If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic cookies, you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the soft, sweet base of a sugar cookie paired with a rich, melty chocolate chip layer all baked together in bars that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). I first stumbled on this combo during the holidays, and it quickly became a crowd favorite — trust me, this recipe brings all the warm fuzzy feelings and will have your kitchen smelling like heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor: Uses store-bought dough for an easy yet delicious treat that tastes homemade.
- Texture Perfection: The combo of soft sugar cookie with gooey chocolate chips creates a mouthwatering bar you can’t resist.
- Quick & Fuss-Free: You’ll have these bars baking in just minutes — perfect for last-minute guests or cozy nights in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for holiday parties or everyday snacking, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love about this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is how it uses two kinds of ready-to-bake cookie doughs that complement each other perfectly. You can find them easily at the grocery store, so there’s no hunting for obscure ingredients.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: I recommend Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Lovers for an extra burst of chocolate and chewy texture.
- Sugar Cookie Dough: Pillsbury’s Ready to Bake Shape Sugar Cookie Dough is ideal because it bakes soft and buttery — the perfect base layer.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe depending on the season or what I have in my pantry. It’s such a flexible treat that you can make your own!
- Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers for a delightful crunch, which my family especially loves during the holidays.
- White Chocolate Swap: Try white chocolate chip dough instead of regular for a sweeter, creamier flavor — I once did this for a friend’s birthday, and it was a hit!
- Spiced Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the sugar cookie dough for a cozy fall-inspired twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. I always use parchment because it stops the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up super easy. While the oven warms up, get your cookie dough squares ready on the sheet.
Step 2: Layer the Doughs
Place the chocolate chip cookie dough squares spaced evenly on your baking sheet. Press them down gently so they’re just slightly flattened — this helps them bake evenly. Now, take the sugar cookie dough portions and center them right on top of each chocolate chip dough square. It looks like a little layered cookie mound, and it’s so satisfying!
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous
Pop the cookie sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges of the chocolate chip cookies — you want them to be a very light golden brown. Don’t overbake! That’s a rookie mistake I made the first time around, and the bars became too crisp. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so trust the timer.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Dough: Let your dough sit out for 5-10 minutes before shaping to make it easier to work with and to bake more evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each dough mound some breathing room so the bars bake without merging into each other.
- Watch the Edges: Look for a light golden brown on the chocolate chip dough edges as a key sign they’re done.
- Cooling Is Key: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to achieve clean edges and perfect texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with these bars — just a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes I’ll drizzle a little melted white chocolate for a pretty touch. Honestly, these bars are so flavorful on their own that extra toppings are just a bonus.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are perfect served with a cold glass of milk or paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For special occasions, I sometimes bring them alongside fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can jazz these bars up for parties by cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter. I’ve even wrapped individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon — they make darling edible gifts! For holiday gatherings, I like to sprinkle some festive colored sprinkles on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you live in a warmer climate, popping them in the fridge helps extend their life without drying them out.
Freezing
Freezing Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe works really well. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw them on the counter for about 30 minutes, and they taste freshly baked!
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked warm feeling, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in a low oven for a few minutes. I love how the chocolate gets melty again, giving you that indulgent vibe every time.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses store-bought dough for convenience, you can substitute with your favorite homemade dough recipes. Just make sure the doughs have similar consistency for layering and adjust baking times as needed.
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How do I cut the bars neatly without crumbling?
Let the bars cool completely before slicing, as warm bars tend to crumble. I also use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the cleanest edges.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You’ll need to substitute with gluten-free cookie doughs that hold up to baking similarly. There are great ready-to-bake gluten-free options out there — just check your brand’s bake time recommendations.
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What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze them wrapped tightly. They keep their texture and flavor best this way.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe turned out the first time I baked it and how it’s quickly become one of my go-to treats for any occasion. It’s easy enough for a weekday indulgence but impressive enough to bring to gatherings and watch everyone’s faces light up. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on this sweet, melty, buttery bar combo as much as I am!
Print
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies—a perfect holiday treat combining the rich flavors of classic chocolate chip cookie dough with the sweet, buttery taste of sugar cookie dough. Easy to prepare using ready-to-bake doughs, these cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully layered for a fun and delicious twist on traditional holiday cookies.
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer
- 12 squares (16 oz) Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Lovers Cookie Dough
Sugar Cookie Layer
- 12 portions Pillsbury Ready to Bake Shape Sugar Cookie Dough
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Shape the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Place the 12 chocolate chip cookie dough squares spaced evenly on the lined baking sheet. Press down lightly on each square to slightly flatten them, creating a base layer.
- Add Sugar Cookie Dough: Center one portion of ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough on top of each flattened chocolate chip cookie dough square to create a stacked cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges of the chocolate chip cookies turn a very light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Do not overbake; watch for very light golden edges for the best texture.
- You can refrigerate dough if not baking immediately to maintain shape.
- Feel free to add festive sprinkles on the sugar cookie dough before baking for an extra holiday touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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