Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Recipes

I absolutely love making these chocolate chip cookie bars for the Super Bowl! The warm, gooey chocolate paired with the soft, buttery cookie base is a huge crowd-pleaser. Every year, friends and family look forward to these treats as I pull them from the oven, their aroma wafting through the house. Plus, they're so easy to make in larger batches, which is perfect for feeding a group. Trust me, these bars are the ultimate addition to your game-day spread.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:11:35.892Z

When I first tried making cookie bars instead of individual cookies, I was amazed by how much easier and quicker it was. Each bar maintains that perfect balance of soft and chewy while having just the right amount of crispiness on the edges. For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality chocolate chips; they truly elevate the dish.

A tip that has always worked for me is to slightly underbake the bars, allowing them to set as they cool. This creates a wonderfully fudgy texture that everyone will love. Trust me, once you serve these at your next gathering, they will disappear in no time!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Warm, gooey chocolate melted into soft cookie layers
Effortlessly made in one pan for easy cleanup
Guaranteed to please a crowd during game day

      

Mastering the Cookie Bar Texture

The key to achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture in your chocolate chip cookie bars lies in how you handle the butter and sugars. Creaming the softened butter with the sugars until light and fluffy incorporates air, which results in a lighter bar. Be careful not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients; you want to combine them just until there are no streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.

Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients helps create a uniform batter, impacting the final texture. If you're short on time, microwaving the butter in short bursts can soften it quickly, but avoid melting it completely, as this will affect the structure of your bars. Aim for a batter that appears thick but still spreadable, ensuring each bar will have that desirable chewiness.

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

If you're looking to make these dessert bars a bit healthier or cater to dietary restrictions, there are several substitutions you can try. You can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste without compromising the texture. For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Make sure it's solid enough to cream properly with the sugars for the best results.

For those who prefer a touch of additional flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking. This enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a wonderful contrast. If you're a fan of different flavors, try incorporating nuts, dried fruit, or oatmeal into the batter. Each addition can elevate your cookie bars, making them uniquely yours.

Storing and Serving Your Cookie Bars

To keep your chocolate chip cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them. Cut the cooled bars into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can last in the freezer for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for the Super Bowl or any gathering.

When it comes to serving, these bars are wonderful on their own, but why not elevate them a notch? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra decadent dessert. Presentation can also be enhanced by placing them on a decorative platter or drizzling with melted chocolate, making them not just tasty but visually appealing for your game-day table.

Ingredients

For the Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Spread into Baking Dish

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still be soft.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence. You can also customize them by adding nuts or dried fruit to the mix if desired.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cookie bars are too dry, it may be due to overbaking or excess flour. Ensure you're measuring your flour correctly by using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping the flour directly from the bag. Alternatively, if your bars are too gooey, they may not have baked long enough; keep in mind that they will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

Sometimes, if the chocolate chips sink to the bottom, it could be due to the thickness of the batter. Ensure you're gently folding in the chocolate chips just until incorporated, which helps them stay suspended in the batter during baking. You could also coat your chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter, which can help them stay evenly distributed.

Scaling Up for a Crowd

If you're preparing these bars for a larger gathering, such as a party for the Super Bowl, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish, like a 12x18-inch half-sheet pan, and monitor your baking time, as larger quantities may require an additional 5-10 minutes. Make sure to test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.

When scaling up, consider the addition of other flavors or textures. You can create a variety by making some bars with nuts, some with caramel swirls, or even swirled with peanut butter or Nutella for some extra flavor. This variation not only makes for a better dessert spread but allows people to choose their favorite flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give a richer flavor to the bars.

→ How should I store the cookie bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor.