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Bakery Style Thick Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Anna Beck

I don’t know about you, but when the world feels out of my hands and when I honestly become delusional… baking happens. Have you heard of stress-baking? It’s a thing!

Here is the thing. Sprinkles and baked goods make EVERYTHING BETTER. It is a known fact.

When I started this blog over 11 years ago (!!!), I did so because I had an obsession with bakeries and baking. When I would visit my sister in New York, I would spend my days while she worked roaming the city and visiting all of my favorite bakeries and coffee shops. Sometimes just to go in and soak it all in. I am an atmosphere kind of person. Give me a great vibe and atmosphere and I AM GOOD.

The second you walk through a bakery or coffee shop’s door, that is when the feeling hits. It is calming, warm and happy. I used to say that you don’t ever see an unhappy person at a bakery!!! So true, right?

When I made these suuuper thick chocolate chip bars yesterday, I wondered if these were too thick. Are they too decadent? But, they were like a cookie bar you would buy at a bakery. So, why not be able to enjoy it at home, too. So, enter the thick chocolate chip cookie bar.

If you want these thinner, just press into a bigger pan! I did an 8x8 inch pan.

Thick Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cup white sugar

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups chocolate chips (I also added some m&m’s)

  • Sprinkles for topping, if desired

Instructions:

  1. In a mixer, blend the butter and sugars until creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla.

  2. Slowly add in the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the chocolate chips.

  3. Press into an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan. I first put parchment paper in the pan and press it down, then press the dough into the pan for easy removal after baking!

  4. Once the dough is pressed into the pan, you can sprinkle it with sprinkles, if desired.

  5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 35-45 minutes. My tip is to bake for for about 30-35 minutes and check and see if the middle is baked through (not super doughy and soft) and the edges are golden brown. If the middle appears not done, then add 5-10 more minutes!

  6. Lift out parchment to remove from the pan and once slightly cooled, cut into squares.

  7. Enjoy!