One-Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Squares

Indulge in the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert with these incredibly soft, delightfully chewy Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Baked to perfection in just 20 minutes, they are the quintessential treat for any gathering, from lively parties and fun playdates to school events and casual family get-togethers. Forget the hassle of baking individual cookies; these bars offer all the classic chocolate chip goodness with unparalleled ease and efficiency, making them your new go-to recipe for effortless deliciousness.

Discover Your Ultimate Favorite Cookie Bar

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer convenience and irresistible taste of these Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Designed for those moments when you need to serve a delicious dessert to a large group without spending hours in the kitchen, these bars truly deliver. Each bite promises a super soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of chewiness, generously studded with gooey chocolate chips. They are incredibly easy to prepare, remarkably quick to bake, and so utterly delicious that they’ll vanish from the pan in no time. Whether it’s a festive holiday celebration, a neighborhood potluck, or a simple craving for something sweet, these cookie bars are destined to become your signature treat, beloved by all who taste them. They simplify baking for a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a perfect piece of cookie joy.

The Unrivaled Secret for Irresistible Chewiness

If your heart beats for a truly chewy cookie, allow us to share a game-changing secret: the addition of cream cheese to your cookie dough. This seemingly unassuming ingredient is the key to unlocking an extraordinary level of richness in flavor, a satisfyingly denser texture, and that coveted, incredible chewiness that sets these cookie bars apart. Cream cheese doesn’t just add a subtle tang; its high fat content and unique dairy structure contribute significantly to the overall moisture and tenderness of the dough. It helps to keep the bars moist even after baking, preventing them from drying out and enhancing that delightful chewiness. This secret ingredient is absolutely essential for achieving the perfect texture in a sheet pan cookie, ensuring every square is soft, dense, and perfectly chewy. You’ll wonder how you ever baked chocolate chip cookies without it!

The Ultimate Dessert for Every Gathering

With a recipe yielding 24 generous servings, these Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are custom-made for entertaining and feeding a crowd. They are the ideal solution for playdates, ensuring every child gets a delightful treat, perfect for team sports parties where hungry athletes need a sweet refuel, or for scout meetings where a shared snack brings everyone together. We often find ourselves with all the necessary ingredients already on hand, making these bars a spontaneous option for last-minute needs. The process is wonderfully straightforward: simply mix up a batch, slide it into the oven, and within minutes, you have a spectacular dessert ready to impress! Imagine the convenience of producing a large batch of delicious, homemade cookies with minimal effort, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of your guests rather than fussing over individual servings.

The speed at which these bars bake is truly remarkable. Planning an impromptu get-together, or have friends dropping by unexpectedly? These sheet pan chocolate chip cookies can be out of the oven and cooling within 20 minutes, making them an absolute lifesaver for last-minute deliciousness. Each bar boasts a beautifully golden-brown top, a wonderfully soft and supremely chewy middle, and an abundance of rich, gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. For an extra touch of decadence, we highly recommend serving them warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top – creating an instant, irresistible cookie sundae that everyone will adore. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!

Why Choose Sheet Pan Cookie Bars? The Ultimate Baking Hack

Beyond their delicious taste, sheet pan cookie bars offer several compelling advantages over traditional individual cookies, making them a true baking game-changer. Firstly, efficiency is key: baking a single large batch means less time spent scooping dough, fewer trays to rotate, and a significantly quicker overall process. This translates to more free time for you! Secondly, uniform baking is often easier to achieve in a sheet pan, as the dough spreads consistently, resulting in evenly cooked bars without the risk of some being overdone and others underbaked. Clean-up is also minimized, as you’re only dealing with one pan. Additionally, transport is a breeze; simply cut the cooled bars and arrange them in a container, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or gifting. They also offer excellent portion control, allowing you to cut them into any size square or rectangle you desire, catering to all appetites. Embracing sheet pan baking is not just about making cookies; it’s about simplifying your life while still delivering incredible, homemade goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Crafting these sensational cookie bars requires a few key ingredients, most of which are likely staples in your pantry. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture, so it’s always worth checking your stock before you begin. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create this amazing dessert:

• Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for optimal creaming
• Cream cheese, softened, which is our secret ingredient for ultimate chewiness and richness
• Granulated sugar, to provide sweetness and aid in browning
• Dark brown sugar, adding depth of flavor and moisture for a softer texture
• Large eggs, binding ingredients and contributing to structure
• Pure vanilla extract, for that comforting, classic cookie flavor
• All-purpose flour, forming the base of our delicious dough
• Baking soda, the leavening agent for a perfect rise
• Kosher salt, balancing the sweetness and enhancing all flavors
• Plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips, for that signature gooey chocolate experience
• A sturdy 18×13-inch sheet pan, the canvas for your cookie masterpiece
• Non-stick cooking spray, for easy removal
• Parchment paper, ensuring a clean lift and preventing sticking

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Making these glorious cookie bars is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and utterly delicious:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare your 18×13-inch sheet pan by spraying it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. This acts as a primary barrier against sticking. Then, carefully line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides if possible; this will make lifting the cooled cookie bars out incredibly easy. Set the prepared pan aside.
• In the spacious bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and light, with no lumps remaining. Then, add both the granulated sugar and the dark brown sugar to the bowl. Continue beating until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy, usually taking about 2-3 minutes. Finally, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix only until the flour mixture is just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in tough cookie bars. Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a sturdy spatula, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for chocolatey goodness in every bite.

• With the cookie dough ready, spread it evenly into the prepared sheet pan. You can use an offset spatula or your hands (lightly floured if sticky) to gently press the dough into an even layer, reaching all corners of the pan.
• Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. For even baking, it’s a good idea to rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. The cookie bars are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry cookie bars. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for them to set properly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire cookie slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 24 even squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Serve your delightful Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and enjoy the smiles they bring!

Storing Your Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for Freshness

To keep your delicious cookie bars fresh and enjoyable for longer, proper storage is key. Once they have completely cooled, transfer the cut cookie bars to an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully soft and chewy at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars to prevent them from sticking together. This method ensures they retain their moisture and incredible texture.

For longer preservation, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. To freeze, individually wrap each cookie bar tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Once wrapped, place the individual bars into a freezer-safe container or in individual freezer-safe baggies. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without losing their quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen treat, simply remove the desired number of cookie bars from the freezer. To defrost, let them sit at room temperature, uncovered. Allowing them to thaw uncovered helps prevent excess moisture from accumulating and making them soggy, ensuring they return to their original delicious texture. You can also lightly warm them in a microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!

We absolutely adore seeing your culinary creations! If you whip up these delectable Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and share a picture on social media, be sure to tag us on Instagram @thebakermama. It truly makes our day to see how inspired and creative you get with the recipes and ideas we share. Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,

Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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4.3 from 3 reviews

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24

Print Recipe

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Description

Serve up dessert for a crowd with these irresistible Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They are incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and bake up in just 20 minutes, making them the perfect effortless treat for parties, playdates, and any gathering that calls for a delicious homemade dessert!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add both granulated sugar and dark brown sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed.
4. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared sheet pan, pressing gently into all corners. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into 24 even squares. Serve and enjoy!

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