These cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion

Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a gooey texture in these bars?

Underbake slightly and let the bars finish setting in the pan for a soft, gooey center.

Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, milk, dark, or white chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet chips to vary the flavor.

What is the best way to add nuts?

Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans gently before spreading the batter to maintain texture without overmixing.

How should I store leftover bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Any tips for serving these bars?

Serve warm alone or paired with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Soft, chewy bars with melty chocolate chips and buttery golden crust, ideal for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 16 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

01 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
02 Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, blend melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition; then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add chocolate chips and nuts: Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips and nuts if using.

Step 07

Transfer dough to pan: Spread dough evenly in prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 08

Bake bars: Bake for 23 to 28 minutes, until edges turn golden and center is set but still soft; avoid overbaking to maintain gooey texture.

Step 09

Cool and cut: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added.
  • Check chocolate chips and packaged ingredients for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 295
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 3 g