Whenever I crave a classic, comforting treat that brings back sweet memories with every bite, my go-to is this incredible Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the familiar flavors of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but in a soft, chewy bar form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a glass of milk. These bars are irresistibly dense with chocolate chips and boast a buttery chewiness that melts in your mouth, making them an absolute must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are pantry staples, but each plays a vital role in delivering that perfect combination of flavor, texture, and richness. From the creamy butter to the luscious vanilla, every component brings something special to the party.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and crumb to your cookie bars.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender, chewy texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for that buttery softness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a subtle crispness on top.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor complexity and provides that warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the dough together while adding tenderness.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient, delivering melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor contrast, if you like a bit of extra texture.
How to Make Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This sets the stage for even baking and neatly cut bars later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, creating a consistent texture throughout the bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Take a large bowl and beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air that results in lighter, more tender bars.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to emulsify the mixture and maintain a smooth batter.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Over-mixing can toughen your bars, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the chopped nuts if you’re using them. This adds pockets of gooey chocolate and delightful texture throughout each bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check around the 25-minute mark for golden edges and a center that yields a few moist crumbs when poked with a toothpick—this guarantees soft, chewy bars.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is key to cleanly slicing them into squares with that delightful chewy consistency intact.
How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking adds an irresistible sweet-and-salty twist. You can also dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a fancy touch.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookie bars alongside classic vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream to transform them into an indulgent dessert. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee perfectly complements their rich flavors and chewy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party treat, cut the cookie bars into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter or tiered stand. You can also sandwich a layer of frosting or Nutella between two bars for a decadent twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe results in plenty of treats, and luckily they store beautifully. Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining that perfect balance of softness and flavor.
Freezing
These cookie bars freeze exceptionally well, which is perfect for saving some for later or preparing ahead for special occasions. Wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness and gooey chocolate taste.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookie bars too salty. The original balance is important for the classic sweet-and-salty flavor.
Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
Absolutely! If you don’t like nuts or have allergies, you can leave them out or swap them for oats, coconut flakes, or even more chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
How do I make the bars softer?
To keep your bars soft, bake them closer to 25 minutes rather than 30 and cool them completely before slicing. Slightly underbaking ensures a chewier, cake-like texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results might vary. Look for blends that include xanthan gum to help maintain the texture.
What is the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife, preferably warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry. This helps to get clean edges without crumbling the bars apart.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe enough for anyone seeking a nostalgic yet effortlessly delicious dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and an unbeatable combination of buttery, chocolaty goodness. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy night in, these cookie bars are sure to bring smiles and happy hearts. Give it a try and make it your new favorite treat—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Toll House Cookie Bars recipe offers all the rich, chocolatey flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies baked into easy-to-cut bars. Featuring a buttery, soft dough paired with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional nuts, these bars are a perfect dessert for sharing or meal prepping. With a simple preparation and baking method, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all levels looking to satisfy a sweet tooth with a timeless treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures proper leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and add moisture to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped nuts to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Adjust baking time towards 25 minutes for a softer texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 bars to help them set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For softer bars, bake closer to 25 minutes.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
- These bars freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
