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There’s a time and place for scooped cookies—but Cookie Bars have a few winning advantages that make them my go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and always crowd-pleasing.

• Faster prep: You don’t need to roll or chill individual dough balls. Just spread and bake!
• Even baking: Since the dough is in one layer, it bakes evenly without worrying about overbaked edges or underdone centers.
• Slice-to-serve: You can cut them into clean squares, rectangles, or triangles depending on your presentation.
• Great for gifting: Stackable and easy to package, Cookie Bars make perfect gifts, bake sale items, or party tray additions.

Whether you’re baking for a school function, a cozy winter evening, or a sunny summer picnic, Cookie Bars deliver the classic taste of your favorite cookie with the ease of a brownie.

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Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

• One-bowl wonder – Minimal cleanup required
• No scooping necessary – Just press and bake
• Perfect for any season – Enjoy them chilled in summer or warm in winter
• Endlessly customizable – Add chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, and more
• Crowd-pleaser – Makes 7 generous servings of pure joy

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🧈 Ingredients (Makes 7 Servings)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: chopped walnuts, peanut butter chips, shredded coconut

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🕒 Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

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Print

🥄 How to Make Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in salt, flour, and baking powder. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Goodies

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts or coconut.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy warm or store for later!

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💡 Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Don’t overbake – remove when the center is just set for chewy bars.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
• Double the batch in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger crowd.

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🧊 Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend shelf life to 1 week (great in summer).
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temp.

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🍫 Flavor Variations

1. S’mores Cookie Bars

Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows with chocolate chips.

2. Peanut Butter Swirl

Mix 1/4 cup peanut butter into the dough or swirl on top before baking.

3. Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars after baking and sprinkle with flaky salt.

4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Replace 1/3 cup flour with old-fashioned oats for chewy texture and nutty flavor.

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🧁 Perfect Pairings

Beverages:

• Summer: Iced chai latte or lemonade
• Winter: Hot cocoa or spiced coffee

Other Desserts:

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a cookie sundae
• Serve with fresh berries for a fruity twist
• Crumble over yogurt for a breakfast treat