One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars made effortlessly in one bowl for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers unsalted butter, melted, brown sugar, 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 250 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 9 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the bowl. Whisk until fully combined and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt until just combined — do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Step 7: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 One-Bowl 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 One-Bowl 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 One-Bowl 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 One-Bowl 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.

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