Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Chocolate chocolate chip cookie bars are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. This easy recipe combines rich cocoa powder and gooey chocolate chips for the best chocolate cookie bars you’ll ever taste.
If you love how easy bar cookies are to make, you’ll also want to check out these M&M Cookie Bars, 7 Layer Bars, and Brownie Cookie Bars.
These chewy bars are simple to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something sweet, this double chocolate chip cookie bar recipe is a must-try.
With a soft, fudgy center and a crisp edge, these cocoa cookie bars hit the spot every time. Grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips combine for an ultra-chocolaty treat.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy items, just pantry staples.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy bars with melty chocolate chips in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or a family treat
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Unsalted Butter – Salted butter can be used instead, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a soft, caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps with structure. No substitutions recommended.
- Large Eggs – Bring them to room temperature with the butter for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor. I always use and recommend pure vanilla extract.
- All-Purpose Flour – Regular old all-purpose flour. My go-to brand is King Arthur’s.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Delivers a rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and stay soft.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips – I use semi-sweet chocolate chips but dark or milk chocolate chips could be used instead. Or feel free to swap in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch, or chopped chocolate bars for variety.
How to Make Double Chocolate Cookie Bars
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix dry ingredients in to the cookie dough. Stir in chocolate chips.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Let cool before slicing into bars.
Storage
Countertop: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Chocolate Cookie Bar a la Mode:
For an extra indulgent treat warm up a cookie bar for a few seconds in the microwave then top with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. So good!
Cookie Bars vs. Brownies
You might be wondering, “Aren’t these brownies?” While they look similar, there are key differences. Brownie batter is thinner, resulting in a fudgier, more moist texture. Cookie bars, like these chocolate chocolate chip cookie bars, are denser and more structured.
Another big difference is the ingredients. Brownies typically use less flour and more white sugar. Cookie bars rely on a balanced mix of flour, sugar, and leavening to create their chewy, cookie-like texture. So while they share a pan, they’re not quite the same!
Recipe Tips
- Use a metal baking pan for even baking and faster cooling.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and minimal cleanup.
- Press dough evenly into the pan using greased hands or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Remove from the oven when edges are firm and the center is just set to avoid overbaking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to keep them intact.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut butter chips: Replace the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- Nutty mix-ins: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture.
- Caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars for an extra layer of indulgence
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the bars after baking for a little flavor contrast.
More Must-Try Recipes for Chocolate Lovers
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang on the sides.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a little at a time, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
- Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer. Tip: Use a sheet of parchment paper or lightly coat your hands with nonstick cooking spray to make pressing the sticky dough into the pan easier.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of chocolate chips over the dough.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center of the dough is barely set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing, slicing, and serving.
Nutrition
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