# **Ultimate Cookie Bars Recipe: A Delicious Treat for All Occasions** 🍪🍫
## **Introduction**
Cookie bars are the perfect combination of chewy, gooey, and crispy textures, packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and delivers rich flavors in every bite.
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## **History of Cookie Bars**
Cookie bars originated as a simpler alternative to traditional cookies, allowing bakers to make a large batch in one pan. The concept evolved from classic chocolate chip cookies, with variations like blondies, brownies, and layered bars becoming popular over time. Today, cookie bars are a staple in bakeries and home kitchens worldwide.
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## **Benefits of Cookie Bars**
✅ **Easy to Make** – No need to scoop individual cookies; just press the dough into a pan.
✅ **Customizable** – Add nuts, caramel, or different types of chocolate for variety.
✅ **Great for Sharing** – Perfect for parties, potlucks, and gifts.
✅ **Longer Shelf Life** – Stays fresh for days when stored properly.
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## **Ingredients**
### **For the Dough:**
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
### **Optional Add-ins:**
– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
– ½ cup caramel bits
– ½ cup shredded coconut
– ½ cup M&M’s or Reese’s pieces
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## **Instructions**
### **Method 1: Classic Baking**
1. **Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan**
– Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Line a **9×13-inch baking pan** with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
2. **Cream Butter & Sugars**
– In a large bowl, beat **butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar** until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. **Add Eggs & Vanilla**
– Mix in **eggs one at a time**, then add **vanilla extract**.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**
– In a separate bowl, whisk **flour, baking soda, and salt**.
– Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. **Fold in Chocolate & Add-ins**
– Stir in **chocolate chips** (and any optional add-ins).
6. **Press into Pan & Bake**
– Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
– Bake for **25-30 minutes** or until golden brown and set in the middle.
7. **Cool & Slice**
– Let cool for **20 minutes** before cutting into squares.
### **Method 2: No-Bake Option (For a Fudgier Texture)**
– Use a **microwave-safe bowl** to melt butter, then mix in sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
– Stir in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
– Press into the pan and refrigerate for **2 hours** until firm.
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## **Nutritional Information (Per Serving)**
– **Calories:** ~250 kcal
– **Carbs:** 35g
– **Protein:** 3g
– **Fat:** 12g
– **Fiber:** 1g
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## **Conclusion & For the Cookie Lovers**
These **cookie bars** are the ultimate treat for any occasion—soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or as a dessert at parties, they never disappoint.
💖 **Perfect for:**
– **Family gatherings**
– **Holiday baking**
– **Gifts for friends**
– **Late-night cravings**
Try this recipe today and share the love of homemade cookie bars! 🍪❤️
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Would you like any variations, like a **gluten-free or vegan** version? Let me know! 😊