Craving something sweet but want to keep things a bit healthier? Get ready to discover the ultimate treat that combines the irresistible comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the nutritious goodness of whole wheat flour! These cookie bars are not just a dessert; they're a game-changing recipe that proves healthy can be absolutely delectable. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar packed with melty chocolate chips, knowing you're making a slightly smarter choice – this is baking magic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing gently to create a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent mixing.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Use Parchment Paper: The overhang makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze, and ensures easy cleanup.
- Check for Doneness: Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. The toothpick test is your friend – a few moist crumbs are perfect!
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Try using a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for extra depth of flavor.
- Storage Tip: To keep bars fresh and moist, store in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll stay delicious for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
