Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A Fudgy, Chewy, & Easy One-Pan Recipe
Imagine a dessert so perfectly balanced it exists in that sweet spot between a decadent brownie and a classic chocolate chip cookie. These double chocolate chip cookie bars are exactly that – thick, incredibly chewy, and absolutely packed with a glorious amount of chocolate. They’re astonishingly easy to make in just one pan, promising melt-in-your-mouth goodness with every bite. To elevate them even further, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds that irresistible gourmet touch. Get ready to bake a batch that will be devoured almost as quickly as it’s made!
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About These Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If your heart beats for rich, chocolatey goodness, these double chocolate chip cookie bars are about to become your new obsession. This recipe delivers incredibly thick, perfectly chewy bars that masterfully blend the fudgy texture of a brownie with the comforting chewiness of a classic cookie. They are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just one baking pan and minimal fuss, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, or simply to satisfy a serious chocolate craving.
What truly sets these double chocolate cookie bars apart is the strategic use of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Unlike natural cocoa, Dutch-processed cocoa offers a smoother, richer, and deeper chocolate flavor that gives these bars a luxurious, almost brownie-like intensity. Think of it as upgrading your standard chocolate experience to an espresso-strength indulgence – bolder, more sophisticated, and utterly satisfying. This special ingredient is key to achieving that profound cocoa taste that makes these bars so irresistible. If you’re keen to learn more about the science and flavor profiles of different cocoa types, you can explore detailed insights on Dutch-processed vs. natural cocoa powder.
Every aspect of this recipe has been meticulously tested and perfected to guarantee that desired thickness and an irresistible gooey center, complemented by perfectly set edges. Baked in a standard 9×13-inch pan, these bars offer generous servings, making them perfect for sharing. And speaking of perfection, the final touch of flaky sea salt is absolutely non-negotiable. That delicate sprinkle not only enhances the chocolate’s flavor but also adds a delightful textural contrast that makes every single bite pop with an explosion of sweet and salty notes.
These versatile double chocolate chip cookie bars are fantastic for any event: bake them for a vibrant party, contribute them to a potluck where they’re sure to be a showstopper, or, if you’re like us, keep the entire pan to yourself and pretend they vanished into thin air. There’s no judgment here when it comes to enjoying pure chocolate bliss!
Key Ingredients for the Best Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Crafting the perfect double chocolate chip cookie bars begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays in achieving their signature thick, chewy, and intensely chocolatey profile. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
All-purpose flour. This foundational ingredient provides the necessary structure to these bars, preventing them from becoming a soupy mess while ensuring they remain tender and chewy, not overly cakey. For those with dietary restrictions, a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can be substituted successfully.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder. The secret weapon for deep chocolate flavor! This special cocoa powder offers a less acidic, smoother, and intensely rich chocolate taste. It’s what gives these cookie bars their luscious, dark color and complex flavor profile, reminiscent of a gourmet brownie.
Baking powder. A small but mighty leavening agent, baking powder provides just enough lift to give the bars a delightful chewiness without making them dense or heavy. It contributes to their desirable texture, making each bite feel substantial yet tender.
Kosher fine salt. Don’t underestimate the power of salt in baking. It’s crucial for enhancing the profound chocolate flavors and perfectly balancing the sweetness, preventing the bars from being cloyingly rich. It brightens the overall taste.
Unsalted butter. Melted butter is essential for achieving the signature chewy texture of these bars. Melting it makes for easy incorporation into the batter, ensuring a uniform distribution of richness. Remember to let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs – we’re baking cookie bars, not breakfast!
Light brown sugar. This contributes significantly to the bars’ moisture content and their irresistibly soft, bendy texture. The molasses in brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that beautifully complements the deep cocoa, enriching the overall flavor profile.
Granulated sugar. Working in harmony with the brown sugar, granulated sugar ensures these cookie bars achieve that classic, balanced cookie sweetness. It helps create a slightly crisp edge and contributes to the appealing shiny, crackly top.
Large Eggs. Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and richness. Using room temperature eggs is a small but important tip; they emulsify more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and contributing to that coveted shiny, slightly crackly surface on your baked bars.
Vanilla extract. A splash of pure vanilla extract is indispensable. It adds warmth, depth, and rounds out all the complex, rich chocolate flavors, making them even more pronounced and enjoyable. Always opt for high-quality, pure vanilla for the best results.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips. These are the stars of the show! Generously folded into the batter, they melt into luscious, gooey pockets of chocolate in every single bite. Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to customize your chocolate experience.
Flaky sea salt. This is the ultimate finishing flourish! A generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt, especially Maldon salt, on top of the warm bars provides a crucial contrast of sweet and salty, elevating the flavors and adding an irresistible textural element. It’s truly a game-changer for these double chocolate chip cookie bars.
