Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Ideas
I’ve always been a fan of combining celebration with delicious snacks, and these Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a perfect fit for the occasion. Batch-baking these bars means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game with friends. The aroma of melting chocolate and sweet dough that fills the air in my kitchen is irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for sharing while watching the game. Trust me, these bars will be the star of your Super Bowl party!
When I first created these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, I wanted a sweet treat that was simple yet satisfying. I experimented with different ratios of flour to chocolate chips until I hit the perfect balance. The result? A chewy, gooey bar that’s packed with chocolatey goodness. Having these bars on hand during the game makes it easy to satisfy cravings without missing any of the action.
I also discovered that letting the dough chill for a short time before baking enhances the flavors and results in a better texture. So, don’t skip that step! When you pull these golden-brown bars from the oven, the entire house will smell like freshly baked cookies, and everyone will be eager to dig in!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Chewy and gooey texture that keeps you coming back for more
- Loaded with rich chocolate chips in every bite
- Perfectly sized for sharing at any gathering
The Perfect Texture
The key to achieving that chewy and gooey texture in these cookie bars lies in the butter and sugar creaming process. When you cream the softened butter with both sugars, you're incorporating air into the mixture, which helps make the final bars light and chewy. Make sure to beat them together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. A properly creamed mixture will significantly influence the final texture of your cookie bars.
Another important factor is the baking time. Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake, looking for golden edges and a slight softness in the center. If you allow them to bake too long, they may end up dry and crumbly instead of chewy. I recommend a range of 25-30 minutes, but check at the 25-minute mark. The bars should look just set with a bit of shine on top—you want that gooey center to remain intact.
Customizing Your Cookie Bars
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your cookie bars! You can easily mix in different types of chocolate chips like dark or white chocolate for varied flavor profiles. For an added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or pretzels. This not only changes the flavor but also introduces exciting textures to the bites. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of peanut butter or caramel on top before baking can elevate these bars even further.
If you're aiming for healthier alternatives, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber to the bars. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be cautious with the baking time, as these substitutions may slightly alter how the bars rise and set.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Make-ahead preparation is easy with these cookie bars. Once they are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; however, I find that they are best enjoyed fresh on the first few days. If needed, you can freeze the bars after cutting them. Simply layer them in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or briefly reheat in the microwave until warm.
For serving, these cookie bars are wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy them as-is for a casual game day snack or elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make great additions to dessert tables, allowing guests to enjoy a handheld treat while mingling. Don’t forget to set out napkins, as things might get a little gooey!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients until combined, then spread into a prepared pan for baking!
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in chocolate chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
Spread in pan and bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool and slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Enjoy these cookie bars warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delightful sweet-salty flavor.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
One common issue when baking cookie bars is the consistency of the batter. If your dough feels too dry, it may be due to measuring the flour incorrectly. Use the spoon and level method to prevent packing too much flour into the measuring cup. Additionally, the butter should be softened to room temperature—not melted—so it incorporates well with the sugars, preventing a dry end product.
If your bars spread too much during baking, it could be that the dough was overmixed once the flour was added. Remember to mix just until combined. Another helpful tip: chill your batter for 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan to help prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
Scaling the Recipe
If you're hosting a larger gathering, it’s easy to scale this recipe up! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, such as a 12x18 inch pan, or bake in multiple 9x13 inch pans. Just keep an eye on baking times—larger batches may require a few extra minutes. Make sure to test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe and use an 8x8 inch pan. Check for doneness earlier, around 18-20 minutes, as the baking time will decrease with a smaller volume. Just be aware that smaller portions may disappear even faster!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips, or a mix of them.
→ How should I store the cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Wrap the sliced bars tightly and freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying.
→ What can I do if my cookie bars are too dry?
Make sure not to overbake them, as that can dry them out. Also, adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of milk may help next time.
Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
I’ve always been a fan of combining celebration with delicious snacks, and these Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a perfect fit for the occasion. Batch-baking these bars means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game with friends. The aroma of melting chocolate and sweet dough that fills the air in my kitchen is irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for sharing while watching the game. Trust me, these bars will be the star of your Super Bowl party!
Created by: Isolde Bennett
Recipe Type: Homemade Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delightful sweet-salty flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g