Crispy & Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I still remember the first time I bit into one of these chocolate chip cookie bars, warm from the oven, the edges perfectly crispy, and the center melting in my mouth.
It instantly felt like home.
Now, I bake them anytime I need a quick dessert that brings smiles to every table. The secret? Brown butter, a gooey center, and enough chocolate to make everyone come back for seconds.
Crispy or gooey? These bars don’t make you choose, they give you both.

How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at Home

These chocolate chip cookie bars strike the perfect balance, crisp around the edges, gooey in the middle, and packed with deep, rich flavor from brown butter.
No chill time, no mixer, no stress. Just simple ingredients and a few smart techniques for bakery-level results in your own kitchen. They’re as fuss-free as strawberry brownies but deliver an unbeatable texture.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at Home

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible chocolate chip cookie bars, right in your own kitchen:

Base

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1½ cups (270g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)

How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5–7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk again until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined, don’t overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips: Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate until evenly distributed.
6. Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
7. Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for that bakery-style finish.
8. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. It should still look slightly soft in the middle, that’s the gooey magic.
9. Cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bars set and gives you perfect, clean cuts.

Brown Butter Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Don’t rush it, let the butter melt slowly over medium heat. Watch for a golden color and that deep, nutty aroma, that’s when the magic happens.
Once browned, take it off the heat and let it cool just enough before mixing it in.
Bonus: This one simple step adds a rich, toasty depth that transforms your chocolate chip cookie bars from good to unforgettable.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Want to switch things up? These easy flavor twists take your chocolate chip cookie bars in new (and delicious) directions, all using the same base recipe.

Classic Family Style

Keep it simple and nostalgic. Use regular melted butter instead of browning it, and go with milk chocolate chips for a softer, sweeter bite.
Perfect for lunchboxes or picky eaters, just like one of Grandma’s classic recipes.

Crispy Lover’s Edition

For thinner, crispier bars, use slightly less brown sugar, spread the dough more thinly in the pan, and bake on the longer end of the time range.
Top with flaky sea salt for extra crunch and contrast. These are a great alternative to other classics like lemon bars.

Gourmet Twist

Go bold: keep the brown butter, but use dark chocolate chunks (70–85%) and add a pinch of espresso powder to the dough.
It intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth, fancy dessert vibes at home.

Healthy Makeover
Looking to sneak in a little nutrition? Swap some flour for almond flour or oat flour. You’ll love them as much as our high protein desserts.

Recipe Snapshot

Texture

Crispy golden edges with a soft, gooey, chewy center, the perfect balance in every bite.

Flavor

Deep brown butter richness paired with generous chocolate chunks for bold, comforting sweetness.

Prep & Bake Time

Just 10 minutes of prep and 22–26 minutes in the oven. Simple and quick for any baking level.

Difficulty

Easy and beginner-friendly, no chill time, no fancy tools.

Perfect For

Family nights, casual gatherings, or anytime a chocolate craving hits hard.

Chef Brooke Tips

Because little tricks make a big difference, here’s how to take your chocolate chip cookie bars to the next level.

Clean Slicing Made Easy

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang. Once the bars are cool, lift them out in one piece, no sticking, no crumbling.

Perfect Texture Every Time

For soft centers and crispy edges, bake until the center looks just set, don’t wait for a firm top. Letting them cool fully in the pan does the rest.

Pro-Level Finish

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking adds contrast and brings out the chocolate flavor, it’s a small touch that feels gourmet.

Final Thoughts

These brown butter chocolate chip cookie bars are everything you want in a homemade dessert, rich, chewy, crispy, and endlessly satisfying.
Whether you go classic, crispy, or gourmet, this is the kind of recipe that always disappears fast.

Let’s Settle the Debate

Are you Team Gooey or Team Crispy?
Tell us in the comments, and tag someone who needs to try this!

For more simple and satisfying ideas, check out these quick & easy recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)