Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a festive treat that’s both nostalgic and a little bit new, I absolutely love sharing this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with friends. It’s like the best parts of classic chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies rolled into one easy, bar-style dessert. When I first tried these, my family went crazy for how soft and chewy they stayed, plus the combo of flavors is just unbeatable. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to nail these every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe effortless yet delicious, I rely on two pre-made doughs that complement each other perfectly. Grab the recommended brands or whatever quality dough you find at your grocery store to get the best results.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: I usually go for Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Lovers Cookies because the chocolate is extra melty and mix-ins are generous.
• Sugar Cookie Dough: Pillsbury’s Ready to Bake Shape Sugar Cookie Dough works well here; it has just the right sweetness and bakes up with a nice golden edge.

Variations

While I love the classic combo in this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it. Baking’s always more fun when you personalize things! Here are a few ideas I’ve tried that you might like too.

• Add Nuts: I like tossing some chopped pecans or walnuts into the chocolate chip dough layer for a little crunch and extra flavor.
• Mix in White Chocolate Chips: Swapping out part of the regular chips for white chocolate gives a lovely sweetness contrast that my family adores.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Just a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking boosts the flavors and creates a delicious sweet-salty vibe.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free versions of both doughs, which I’ve done with good success when guests have dietary needs.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper—trust me, cleanup is way easier. Then preheat your oven to 350°F. Don’t skip this step because a hot oven is key to getting that beautiful golden edge on your cookies without drying them out.

Step 2: Layer the Doughs

Place the chocolate chip cookie dough squares on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. I like to press each piece down lightly—just enough to flatten a bit but not so much that it’s paper-thin. Then, gently center a sugar cookie dough ball on top of each chocolate chip piece. This layering gives the bars that signature texture and flavor combo.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake for roughly 15 minutes or until you see the chocolate chip cookie edges turn a very light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—overtiming is the enemy of soft cookies! If the tops start to brown before the edges are set, tent some foil lightly to protect the sweetness.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookie bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a little visual flair and extra sweetness. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of festive colored sugar crystals if it’s holiday season—it always gets compliments!

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa. For a brunch or party spread, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple cream cheese frosting dip for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to cut these into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray. Adding fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the display always makes a stunning centerpiece that gets everyone excited to snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, which is usually just enough time because we tend to eat them fast!

Freezing

If I’m making these in advance, I wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temp for about an hour, and they’re as good as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I give them 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked soft texture. You could also warm them gently in an oven at low heat if you want to crisp the edges a bit but still keep the centers chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe has become one of my go-to treats for holidays, last-minute gifts, or any time I want a crowd-pleaser that’s easy and delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and I do. Once you try them, you’ll see why this combo is a total winner—and trust me, it makes everyone’s day a little sweeter.

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