Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the comforting, nostalgic taste of classic chocolate chip cookies but wished for an easier way to share and serve them, then this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe is just what you need. These bars capture every bit of that rich, buttery, and chewy goodness you love in a cookie, baked into a perfect tray-sized treat that’s simple to slice, share, and enjoy. With melty Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips and the option of crunchy nuts, this recipe turns the everyday favorite into an irresistibly convenient dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is your first step toward baking bliss. Each one plays its part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in these cookie bars.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together with just the right chew.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise gently and maintain a soft texture.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup or 2 sticks): Adds rich creaminess and moisture for that classic cookie softness.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the chewiness of the bars.
• Light-brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and contributes to the moist texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the bars with warm, inviting flavor that ties everything together.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients while adding tenderness and richness.
• Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star of the show, melting into gooey pockets of pure chocolate delight.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (1 cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth, if you like a bit of texture.

How to Make Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This setup ensures your cookie bars bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients are the backbone that will give your cookie bars their structure and balanced rise. Set this mixture aside for the moment.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This crucial step aerates the fat and sugar, which helps your cookie bars get that irresistible tender crumb and slight chew.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture stays smooth and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This combination adds richness and a deep, comforting aroma essential to the classic Toll House flavor.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing here can lead to tougher bars, so be gentle and stop as soon as you see no dry flour remaining.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Fold in the two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, the chopped nuts. These add pops of melty chocolate and pleasant crunch throughout every bite, making each square as delightful as the last.

Step 7: Spread the Dough and Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached—this keeps your bars soft and chewy, exactly how they should be.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out smoothly and slice them into your preferred shapes. Cooling is key for clean cuts and the perfect texture.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Bars!

Serve your freshly baked Toll House Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk or as a sweet pick-me-up anytime. Once you taste them, you’ll see why this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe is a lifelong favorite.

How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple upgrade, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the top of the bars right after baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, sweet finish that makes these bars party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookie bars with homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels indulgent but not over the top. Fresh berries on the side offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and buttery flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cookie bars on a decorative plate or tray layered with parchment doilies for a charming snack platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed maintains moisture and prevents them from drying out, preserving their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookie bars fresh longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop your thawed or room-temperature bars in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly warm in a low oven. This revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips give the traditional flavor, feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic.

Are nuts necessary in the recipe?

No, nuts are completely optional. If you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother texture, simply leave them out, and your bars will still be deliciously satisfying.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the dough in a larger pan or two pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a few extra minutes depending on the thickness.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and test with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached—this means the bars are soft and chewy inside without being underbaked.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is recommended for the classic flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine if needed. Using oil is not advised, as it changes the texture and may make the bars too greasy or cakey.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe simplifies the joy of homemade chocolate chip cookies while keeping every bit of the classic flavor you cherish. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving an easy sweet fix, these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be making them again and again!

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