Essential Tools for Baking Chocolate Cookie Bars
To successfully achieve the perfect thickness, chewiness, and rich texture in these double chocolate chip cookie bars, having the right equipment is key. Here’s a rundown of the basic tools you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This is a non-negotiable item for this recipe. Whether you use a glass or metal pan, this size ensures your bars will bake to that ideal not-too-thick, not-too-thin consistency, offering perfect gooey centers and sturdy edges.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one medium-sized for your dry ingredients and a larger one for your wet ingredients, allowing for proper separation and combining.
- Whisk: An essential tool for thoroughly blending your dry ingredients and whisking together the wet components until smooth and glossy.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for gently folding in your chocolate chips and for carefully combining the wet and dry mixtures without overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so ensure you have a reliable set for both dry and liquid ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: Once baked, allowing your cookie bars to cool completely on a rack is vital. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures easier, cleaner slicing into perfect squares or rectangles.
How to Bake These Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Baking these fudgy and chewy double chocolate chip cookie bars is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
Prep Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray, or for even easier cleanup and removal, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher fine salt. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
Mix Wet Ingredients Together
In a separate, larger bowl, combine the slightly cooled melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well-emulsified.
Gradually Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as a few streaks of flour are still visible.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add 2 cups of your chosen semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, ensuring no dry spots of flour remain.
Transfer Batter to Pan
Spread the thick, rich batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. For an extra boost of chocolate goodness and a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top of the batter.
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges appear set and firm, but the center still looks slightly soft and gooey when you gently shake the pan. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool, so slightly underbaking ensures that perfectly fudgy center.
Cool, Slice, and Serve
Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, generously sprinkle the warm double chocolate chip cookie bars with flaky sea salt. This allows the salt to adhere beautifully. It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. If you try to cut them while they’re still hot, they will likely crumble and fall apart. Patience is key for perfectly neat and delicious squares or rectangles!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookie Bars
Achieving bakery-quality double chocolate chip cookie bars is simple with a few insider tricks. Pay attention to these details for truly spectacular results:
- Use the Right Pan for the Right Thickness. A 9×13-inch baking pan is specifically recommended for this recipe. This size ensures your cookie bars bake to that ideal, satisfying thickness—not too thin, where they become crispy, and not overly thick, making them gummy. If you prefer even thicker bars, you can use an 8×8-inch pan, but be sure to reduce your baking temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and increase the bake time slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Don’t Be Shy with Extra Chocolate Chips on Top. This isn’t the time for modesty! Sprinkling a generous amount of additional chocolate chips on top of the batter just before baking creates that visually appealing, shiny, and extra-melty chocolate finish that everyone adores. It also ensures every slice boasts plenty of gooey pockets.
- Never Skip the Flaky Sea Salt. This small addition makes a monumental difference. A pinch of flaky sea salt, especially high-quality Maldon salt, sprinkled over the warm bars is the “magic dust” of the dessert world. It brilliantly cuts through the richness of the chocolate, enhancing its depth and creating an addictive sweet-and-salty flavor contrast that elevates the entire experience.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter. As soon as you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently until just combined. The moment the last streaks of flour disappear, stop stirring. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookie bars instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Do Not Overbake Your Cookie Bars. This is crucial for fudgy, moist results. Pull the pan from the oven when the edges appear set and slightly golden, but the very center still looks a bit soft and jiggly when gently nudged. The residual heat in the pan will continue to cook the bars as they cool, allowing them to firm up to perfection without becoming dry or crumbly. A slightly underbaked bar is a perfectly fudgy bar!
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Cookie Bars
While these double chocolate chip cookie bars are fantastic as is, they also serve as a versatile base for countless customizations. Get creative and make them your own!
- Switch Up the Chocolate. The beauty of chocolate lies in its variety! Instead of, or in addition to, semi-sweet chips, try using rich dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor, sweet milk chocolate chips for a milder profile, or even creamy white chocolate chips for a beautiful contrast and different sweetness. A mix of all three creates a “triple chocolate” bar that’s truly decadent.
- Add Nuts for Crunch and Flavor. Introducing nuts can add wonderful texture and a complementary flavor. Fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will enhance their flavor even further.
- Introduce an Espresso Kick. For chocolate lovers who appreciate depth, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee into the dry ingredients. This doesn’t make the bars taste like coffee but instead intensifies and deepens the chocolate flavor, making it even more robust and complex.
- Swirl in Caramel or Peanut Butter. For an extra layer of indulgence, gently swirl ribbons of salted caramel sauce or melted peanut butter into the batter before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds an incredible flavor dimension.
- Add Festive Candies. For holidays or parties, replace some of the chocolate chips with colorful M&M’s, chopped peppermint patties, or other small candies. This adds a fun pop of color, texture, and often a burst of extra flavor that matches the occasion.
Craving more chocolate? Explore these beloved recipes: Triple Chocolate Brownies I Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies I Triple Chocolate Avocado Cookies I Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about baking and enjoying these delicious double chocolate chip cookie bars:
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. To transform these decadent double chocolate chip cookie bars into individual cookies, simply scoop the dough into generous balls, each about two tablespoons in size. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 9–11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for edges that are just set and centers that still appear slightly soft. This will give you soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies that carry all the rich, deep chocolate flavor of their bar counterparts.
