Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I absolutely love these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, especially when the Super Bowl rolls around! There's something magical about merging the nostalgia of cookie dough with the excitement of game day. These bars are easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends or devouring alone. The gooey chocolate combined with a chewy, buttery base makes every bite a satisfying treat. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the game without being stuck in the kitchen!

Created by

Marnie Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:56:36.855Z

As I was preparing for the Super Bowl, I wanted something not only delicious but also nostalgic. I reminisced about classic chocolate chip cookies and thought, why not take it up a notch? So I created these cookie bars that really capture that cookie dough flavor in a more shareable format. In testing different ratios of flour and sugar, I found that a balance gives the perfect chewy texture!

When I served these to my friends during a game night, they were an instant hit. I love that they can be prepared in one bowl—minimal fuss and maximum flavor! The important tip? Don’t overbake them! They should come out chewy and soft, which pairs beautifully with the melted chocolate chips.

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Irresistibly chewy and gooey chocolate chip goodness
Perfectly shareable for game day gatherings
Simple to make, with minimal clean-up

      

Key Ingredient Insights

The choice of butter plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture for these cookie bars. Using unsalted butter not only allows you to control the salt levels but also ensures a rich, creamy base. When creaming the butter with sugars, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which is essential for incorporating air into the mixture. This aeration contributes to a chewy texture, creating that desirable contrast between the soft center and slightly crispy edges.

Replacing granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative can provide a different flavor profile and a slightly darker color. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture; you might find your cookie bars a bit denser. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can cut the sugar quantity by 25% without compromising the overall taste too much, though the sweetness will be less pronounced.

Technique Tips for Perfect Bars

When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, it's important to do so just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars due to gluten development. Mix until you can no longer see dry flour; it's okay if there are a few small lumps. This will help ensure that your bars remain soft and chewy rather than dry and crumbly.

Use a spatula or wooden spoon for folding in the chocolate chips. This gentle folding motion helps prevent breaking the chips and ensures they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. If you prefer a mix of flavors, consider adding chopped nuts or even swapping some of the chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix all these ingredients together, and you'll be on your way to cookie bar bliss!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips gently, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and center is set. Do not overbake!

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature—they’re great either way!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious sweet and salty contrast!

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. After baking, allow them to cool completely before slicing. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them to extend their freshness. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

For serving, you can warm up slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their gooeyness before serving, especially if they’ve been stored in the fridge or freezer. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm bar turns this treat into an indulgent dessert perfect for game day or any gathering.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookie bars don’t rise as expected, check your baking soda's freshness. Old leavening agents can lead to dense bars that don't have the chewy texture we aim for. It’s best to replace them every six months to a year to ensure optimum performance in your baking.

If you find your edges overbaking while the center is still soft, consider adjusting your oven temperature or rotating the pan halfway through baking. Every oven is different; some may run hotter or cooler, affecting baking times. Investing in an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use butter substitutes?

Yes, you can use margarine or plant-based butter substitutes if needed, but it may slightly alter the flavor.

→ How should I store the cookie bars?

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped for freezer storage.

→ What type of chocolate chips work best?

I recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor balance, but feel free to mix in milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.