Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars from King Arthur Flour.com

 

No time to make everyone’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies? This dough comes together in a flash—just spread it in a pan and bake; no need to shape individual cookies.

2 3/4 cups (11 1/2 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup (10 2/3 tablespoons, 5 1/4 ounces) butter
2 1/4 cups (18 ounces) firmly packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups (16 to 18 ounces) chocolate chips
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Melt the butter, and add the brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture, then the chocolate chips and nuts. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until their top is shiny and golden. Don’t overbake, or the bars will be dry; a cake tester inserted in the center will not come out clean. Remove the bars from the oven, and allow them to cool to room temperature before cutting. Yield: 24 bars.

Variation: Use a mixture of your favorite flavored chips: chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon, cappuccino, etc.