Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s as festive as it is delicious! These Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for any celebration, whether it's a Fourth of July barbecue or a summer picnic. With their vibrant red, white, and blue chocolate chunks, these bars not only look stunning but also deliver a rich, buttery flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering cookie bars that are sure to impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the recipe that will make your next gathering unforgettable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup red, white, and blue chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the 1 cup of red, white, and blue chocolate chunks using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to reach the corners of the pan for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center may still look slightly underbaked, but it will continue to cook as it cools.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the cookie bars into 16 equal squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious Patriotic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars!
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a better texture for your cookie bars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie bars, so be gentle!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes it easier to remove the bars but also helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie bars may look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help them hold their shape and make for cleaner cuts.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to mix and match your chocolate chunks! You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even add in some nuts for extra crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting treats!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
