The Best Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you’re a middle piece lover and fan of chewy centers, then this is the perfect recipe for you! Whenever your next cookie craving hits, make sure to give this recipe a try!

Since you are here and love small batch recipes, make sure to check out this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe, as well as this small batch ultra fudgy brownie recipe!

This is the best small batch chocolate chip cookie bars recipe

There is something about a fresh batch of “chocolate chip” anything that is just so perfect! And when it comes to chocolate chip cookie bars, this recipe reigns supreme. Each batch is made in small quantities, ensuring that every ingredient is carefully measured and blended to perfection. The balance of buttery richness, sweet chocolate, and just the right amount of salt creates a sensational experience.

The texture is the best part. Soft and chewy middles with a slightly crisp edge, making each bite an irresistible delight. Plus, the simplicity of baking them in bar form means you can easily share the joy with friends and family, spreading the love one little square at a time.

Ingredients for this Small batch Chocolate Chip cookie bars recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this small batch chocolate chip cookie bars recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Unsalted Butter: Be sure to use the unsalted kind so that we can control how much salt goes in separately. Pull the butter out 30 minutes to 1 hour before beginning the recipe to allow the butter to get to room temperature.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: provide the sweetness. I used light brown sugar but you can use dark brown sugar if you want a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Egg Yolk: helps these chewy cookie bars keep their amazing texture.
• Vanilla Extract: is always present in a cookie dough batter and helps enhance the chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: combines with the wet ingredients to give these small-batch cookie bars their structure.
• Baking Soda: helps the cookies rise and become more airy.
• Salt: balances out the sweetness while enhancing all of the other flavors.
• Chocolate Chunks: provide the ooey-gooey and iconic chocolate flavor and texture.

How to make small batch chocolate chip cookie bars

This is how you can make the small batch chocolate chip cookie bars. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Preheat your oven and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Optional and for easy removal of the cookie bars, lay a sheet of parchment paper first in the pan with two sides hanging out (cut the other sides so it fits snug), then grease with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer until well combined.
3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Add in the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
5. Press the chocolate chip cookie dough into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Top with more chocolate chunks.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crisp edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Why do you need to make this recipe!

• This easy recipe is quick to make and only requires a handful of simple ingredients.
• These easy cookie bars make the perfect amount for a couple, a small group of friends or family, or for yourself!
• Switch up your normal chocolate chip cookie recipes by trying something new with the square bars!
• You can even add or substitute flavors to make it taste how you want.
• If you’re not feeling bars but enjoy this wonderful recipe, you can still make into a small batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to store these small batch chocolate chip cookie bars

These bar cookies store really well. You can put them in a Ziploc bag and leave them on the kitchen counter and they should last for at least 3-4 days. Or you could put them in an airtight container and they should last for a week.

Can I freeze these chewy cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing them is a great way to make a batch just once and enjoy them whenever you like. To make sure they stay as fresh as possible, take the time to wrap the bars in plastic wrap first and then putting them in a sealed container. This will ensure they don’t get freezer burn. They should last for a couple months like this.

Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Not at all! You are welcome to use whichever style or flavor of chocolate chips you desire. Semi-sweet chips are nice because they’re perfectly balanced, in my opinion. But if you want less sweetness, use dark chocolate chips. If you want more sweetness, use milk chocolate chips. And if you’re a white chocolate fan, you can absolutely use white chocolate chips.

What different flavors can I try with these small batch chocolate chip cookie bars?

Different Chocolate Chips: Using different chocolate chips will yield a cookie bar that tastes slightly different but just as good!

Dried Fruits: Adding in dried cherries, cranberries or even or even candied orange peel will definitely take these to the next level.

Peanut Butter: Melt and pour a light drizzle of warm peanut butter over the top of your fully baked cookie bars after you pull them out of the oven.

Mix in Cinnamon or a Dash of Cayenne Powder: Mix these in before baking to add a delicious spicy flavor to the cookies.

The Best Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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