If you’re searching for the ultimate decadent treat, these Double Chocolate Cookie Bars absolutely deliver. Imagine a thick, chewy cookie loaded with a duo of melty chocolate chips, wrapped up in fudgy, brownie-like richness. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and destined to become your new go-to for any sweet craving. The beauty of Double Chocolate Cookie Bars is in their simplicity—you don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of kitchen staples that combine into pure dessert bliss.

Double Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a few classic ingredients to build major chocolatey magic. Each one plays a key role in the irresistible taste and tender texture of these bars, so grab your best baking basics and let’s get started!

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Makes the bars rich and moist, while providing that signature buttery cookie flavor.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Lends light sweetness and helps create those crackly, shiny tops.
Packed Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and extra chewiness to every bite.
Large Egg (1): Binds everything together for that classic dense-yet-tender cookie bar texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate with a beautiful warm aroma in the finished bars.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the structure, making the bars sturdy enough to pick up but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (⅓ cup): Delivers rich chocolate color and bold cocoa flavor—the backbone of this double chocolate experience.
Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right lift for a bar that’s thick but not dense.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances out all the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavors pop.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Ensures irresistible chocolate pockets in every slice.
White Chocolate Chips (½ cup, optional): Adds creamy, sweet contrast to the dark chocolate, making each bite extra special!

How to Make Double Chocolate Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s perfectly hot by the time your dough’s ready. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a good grease. This step makes your Double Chocolate Cookie Bars pop out easily, with clean edges—no wrestling with sticky corners!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts—the right amount of air gets whipped in, making your cookie bars soft with that irresistible chewy bite!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy. These ingredients add richness and round out the chocolate flavor, making your Double Chocolate Cookie Bars taste amazing from the inside out.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting or whisking these keeps the dry mix lump-free and helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly, so every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. You’re looking for a soft yet sturdy dough—don’t over-mix, or you might lose that tender cookie texture!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the semisweet and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Those chocolate pockets are what make Double Chocolate Cookie Bars truly crave-worthy.

Step 7: Press and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the center is a little soft—this gives you those perfect gooey middles. Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing for neat, beautiful squares.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can make your Double Chocolate Cookie Bars look bakery-worthy and add a lovely contrast to all that rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even a shot of fresh espresso for a dreamy afternoon treat. These combinations bring out the bar’s chocolatey flavors and turn snack time into a real event.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into triangles or bite-sized cubes for a dessert platter, layer them in parfait jars with whipped cream and berries, or wrap individual squares in parchment for the ultimate lunchbox or picnic surprise. Double Chocolate Cookie Bars are endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Double Chocolate Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and fudgy, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or spontaneous guests.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked bars cool completely, then wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, and you can thaw a piece or two whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Reheating

If you like your Double Chocolate Cookie Bars warm and gooey, pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt just enough to make every bite taste freshly baked all over again!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite chocolate chips—milk, dark, or even chunked chocolate bars—for a twist on the classic Double Chocolate Cookie Bars. Just adjust for sweetness if you’re using very sweet chocolate.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then use a sharp knife (wiped clean between each cut) for those picture-perfect edges. Lining the pan with parchment also makes lifting and transferring a breeze.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour. You might notice a slightly different texture, but the Double Chocolate Cookie Bars will still be deliciously satisfying.

Should I underbake the bars for a gooier texture?

If you love a softer, fudgier center, take the bars out as soon as the edges look set—the center will finish setting as they cool, giving you that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch baking pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. With Double Chocolate Cookie Bars, more is always a good thing, especially for parties and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you bake, slice, or share them, Double Chocolate Cookie Bars are a little slab of happiness everyone deserves to try. Their mix of gooey chocolate, tender crumb, and sheer ease make them an irresistible treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Now grab your mixing bowl and let the chocolatey magic begin!