Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe

There is something irresistibly delightful about the perfect blend of buttery shortbread and rich chocolate chips combined into one crunchy, sweet treat. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe captures exactly that magic in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that’s great for sharing at gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in whenever a craving hits. Each piece offers a satisfying snap with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both nostalgic and fresh, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet so vital to the success of your Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe. Each one plays its part: butter lends richness and moisture, sugar provides sweetness and slight caramelization, salt balances the flavor, vanilla adds a warm aroma, flour gives structure, and those generous chocolate chips bring bursts of melty goodness.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and rich flavor without added salt.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): It sweetens perfectly and crisps up the edges for that brittle texture.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through sweetness beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds a warm, inviting depth that makes the bars irresistible.
• Bleached white flour (2 cups): Provides the sturdy base and tender crumb of the shortbread.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Gives melty pockets of chocolate that perfectly complement the buttery base.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start with preheating your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center so your bars bake evenly. Make sure your butter is softened, which will help you cream it easily with the sugar for that fluffy texture. This small prep step sets the tone for your entire batch.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla

In a stand mixer bowl, beat the butter together with sugar, sea salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually 3 to 5 minutes. This creaming process aerates the dough, giving those brittle bars a delicate texture that is simply dreamy.

Step 3: Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold in the flour until there are no streaks left and the dough clings together. Then carefully fold in your chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed — this step ensures every bite has that gorgeous burst of chocolate goodness.

Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan

Evenly press the dough into a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Taking your time here helps you get an even thickness throughout and that perfect crisp edge every time. Make sure not to over-press or the bars might turn out too dense.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown but the center isn’t overly dark. You want that delicate balance to get the shortbread-like crumble with the right amount of crunch.

Step 6: Cool and Cut into Triangles

Once out of the oven, let your cookie brittle bars cool for about 10 minutes until firm but still easy to cut. Using a sharp knife, slice into triangles for a playful, informal shape that adds to the charm when serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars speak for themselves, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can elevate their flavor and visual appeal. For an extra treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or white chocolate to make them feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Though delicious on their own, these bars pair brilliantly with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade. They also complement a simple cup of afternoon tea or coffee perfectly, making snack time feel like a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the bars in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for a delightful gift look. Or serve them on a bright dessert platter alongside fresh berries to add a pop of color and balance out the rich sweetness. Triangular cut pieces create a fun mosaic effect when arranged in circles or patterns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe pieces stay fresh best in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their crispness for up to five days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, individually wrap pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back a bit of fresh-baked warmth, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This lightly reheats them and mellows out any firmness from refrigeration or freezing, making them soft yet still crunchy.

FAQs

Can I substitute other types of chocolate for the semi-sweet chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate. Just remember that chocolate with higher cocoa content adds a richer, slightly less sweet contrast that pairs nicely with the buttery base.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the bleached white flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suited for baking, you should achieve similar texture and taste. Be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

Why do the bars sometimes turn out too hard?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Keep a close eye on your bars towards the end of baking time and remove them when the edges are golden but before the center turns too brown. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. If you do use salted butter, reduce or omit the added sea salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty result.

How do I ensure even chocolate chip distribution?

Gently folding the chips into the dough with a wooden spoon or spatula ensures they stay intact and spread evenly. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to uneven pockets or melted chocolate blending into the dough.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle Bars Recipe at home. The combination of buttery shortbread and luscious chocolate chips is a simple pleasure that never fails to impress. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple for sharing, gifting, and enjoying all year round. So dust off your baking pan and dive into this sweet adventure—you won’t regret it!

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