Toll House Cookie Bars
This Amish recipe for chewy chocolate chip bars is similar to Nestle's Toll House cookie bars recipe. They are so buttery, chewy, and 100% irresistible! And the perfect treat when you need cookies but don't want to put forth much effort.
I love cookies! But some days there just isn't enough time to scoop and bake batches of cookies. And that's when cookie bar recipes come in handy.
It's so quick to mix and bake a pan full of bars. And they make a great dessert or snack for any occasion.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you're looking for a great chocolate chip cookie recipe, I have one of those as well. But this recipe is for cookie bars.
And what exactly are "cookie bars"? They're basically the same thing as cookies. But the dough gets spread into a pan, baked, and cut into squares (or rectangles, whichever you please).
So the bars will typically end up being thicker than a cookie unless you bake them in a larger pan and spread them thin. But these chocolate chip bars have the same flavor as cookies and are delightfully thick and yummy!
And if you prefer them thick and gooey, you can reduce the baking time and pull them from the oven before they're completely set.
In fact, these bars are better when they are slightly underbaked rather than overbaked. Because they turn out a bit dry when overbaked.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 9x13" Pan
If I lived by myself, I might look for bar recipes that make a small pan full. But there are six of us in our home. And a small pan of bars disappears so fast that it barely feels like it was worth the time to make them.
So I always look for bar recipes that make a 9x13" pan or even a sheet pan full.
And the good news is that even if you live by yourself and don't eat lots of baked goods, you could still make this Amish recipe. Because these chocolate chip bars freeze well.
Cut them into squares and put most of them into an airtight container and freeze them for later. They'll be great in the freezer for weeks and even months.
Then whenever you get a craving for something sweet, you can get out one bar, let it thaw, and enjoy a delicious treat that still tastes fresh.
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
The reason I call these lazy chocolate chip bars is that they take so little time and effort to make. So if you're feeling lazy, but your sweet tooth is calling, this is a great go-to recipe.
They literally take only about 15 minutes of your time.
If you plan ahead, you can set the butter out to soften at room temperature. But if you're wanting to quickly make these bars and don't have any softened butter, just place the butter (still in its wrapper is fine) into the microwave for about 10 - 12 seconds and it will be ready to use.
This is a great recipe if you're looking for something easy to get your kids started with baking.
And it's definitely one of my go-to recipes. They're super quick to make, and everyone loves them. So it's a win-win all around!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I use salted or unsalted butter? I use salted butter in every single recipe with butter. But if you're trying to cut back on salt, go ahead and use unsalted. It doesn't make any noticeable difference.
- What kind of chocolate chips should I use? You can use any kind that you like. Not sure why, but for some reason, milk and dark chocolate are my go-to's. But you could also switch things up and use butterscotch, cinnamon, mint chips, mini M&Ms, etc.
- I don't have any cornstarch on hand, can I make these bars without it? Yes, cornstarch is not a required ingredient to make great bars. Its purpose, however, is to help create a delightfully soft and chewy texture.
More Amish Cookie Bars Recipes
Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars
Items Used for This Recipe... (affiliate links)
If you enjoy this Amish chocolate chip cookie bar recipe, I would love it if you would leave a star rating and comment down below. Thank you!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 sticks softened butter (14 Tbsp.)
- 3/4 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 - 2 c. chocolate chips
- 1/2 - 1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Place the softened butter into a mixing bowl and beat. Add the sugars and beat on high speed until well creamed.1 3/4 sticks softened butter (14 Tbsp.), 3/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. white sugar
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.2 large eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, soda, and salt. Add this to the wet mixture and mix only to combine.2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.1 1/2 - 2 c. chocolate chips, 1/2 - 1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
- Spread into a greased 9x13" pan and bake at 350° for about 24 - 28 minutes or until set. These bars are better when slightly underbaked versus overbaked.
- Cool and cut into bars. Serve.
- Store in an airtight container. And some can be frozen to keep them fresh for later.
Lisa Hidlay
I just made these- they are amazing! Buttery, soft....yummy! I never had bar cookies turn out this well- this is a keeper! I am interested to know about the addition of the cornstarch....I don't think I have ever used it in a cookie recipe before but wow.... super good!
Anna
So glad you enjoyed them. Cornstarch is supposed to help provide structure and create a crumbly, yet tender and chewy texture.
James Martens
Great Recipe not just for kids