Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Soft and chewy cookie bars baked halfway for a fudgy center and golden edges, loaded with chocolate chips. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 22 minutes layers (113g), melted unsalted butter, (150g) brown sugar, (50g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g), melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (135g) semisweet chocolate chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 4: Fold in 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Step 5: Spread the dough evenly in a greased 8x8 inch baking pan and bake for 12 minutes until edges are set but center is still soft.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing into bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
