Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Made in USA
Introduction
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
History
The chocolate chip cookie bar recipe is a variation of the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, which was invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s. Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, added chunks of Nestle chocolate to her cookie dough, creating the first chocolate chip cookie. The recipe quickly became popular and has since been adapted into various forms, including the chocolate chip cookie bar.
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 0.5 cup softened margarine or butter
- 0.5 cup shortening
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1.75 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup chopped nuts or shelled sunflower seeds (optional)
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, sugar, margarine, and shortening. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and egg to the mixture and blend well.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the chocolate chips and nuts to the mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture in an ungreased 13 x 9 inches pan.
- Bake for 15 to 25 minutes or until the bars turn light golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely.
- Cut the bars into desired sizes.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars before baking for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
- Use white chocolate chips or a mix of different types of chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent the bars from becoming tough.
- For extra flavor and crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds to the dough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chocolate chip cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They can also be enjoyed with a glass of cold milk for a classic snack.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps create a soft and chewy texture in the bars.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent the bars from becoming tough.
Ingredient Substitutions
Margarine can be substituted for butter in equal amounts.
- Sunflower seeds can be replaced with chopped nuts or omitted altogether.
Make Ahead Tips
Chocolate chip cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Presentation Ideas
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair chocolate chip cookie bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also go well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of chocolate chip cookie bars contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of chocolate chip cookie bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of chocolate chip cookie bars contains approximately 12 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of chocolate chip cookie bars contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Chocolate chip cookie bars are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Chocolate chip cookie bars contain wheat, eggs, and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but moderate in calories. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Chocolate chip cookie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies in a convenient bar form. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up a batch of these tasty bars in no time. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert, and share them with family and friends for a sweet treat that everyone will love.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, over for a cup of tea. As we sat in the kitchen chatting, she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I almost forgot! I have a new recipe to share with you."
Mrs. Johnson reached into her purse and pulled out a tattered piece of paper. "This is my grandmother's recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. It's been passed down through generations in my family, and it's a real crowd-pleaser."
I took the recipe from her and studied it carefully. The ingredients were simple – butter, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and, of course, chocolate chips. The instructions were straightforward, but there was something about the way Mrs. Johnson talked about the recipe that made it seem special.
That evening, I decided to give the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a try. As I mixed the ingredients together and poured the batter into a pan, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and vanilla. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.
When the timer went off, I pulled the pan out of the oven and let it cool before cutting into squares. The first bite was pure bliss – the cookie bars were chewy, buttery, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a treasured favorite in my own family.
Over the years, I've made these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars countless times for family gatherings, bake sales, and even as gifts for friends. Each time I bake them, I think of Mrs. Johnson and her grandmother, and how grateful I am to have stumbled upon such a delicious and beloved recipe.
As I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. I love sharing the story of how I learned to make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and the memories that are tied to each batch I bake.
In a world where recipes are often forgotten or lost in the shuffle of everyday life, it's comforting to know that some traditions can be preserved and cherished for generations to come. And for me, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the bonds we share with those we love and the joy that comes from sharing a homemade treat with others.
So the next time you find yourself in need of a sweet and simple dessert to share with your loved ones, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Who knows, maybe it will become a treasured favorite in your own family, just as it has in mine.
Categories
| American Recipes | Bar Cookie Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | Nut Cookie Recipes | Semi-sweet Chocolate Recipes | Sunflower Seed Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |