If you have a soft spot for classic chocolate chip cookies but crave something a little easier to slice and share, you’re going to love this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe. It takes all the nostalgic flavors you adore—gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips, buttery dough, and that perfect hint of vanilla—and transforms them into rich, chewy bars you can whip up in no time. Trust me, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual family snacks to festive gatherings. Once you try this indulgent treat, it’ll become your go-to recipe for satisfying those cookie cravings without the fuss of rolling individual cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity and the classic pantry staples it calls for. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the flour and leavening create structure, the sugars add sweetness and tenderness, and the chocolate chips bring that irresistible melty goodness. Together, they combine to create a bar that’s soft on the inside with a lightly golden crust.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and tenderness in every bite.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A gentle leavening agent that helps the bars rise just right.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a chewy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Gives sparkle and a light sweetness to the dough.
- 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the bars soft.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing moisture and richness.
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into pockets of pure joy.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a crunchy contrast that elevates the texture.
How to Make Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little step makes it so much easier to lift the cookie bars out after baking without a mess.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside now helps ensure they get evenly distributed later for that perfect crumb structure and rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, blend the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This aeration step is key for tender, chewy bars with a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients bring moistness and that unmistakable cookie flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing here, as that can develop gluten and make your bars tough. You want tender, soft bars, so gentle mixing is the trick.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Stir in the Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped nuts. These mix-ins add irresistible pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy texture that make each bite a delight.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures soft, chewy bars rather than dry, overbaked squares.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. The parchment paper overhang lets you lift the whole batch out easily. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookie bars shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking can heighten the chocolate flavor wonderfully. For a festive touch, dust a little powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate before slicing. These finishing touches turn simple bars into showstoppers.
Side Dishes
Serve your Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe with a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness perfectly. For a dessert spread, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars are fantastic for parties because you can dress them up easily. Try stacking them on a pretty cake stand or cutting them into bite-sized squares for a cookie bar buffet. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming and portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookie bars stay soft and chewy when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them to prevent any sogginess.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookie bars, simply pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven softness every time.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in the Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While classic semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, you can swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste. Just keep the quantity similar for best results.
What can I use instead of nuts if I’m allergic?
If you need to avoid nuts, simply omit them altogether or add other mix-ins like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even more chocolate chips. The bars will still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that already contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it yourself according to the package instructions.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid waiting until the toothpick is completely clean to keep the bars wonderfully soft.
Can I make these cookie bars vegan?
With a few substitutions like vegan butter, a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate chips, you can make a tasty vegan version of this classic Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats that warm, nostalgic taste of chocolate chip cookies, and transforming them into bars makes sharing easier and baking quicker. This Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe is a delicious way to bring comfort, joy, and a chocolatey hug to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and watch everyone fall in love with these chewy, chocolate-studded delights!
Print
Toll House Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These classic Toll House Cookie Bars combine the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies into an easy-to-make bar form. Soft, chewy, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional nuts, they are perfect for dessert, snacks, or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough into the baking dish: Evenly spread and press the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. Do not overbake to maintain softness and chewiness.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Serve: Serve your Toll House Cookie Bars with a glass of milk or enjoy as a delicious sweet treat any time.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right batter consistency.
- If you prefer nut-free bars, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake by checking at the 25-minute mark.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze the bars after baking for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
