If you’re searching for irresistible comfort in dessert form, look no further than Toll House Cookie Bars. This classic treat takes everything you love about the iconic chocolate chip cookie and transforms it into convenient, ultra-satisfying bars, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each bite brings the perfect balance of chewy center, crisp golden edges, melty chocolate, and a touch of nostalgia that never gets old. Make them once, and you’ll want them in your regular baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about Toll House Cookie Bars is just how simple and iconic the list of ingredients really is. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring your bars deliver that signature flavor and perfect bite every time.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and just the right amount of density for a soft, satisfying bar.
- Baking soda: Gives lift and lightness, so your cookie bars don’t end up dense or flat.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every delicious flavor note.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the bars rich, tender, and perfectly golden on top—don’t skip the softening step!
- Granulated sugar: Helps with crisp edges and classic cookie sweetness.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and an extra level of chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the dough with that warm, classic bakery aroma.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, guaranteeing pockets of gooey chocolate in every square.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Offer a wonderful crunch and a toasty, nutty layer of flavor—totally customizable to your crew’s taste.
How to Make Toll House Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting your favorite 9×13-inch baking pan ready with a light layer of grease or parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your Toll House Cookie Bars later and gives you those neat, perfect squares you’ll be so proud to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures everything is distributed evenly but also helps create that signature texture that makes these bars uniquely craveable.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your largest mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars, plus the vanilla extract, until nice and fluffy. Take your time here—the creaming step is what will give your Toll House Cookie Bars that melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Working one at a time, beat in the eggs. Each egg should be fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps build your dough’s richness and stability for an even bake every time.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low just until you see no more streaks of flour. Overmixing is the enemy here—stop as soon as it’s combined for the most tender bars.
Step 6: Stir In Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips and, if you’re a fan, the chopped walnuts. Give the dough a quick, even stir so every bite gets plenty of chocolate and, if you chose, that irresistible nutty crunch.
Step 7: Spread in Pan & Bake
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, making sure you reach all the edges and corners. Pop it in the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for that top to turn a light golden brown. Don’t overbake—your Toll House Cookie Bars will keep setting as they cool, and slight underbaking makes for an extra gooey treat!
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Patience pays off here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This wait ensures neat edges and a perfectly chewy interior. Gather your family, pour some milk or coffee, and get ready for pure bliss!
How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Toll House Cookie Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream on warm bars for the most heavenly dessert experience. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce is always a crowd-pleaser for those extra special occasions!
Side Dishes
These bars are perfection on their own, but they also shine alongside fresh berries, a fruit salad, or even a small bowl of mixed nuts. If you’re serving a party platter, try pairing them with brownies or blondies for a wonderful little sampler of classic American treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Toll House Cookie Bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a festive touch, or layer them up with ice cream to make decadent ice cream sandwiches. For an easy dessert bar vibe, arrange them on a tiered stand with parchment squares for a charming, bakery-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Toll House Cookie Bars are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to four days—if you can keep them around that long!
Freezing
Want to save some for future cravings? These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap squares individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag or tightly sealed container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to three months. When you need a treat, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, warm your Toll House Cookie Bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the gooey chocolate and softens the crumb, giving you that oven-fresh experience any time of day!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in Toll House Cookie Bars?
Butter gives that rich, authentic flavor and wonderful texture, but if you need a dairy-free version, high-quality margarine or vegan butter can do the trick—just expect a slightly different texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and use a toothpick: if it comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs, your Toll House Cookie Bars are ready! They’ll continue to set up as they cool.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the walnuts, and your bars will be every bit as delicious. You can also swap in other mix-ins like extra chocolate chips or even dried fruit, if you like to experiment.
What can I use instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
The classic flavor comes from semi-sweet chips, but feel free to get creative: try dark, milk, white chocolate chips, or even a colorful mix of M&M’s for a fun twist!
Are Toll House Cookie Bars good for gifting?
They’re fantastic for gifting! Wrap them individually or stack them in a decorative box. Their sturdy, chewy texture travels well, and they’re always a hit at potlucks, parties, and as a special homemade surprise.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one classic American dessert you should try at least once, let it be Toll House Cookie Bars. They’re pure joy in bar form, easy to whip up, and endlessly adaptable for any taste or occasion. Share them with loved ones or save a few squares as a secret stash for yourself—you’ll be so glad you made a batch!
