Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are a deliciously soft and chewy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, these bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, baked in a pan for a no-fuss treat. They’re great for potlucks, parties, or just when you need a quick and satisfying dessert.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugars are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the bars at room temperature or slightly warm. They’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Notes
- Butter: Melting the butter gives these bars their chewy texture, but make sure it’s not too hot when mixing with the eggs to prevent curdling.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a denser texture.
- Chocolate Chips: You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, such as milk, dark, or even white chocolate. A mix of different types adds a fun variation in flavor.
Variations
Nutty Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch that complements the sweet, chewy texture of the bars.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies
- Swirl 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich, peanut butter-chocolate flavor.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies
- Add 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats to the batter for an added texture and a bit of a hearty flavor. It’s like a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a chocolate chip cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Pan Chewies?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, place a piece of bread in the container—the moisture from the bread will help keep the bars from drying out.
Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You could also mix in chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a unique twist.
How Do I Know When They’re Done Baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the bars dry instead of chewy.
Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are a simple yet delicious treat that combines the best parts of a cookie in an easy-to-make bar form. With their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit. Experiment with different add-ins to make them your own, and enjoy every bite of these chewy delights.
Happy baking, and enjoy these chewy, chocolatey bars!
