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author holding a stack of three gooey chocolate chip cookie bars
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5 from 2 votes

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are seriously HEAVENLY! Soft, chewy, gooey and irresistibly chocolaty, they're made with two types of chocolate and a secret ingredient that takes them over the top!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Bars, Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Dessert

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips I like Guittard
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips I like Guittard

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° degrees F. Line a 9x13" light metal rectangular baking pan with foil or parchment paper, extending the sides of the foil or parchment over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil or parchment with cooking spray; set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with the paddle attachment until creamy and combined, about 30 seconds. Add in the egg and egg yolk, mixing well, followed by the vanilla. Lastly, beat in the baking soda, cornstarch, instant espresso powder, salt, and flour on low speed until a soft dough comes together. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into bars, or for super neat squares, cool completely.

Notes

You can find the instant espresso powder on the coffee and tea aisle at most major grocery stores. I use the brand Megdalia d'Oro. I promise it won't make your bars taste coffee-ish or mocha-like! It just enhances the chocolate notes and imparts a lovely flavor profile. 
When making such a simple recipe, I like to use higher quality ingredients since the focus is so narrowed down to one flavor. In this case, the chocolate! Splurge for a higher quality chocolate chip for these bars - trust me, you can taste a difference! I like using Guittard or Ghirardelli, or if you can find it, Callebaut. You can find Guittard and Ghirardelli now at most grocery stores, including Target and Walmart.