Toll House Cookie Bars: A Fun and Easy Variation

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If you love the classic Toll House cookie but want a faster and simpler way to enjoy that same delicious flavor, Toll House cookie bars are the perfect solution! This easy variation turns the iconic chocolate chip cookie recipe into thick, chewy bars that are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying a quick craving. With fewer steps and no need to form individual cookies, this method saves time while delivering all the goodness of the original recipe.

Cookie bars are a great option when you’re short on time but still want to bake something homemade and delicious. Instead of scooping and baking individual cookies, you spread the dough in a single layer and bake it all at once. The result is a chewy, rich, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for slicing into squares or rectangles. Plus, cookie bars tend to stay softer for longer, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Toll House Cookie Bar Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (12 oz) Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2.Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3.Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

4.Add the Eggs:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until well combined and a thick dough forms.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts:
Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Spread in the Pan:
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the dough across the entire surface.

8.Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

9. Cool and Slice:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. If you used parchment paper, simply lift the entire batch out of the pan for easy cutting.

  • For Chewier Bars: Underbake the cookie bars slightly, removing them from the oven when the center is just set but still soft. As they cool, they will firm up while staying chewy in the middle.
  • For Crispier Bars: Bake the bars a little longer if you prefer a crispier texture, especially around the edges.
  • Chill the Dough: If you have extra time, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the flavors develop and prevent excessive spreading, resulting in thicker, more flavorful bars.
  • Add a Twist: Customize your bars with extra ingredients like white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or caramel swirls for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
  1. Time-Saving: With no need to portion out individual cookies, cookie bars cut down on preparation and baking time, making them a go-to dessert for busy bakers.
  2. Feeds a Crowd: One 9×13-inch pan yields plenty of cookie bars, making them ideal for large gatherings, parties, or bake sales.
  3. Versatile and Portable: Cookie bars are easy to transport and serve. They stay intact during travel and can be neatly packaged for gifting or sharing.
  4. Less Cleanup: Since everything bakes in one pan, cleanup is quick and minimal compared to baking multiple batches of cookies.
Serving Ideas:
  • With Ice Cream: For an extra-indulgent dessert, serve your cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
  • Layered Bars: Get creative by adding layers to your cookie bars—spread some caramel or peanut butter between layers of dough, or sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
  • On-the-Go Snacks: Slice the cookie bars into bite-sized pieces for an easy, grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon treats.
  • For Chewier Bars: Underbake the cookie bars slightly, removing them from the oven when the center is just set but still soft. As they cool, they will firm up while staying chewy in the middle.
  • For Crispier Bars: Bake the bars a little longer if you prefer a crispier texture, especially around the edges.
  • Chill the Dough: If you have extra time, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the flavors develop and prevent excessive spreading, resulting in thicker, more flavorful bars.
  • Add a Twist: Customize your bars with extra ingredients like white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or caramel swirls for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
  1. Time-Saving: With no need to portion out individual cookies, cookie bars cut down on preparation and baking time, making them a go-to dessert for busy bakers.
  2. Feeds a Crowd: One 9×13-inch pan yields plenty of cookie bars, making them ideal for large gatherings, parties, or bake sales.
  3. Versatile and Portable: Cookie bars are easy to transport and serve. They stay intact during travel and can be neatly packaged for gifting or sharing.
  4. Less Cleanup: Since everything bakes in one pan, cleanup is quick and minimal compared to baking multiple batches of cookies.
Serving Ideas:
  • With Ice Cream: For an extra-indulgent dessert, serve your cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
  • Layered Bars: Get creative by adding layers to your cookie bars—spread some caramel or peanut butter between layers of dough, or sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top before baking for a sweet and salty treat.
  • On-the-Go Snacks: Slice the cookie bars into bite-sized pieces for an easy, grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon treats.

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