Why Make This White Chocolate Cookie Bars
There’s something undeniably delightful about a cookie bar, and this White Chocolate Cookie Bars recipe is no exception. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweetness of white chocolate creates a truly irresistible treat. These bars are soft yet chewy, making them perfect for any occasion, be it a casual family gathering or an elegant party. Plus, their simplicity makes them a fantastic option for novice bakers and busy parents alike, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert without a lot of fuss. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—either way, they’re bound to be a hit!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
How to Make White Chocolate Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures that your delicious cookie bars won’t stick to the pan and will come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step creates a light texture in your bars. Once it’s well-mixed, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for that aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet mixture until well combined. It’s important not to overmix; just blend until you see no large flour pockets. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Adding White Chocolate Chips
Fold in the white chocolate chips gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These sweet morsels will melt slightly during baking, adding delicious creamy pockets to your bars.
Step 5: Spreading the Dough
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, making sure to press it down gently. This helps the bars bake evenly.
Step 6: Baking
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—every oven is slightly different, so you may need a few extra minutes or a little less.
Step 7: Cooling
Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares. This resting time allows the bars to set up a bit more, making them easier to handle.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cookie Bars
These delightful bars can be served warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also fantastic at room temperature. Consider topping them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a prettier presentation. Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Store White Chocolate Cookie Bars
Store your White Chocolate Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Cookie Bars
- Use Quality White Chocolate: For a richer flavor, opt for high-quality white chocolate chips.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough bars.
- Check for Doneness: The edges should be golden, but the center might look slightly underbaked—it will set as it cools.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Add Nuts: If you enjoy a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped macadamia nuts or pecans along with the white chocolate chips.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Replace half of the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful mix.
- Coconut Delight: Add unsweetened shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Nutty Bars: Stir in chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries for a chewy texture and a pop of tartness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it will slightly change the flavor and texture of the bars. Unsalted butter will yield the best results. - What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark chocolate chips, but the sweetness of the bars will change. You could also use chopped chocolate bars for a chunkier texture. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. - How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. - What should I do if my bars are too cakey?
This can occur from overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour correctly and mix only until combined.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cookie Bars are a quick and easy treat that packs a delightful punch of sweetness in every bite. With their chewy texture and rich flavor, they’re perfect for all kinds of gatherings or even as a comforting treat for yourself. Give this recipe a try, and watch as they become a favorite in your home! Happy baking!
Print
White Chocolate Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy white chocolate cookie bars, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this mixture into the wet mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips gently.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until edges are light golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