Peanut butter and chocolate are indeed a match made in culinary heaven, so incorporating peanut butter into these double chocolate chip cookie bars is an excellent idea! You have a couple of delicious options: you can gently swirl 1/3 to 1/2 cup of creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the batter just before transferring it to the baking pan. This will create a beautiful marbled effect and infuse every bite with that irresistible nutty flavor. Alternatively, for an extravagant finish, melt some peanut butter and drizzle it generously over the top of the baked and cooled bars. This adds both flavor and an appealing visual element, plus a little extra protein to your sweet treat!
Absolutely, M&M’s are a fantastic addition to these double chocolate chip cookie bars! If you’re looking to add a burst of color and a delightful crunch, feel free to swap out some (or all) of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for your favorite M&M’s. They melt beautifully, creating vibrant little pools of candy-coated chocolate, and their crispy shells add a wonderful textural contrast. M&M’s make these bars incredibly fun and festive, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply to add a celebratory touch to any ordinary day.
You most certainly can make these double chocolate chip cookie bars gluten-free without sacrificing any of their deliciousness! The key is to swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For the best texture, look for a blend that explicitly states it contains xanthan gum, as this helps with binding and mimics the elasticity of gluten. The resulting bars will still be wonderfully rich, exceptionally chewy, and loaded with chocolate – you and your guests might not even notice they’re gluten-free! Just be mindful that gluten-free flours can sometimes behave slightly differently in the oven, so keep a closer eye on the bake time.
Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!
What to Serve with Your Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These rich and satisfying double chocolate chip cookie bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right complements can elevate the experience. Beyond a simple glass of cold milk, consider these delightful options:
- Decadent Ice Cream. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t limit yourself! Try pairing them with a rich chocolate ice cream for an ultimate chocolate explosion, or a unique flavor like honeycomb ice cream for textural contrast. For adventurous palates, a scoop of honeycomb ice cream or spicy chocolate chip cardamom ice cream can create an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Warm Coffee or Espresso. The robust flavor of a strong cup of coffee or a concentrated shot of espresso cuts through the sweetness of the bars beautifully, making them an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat. For a more adult indulgence, consider serving them alongside an espresso martini or a comforting Irish coffee.
- Fresh Berries. To add a refreshing contrast and a touch of brightness, serve these rich bars with a handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The slight tartness of the fruit provides a wonderful counterpoint to the deep chocolate, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Salted Caramel Sauce. For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle warm salted caramel sauce generously over the top of each bar. The combination of gooey chocolate and buttery, salty caramel is truly out of this world, creating a flavor duo that’s impossible to resist.
- A Good Stout Beer. For the adults, a rich chocolate stout or a creamy porter can be an unexpected but incredibly complementary pairing. The roasted notes and often subtle sweetness of these beers harmonize beautifully with the deep cocoa flavors of the bars.
How to Store and Enjoy Your Cookie Bars Later
These double chocolate chip cookie bars are so delicious, you might not have many left to store! But if you do, here’s how to keep them fresh and ready to enjoy:
- Storing at Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, place the bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and perfectly chewy at room temperature for up to 4 days. To prevent them from sticking together, especially if stacking, layer them between sheets of parchment paper.
- Reheating for a Fresh-Baked Feel: To bring back that glorious warm, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture, microwave individual bars for about 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they can become dry.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: These bars freeze beautifully! For best results, wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or having a quick treat on hand.
- Thawing Frozen Bars: When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for approximately 30–60 minutes. You can also give them a quick microwave reheat after thawing for an extra warm and gooey experience.
More Irresistible Chocolate Chip Recipes to Try
If you’re a devoted fan of bite-sized baked treats and crave more chocolate chip goodness beyond these incredible cookie bars, we have plenty of other tempting recipes for you to explore. You’re sure to fall in love with our fluffy mini chocolate chip muffins, delightful and gooey mini chocolate chip cookies, or the perfectly satisfying banana chocolate chip waffles that make for a wonderful breakfast or brunch.
Finally, we absolutely love hearing from you! If you decide to make this double chocolate chip cookie bars recipe, please take a moment to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment sharing your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I personally make an effort to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section as well!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up a batch of these amazing bars! It brings me so much joy to see my recipes come to life in your kitchens, and looking through your photos is truly my favorite part. It genuinely means the world to me!
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Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Equipment
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9×13-inch cake pan (glass or metal)
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Whisk and mixing bowls
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Spatula or wooden spoon for folding
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate or milk chocolate
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
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In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter (cooled slightly), light brown sugar, granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined, with only a few streaks of flour remaining. Avoid overmixing.
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Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top for extra chocolatey goodness.
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Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still appears soft and slightly jiggly.
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Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before carefully removing and slicing into desired pieces.