Toll House Cookie Bars

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If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies but crave a quick and easy dessert, then you are going to fall head over heels for these Toll House Cookie Bars.

They combine all the goodness of traditional Toll House cookies into delightful bar form.

Soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you need a sweet treat for a potluck, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookie bars are sure to impress.

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Toll House Cookie Bars are incredibly simple to make, making them a breeze for bakers of all levels.

You’ll love how quickly you can whip them up in one bowl.

Plus, they bake in a single pan, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying these sweet treats.

Each bite is a delightful combination of buttery goodness, rich chocolate, and a hint of nuttiness if you decide to add pecans.

Trust me, once you try these bars, they will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups (350 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans (optional)

How To Make Toll House Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This will ensure your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.

This will help you easily lift out the bars once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

This step is important to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.

This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the room temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Gradually Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.

Step 7: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped pecans.

This step adds that delicious crunch and extra flavor to your cookie bars.

Step 8: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Make sure to get into the corners so that all parts bake evenly.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes.

You want them to be golden brown around the edges and set in the center.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Then, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

• For the best texture, use room temperature butter and eggs.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the bars soft and chewy.
• If you want thicker cookie bars, you can use an 8×8 inch baking pan instead of a 9×13 inch pan, but adjust the baking time.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Variations and Customizations

• Try using different types of chocolate chips like dark chocolate or white chocolate for a twist.
• Add in some shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if you prefer a different nut.
• Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a delicious combination.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Toll House Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

You can also wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.

If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen bars, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Start with a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for the best results.

Can I make these bars without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown around the edges and look set in the center.

A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What can I serve with Toll House Cookie Bars?

These cookie bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top wouldn’t hurt either!

Conclusion

Toll House Cookie Bars are the epitome of comfort food that you can’t resist.

With their soft texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

Perfect for any occasion or just a simple dessert after dinner, these bars are incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s just as satisfying as your favorite cookies—only easier! Happy baking!

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