Craving a delectable treat without the guilt of making an entire batch? Look no further! These Small Batch Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect solution for those moments when you want something sweet but don't want to be tempted by a massive pan of goodies. With just the right balance of buttery, chocolatey goodness, these bars are about to become your new favorite quick dessert that's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth in under 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 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 mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring no sugar lumps remain.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and slightly lighter in color.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps prevent clumping and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough bars.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on top for a more appealing presentation.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
- 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 the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 9 squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a more uniform batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Line your pan with parchment paper: This makes removal and cleanup a breeze, and ensures your bars come out perfectly shaped.
- For extra richness, use high-quality chocolate chips or chop a chocolate bar into chunks.
- Check your bars early: Every oven is different, so start checking around 20 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean, precise squares.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep the bars soft and chewy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 594kcal
Carbohydrates: 79g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 98mg
