Fudgy Chocolate Cookie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate homemade treat with these incredibly soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey **Chocolate Cookie Bars**. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, effortlessly scaling for any occasion from lively birthday parties and festive holiday gatherings to community bake sales. Imagine a rich, dense chocolate sugar cookie base, perfectly baked to tender perfection, then generously crowned with a velvety, homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. It’s a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.

The secret to their irresistible depth of flavor lies in using a high-quality cocoa powder for the cookie dough, transforming a classic sugar cookie into a chocolate lover’s dream. But don’t stop there – these bars are wonderfully versatile! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips for an extra burst of cocoa, or get creative with swirls of creamy peanut butter, decadent caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the taste profile even further. The possibilities for customization are endless, making this recipe a foundational favorite for all your sweet cravings.

Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe

When you’re faced with the delightful challenge of baking for a crowd, cookie bars are your ultimate secret weapon. These Chocolate Cookie Bars embody convenience and deliciousness, baked in a single sheet pan, then blanketed with a luscious homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. Once cooled, simply slice them into perfect squares or rectangles, eliminating the tedious task of individually portioning and frosting dozens of cookies. This streamlined approach means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests, all while serving a dessert that looks and tastes incredibly impressive.

To craft the decadent cookie dough for these bars, we’ve ingeniously adapted a classic chewy sugar cookie recipe, infusing it with the rich essence of premium cocoa powder. This creates a deeply flavorful base that is both soft and satisfyingly chewy. Beyond the chocolatey foundation, these bars invite your personal touch. Consider adding delightful mix-ins like crunchy chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or your favorite variety of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white!). For those who love to experiment, the frosting layer offers another canvas for creativity. Explore alternative flavors such as a decadent Chocolate Buttercream or a refreshing Mint Cream Cheese Frosting. For an truly indulgent dessert experience, serve a warm cookie bar with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly into the soft chocolatey goodness.

Unlock the Flavor: Key Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Cookie Bars

Creating these sensational chocolate cookie bars starts with a selection of readily available ingredients. While the recipe is straightforward, paying attention to the quality and state of a few key components will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for both the chocolate cookie base and the dreamy vanilla buttercream frosting:

For the Chocolate Cookie Bars:

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie bars, standard all-purpose flour provides the ideal structure and texture. Sifting it before use can help create an even lighter crumb.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for achieving that characteristic soft, slightly risen texture. It reacts with other ingredients to create air pockets, making the cookies wonderfully tender.
• High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The star of the show for that deep chocolate flavor! Investing in a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural) will make a noticeable difference in the richness and intensity of your cookie bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is vital for proper creaming with the sugar, leading to a light and fluffy dough. If you’re short on time, gently microwave it in 10-second intervals until it’s pliable but not melted. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: White granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough and contributes to its crisp edges and tender interior. For a deeper, chewier texture, you could substitute a small portion (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 cup) with light brown sugar.
• Large Eggs: Like butter, it’s best if your eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize up, affecting the emulsion of your dough. If they’re cold, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before cracking them. Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness to the cookie bars.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate, and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract complements the chocolate beautifully, adding a warm, aromatic note.

For the Irresistible Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Again, room temperature is key. Soft butter creams smoothly and incorporates air beautifully, resulting in a light and fluffy frosting. Whether you choose salted or unsalted is a matter of personal preference; if using salted, you might reduce the added salt in the frosting slightly.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Adding it gradually in batches prevents a powdery cloud in your kitchen and ensures it’s fully incorporated.
• Milk: Whole milk is preferred for its richness, but 2% milk works just as well. It helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your buttercream. You may need to adjust the amount slightly to get your desired spreadable texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: For the best flavor, always opt for pure vanilla extract. It provides the classic, comforting vanilla note that perfectly balances the rich chocolate cookie base.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Chocolate Cookie Bars

Making these chocolate cookie bars is a rewarding experience, leading to a delectable dessert that’s easier than it looks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Chocolate Sugar Cookie Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy, usually about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a tender cookie. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated and no streaks of flour or butter remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
2. Press the Dough into the Baking Pan: Prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the prepared chocolate cookie dough to the baking pan. Using your hands or an offset spatula, press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface from edge to edge. A uniform thickness will ensure even baking.
3. Bake the Chocolate Cookie Bars: Place the prepared baking pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden and the center appears set when lightly touched. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely on a wire rack. It’s essential that they are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
4. Whip Up the Creamy Buttercream Frosting: While the cookie bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the dreamy vanilla buttercream frosting. In the clean bowl of your stand mixer, again using the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter until it’s light, pale, and fluffy. This typically takes a few minutes. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s incorporated. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix on low speed until combined. Once all ingredients are in, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes until it becomes incredibly light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon or two more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Frost, Garnish, and Serve: Once the chocolate cookie bars are completely cool, it’s time for the grand finale. Using an offset spatula or a knife, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cooled cookie bars. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the tops with your favorite sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. Once frosted, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut the bars into 20 equal squares or desired serving sizes. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear! Enjoy these magnificent homemade treats!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cookie Bars

Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Cookie Bars

Proper storage is essential to keep your Chocolate Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are the best practices:

• Refrigerator: To maintain optimal freshness and prevent spoilage (especially with buttercream frosting), store your frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Placing parchment paper between layers can help prevent sticking.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully, both frosted and unfrosted.
  • Frosted Cookie Bars: Place cut bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers. They can be stored frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
  • Unfrosted Cookie Bars: Baked but unfrosted cookie bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe

Author:
The Carefree Kitchen

These quick and easy chocolate sugar cookie bars are a soft, chewy, chocolatey treat. Perfect for everything from birthday parties to bake sales, these cookie bars are made with a chocolate sugar cookie base and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting.

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Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
25 mins

Total:
35 mins

Yields:
20 people

Ingredients

Chocolate Cookie Bars

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

Buttercream Frosting

• 8 ounces butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Chocolate Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 C).
2. Add the butter, sugar, and vanilla into the bowl of a stand mixer and cream using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk well. Then, add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture. Beat on low speed until well incorporated and no streaks of butter remain, but do not overmix.
4. Line a 9″ x 13″ baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, covering the bottom of the pan as evenly as possible.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until just barely golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
2. Add the milk and powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix again on low until incorporated. Increase speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. (Note: you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar or milk to adjust the consistency.)
3. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cooled Chocolate Cookie Bars. Garnish the tops with your favorite sprinkles if desired. Cut into 20 square cookie bars. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing instructions: Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Frosted cookie bars can be stored frozen for up to 1 month. Unfrosted cookie bars can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 67mg
Sodium: 327mg
Potassium: 44mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 33g
Vitamin A: 594IU
Calcium: 14mg
Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

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Whether you’re hosting a party, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating your family, these soft and chewy Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars, lavishly covered in homemade vanilla buttercream, are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re effortlessly elegant and consistently delicious, making them the perfect dessert for any gathering, big or small.