Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies (Easy Gooey Cookie Bars)

If you love chewy chocolate chip cookies and fudgy blondies, this recipe is going to become your new go-to. Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are the perfect marriage of the two: rich, buttery, and soft in the center with golden, chewy edges. Best of all? They take just minutes to mix together and are out of the oven in under half an hour.

These bars are the ultimate last-minute dessert—ideal for family movie night, a bake sale, or when that sweet tooth strikes unexpectedly. With their gooey chocolate pockets and caramel-like brown sugar base, they’ll disappear faster than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-bowl recipe—minimal cleanup!

• Quick baking time—ready in just 25 minutes.

• Simple pantry ingredients you already have at home.

• Perfect texture—crispy on the edges, soft and gooey inside.

Ingredients & Why They Work

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Provides richness and creates a fudgy, chewy texture.

• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness plus a deep, caramel-like flavor that makes these bars extra gooey.

• 1 egg – Binds the batter and gives structure.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the batter, keeping the bars tender but sturdy.

• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Lifts the batter slightly for the perfect chew.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the brown sugar to create just the right rise and texture.

• 1 cup chocolate chips – The star mix-in, giving melty, chocolatey goodness in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Gently mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
   Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

5. Bake
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

6. Cool & Enjoy
   Let cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm for gooey centers, or let them set for firmer bars.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pan Chewies

• Don’t overbake – The bars should be slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.

• Switch up the mix-ins – Try white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts.

• Double the recipe – Make in a 9×13 pan if serving a crowd.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream turns them into a decadent dessert.

• As a snack – Perfect for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or after-school treats.

• Party-style – Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert platter.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most irresistible. With their buttery flavor, gooey chocolate pockets, and quick prep time, these cookie bars are a guaranteed hit every single time. Bake them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you need a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dessert.