These decadent cookie bars are always a hit when I bring them to parties or make them for my family. They travel well, and you can even use icing to write on them to decorate for birthdays or special occasions.
Chocolate-Chip Cookie Bars
Makes 24 (2-inch) square cookies
2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour (10 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 oz. butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
1 cup light brown sugar (7 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
1. Heat oven to 325°. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment or foil and brush with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
3. Whisk melted butter and sugars in large bowl until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Using rubber spatula, fold dry ingredients into egg mixture until just combined. Fold in chips and turn batter into prepared pan, smoothing top with spatula.
4. Bake until top is light golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and edges start pulling away from sides of pan, 27 to 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Optional: add nuts, M&Ms or other mix-ins to the dough (these are not included in the nutrition information listed below.)