These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are thick, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate in every bite. They’re the ultimate easy dessert—no mixer needed, just one pan of pure, buttery bliss.
There’s just something about a warm, gooey cookie bar fresh from the oven that feels like a hug in dessert form. Am I right?
These chocolate chip cookie bars are soft in the center, golden at the edges, and absolutely loaded with melty chocolate chips. And the best part? They are so easy to whip together. Just real, simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and all the flavors will explode in your mouth!
I bake these in a 9×12 pan, which means they’re perfect for sharing with your family (or not…I have been known to hide a few out of kid and husband reach). They’ve quickly become a favorite in our home—easy to whip up on a cozy afternoon, a hit at gatherings, and a sweet little treat to tuck into lunchboxes or enjoy with a cup of coffee during naptime.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- They’re super gooey and chewy—thanks to two egg yolks and a buttery base.
- Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt gives that sweet & salty bakery-style finish.
- So quick and ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a get-together.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Butter – Adds rich flavor and a gooey, soft texture.
- Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Cane Sugar – Adds structure and a bit of crispness.
- Eggs – Bind everything together and give the bars lift.
- Egg Yolks – Make the bars extra soft and chewy.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the warm, sweet flavors.
- Flour – Provides structure and balance to the richness.
- Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise slightly and brown beautifully.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips – Melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- Flaky Sea Salt – Adds the perfect sweet-and-salty finish.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×12 pan with parchment paper or grease it well. Melt the butter, then whisk it together with the brown sugar and cane sugar until smooth and glossy.
2. Add in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, and mix until creamy and well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly stir this into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Fold in the chocolate chips, then spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan.
5. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for that irresistible sweet and salty bite.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the center is still slightly soft. It’ll finish setting as it cools—trust me, gooey is what we’re going for. Let them cool before slicing and Enjoy!
Tips for The Best Cookie Bars
- Do not overbake your cookie bars. Pull them out when they’re just barely set in the center.
- Use real butter for the best flavor.
- Let them cool completely for clean slices—or dig in warm with a spoon if you want a gooey bite of deliciousness.
Storage Instructions
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate for a fudgier bite. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Make it Your Own
Want to mix things up and create your own creation? Try adding chopped walnuts, a swirl of peanut butter, or sub in white chocolate chips. You can even make these gluten-free with your favorite 1:1 flour blend. Let me know if you change these up. I would love to add some new ideas to my recipe box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Sure you can! These bars stay soft and chewy for several days when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze wonderfully. Make sure to wrap them tightly and thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.
Can I use different kinds of chocolate?
Yes! Use whatever you love—semi-sweet, dark, milk, chunks, or even a mix. You can even add chopped chocolate for bigger melty pockets.
Can I skip the flaky sea salt on top?
You can—but I highly recommend keeping it! It adds that special sweet-and-salty flavor that makes these bars extra delicious. Who doesn’t love a salty but sweet treat.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want them nice and gooey.
More Yummy Dessert Recipes
- The Best Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthier Homemade Vanilla Wafers
- Best Banana Bread Recipe
- Gut-Friendly Marshmallows
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×12 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and cane sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips. Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra gooey bars, pull them out right at 22 minutes.
- Swap chocolate chips for chunks, or add nuts for variety.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.
These bars look AMAZING! The recipe also seems really simple to whip up. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your comment! We love these so much!
Wow, these look great! A little quicker than actual cookies, and sometimes that matters. Must try!
Yes, and they are so gooey and yummy! I hope you enjoy!! Thank you!
Can’t wait To try these
I hope you enjoy! Thank you!!
Ouuuu these look perfect!! Thanks for sharing
They are so good! Thank you for your comment!
These gooey bars look amazing! Printing and making these tonight!
I hope you enjoy! We love them over here! Thank you for your comment!
A family favorite and we love taking these to share with others. I hope you enjoy as much as we do!