Bare Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Bare Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

How to Make Bare Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Stir in 1 ½ cups chocolate chips.
5. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting.
8. **For the Melted Chocolate Topping (Optional):**
9. Place ½ cup chocolate chips in a microwave-safe zip-top bag.
10. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, kneading the bag gently between each interval, until the chips are completely melted and smooth. (Be careful not to overheat).
11. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie bars and let it set before cutting.