The moment you take a bite of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars, you’ll be transported to dessert heaven! Seriously, the rich, buttery flavor combined with gooey chocolate chips makes them an irresistible treat. It all started one rainy afternoon when I found myself with some leftover cookie butter. Instead of just spreading it on toast, I thought, why not incorporate it into bars? And let me tell you, this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in the kitchen!
These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a sweet snack, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe has got you covered. They come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for when those cravings strike! Plus, the combination of cookie butter and chocolate chips is simply mind-blowing, and everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s whip up a batch of these delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars! You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars, and I’m here to spill the beans! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Quick & Easy: These bars come together in a flash! You’ll have them prepped and in the oven in under 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you likely won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy night in, or a potluck, these bars fit the bill. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, these bars get rave reviews from kids and adults alike. There’s something magical about cookie butter and chocolate that brings everyone together.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of the buttery cookie base, the creamy cookie butter, and the melty chocolate chips is pure bliss!
But what truly makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars unique is the texture. The cookie base is soft and chewy, while the cookie butter adds that extra layer of richness. Honestly, it’s comfort food at its finest! These bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a hug in dessert form, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delectable treat. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these on hand!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for rich flavor)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for balance)
- 1 cup cookie butter (the star of the show!)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (binds everything together)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for warmth and depth)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the base for our bars)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for lift)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for chewiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your choice)
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences! You can use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or even try almond flour for a gluten-free twist. Just remember, the cookie butter is what makes these bars irresistibly good, so don’t skip it!
Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, let’s gather the necessary tools:
- Mixing bowls (both large and medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer (for creaming butter and sugars)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing ingredients)
- 9×13-inch baking pan (for the perfect bar size)
- Parchment paper (to keep the bars from sticking)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for precise measurements)
- Cooling rack (for letting the bars cool down)
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly. Just keep an eye on them as they bake!
Preparation Method
Let’s get to the good part! Here’s how to whip up these Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars in just a few simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cookie butter to the mixture and beat until well combined. You’ll want that heavenly cookie aroma to fill your kitchen!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bars soft!
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want to overbake!
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your baking experience:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the suggested time. You want them to be soft but set.
- Let Them Cool: Give the bars time to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts for added crunch!
Variations & Adaptations
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars are versatile and can be customized in many ways! Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Seasonal Twist: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fall-inspired version!
- Cookie Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl in extra cookie butter on top for a marbled effect.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these bars suitable for dairy-free diets.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let them cool down completely before serving. For a fun presentation, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s a quick overview of what you’re getting in each delicious bite:
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per bar (based on 16 bars)
- Fat: 12g (healthy fats from butter and chocolate)
- Protein: 3g (from eggs and cookie butter)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (providing quick energy)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (from the flour)
Cookie butter brings a unique flavor while providing some energy-boosting carbs. Just remember to enjoy these in moderation!
Conclusion
In a world full of desserts, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars truly shine. They’re delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. I love how they make my kitchen smell heavenly, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me!
So, give them a try, and don’t forget to customize based on your taste. I’d love to hear your thoughts, any variations you try, or even just how much you enjoyed them! Leave a comment below, and happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy cookie butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy cookie butter will add an extra layer of texture to your bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Check for a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other mix-ins, like dried fruit or coconut?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 cup.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Pin This Recipe!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars combine rich, buttery flavor with gooey chocolate chips, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cookie butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cookie butter to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing. Don’t overmix once you add the flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: chocolate chip, cookie butter, dessert, bars, easy recipe
