Amanda + Don: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you like chocolate chip cookies {& who doesn't?!}, you will love these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! I made this recipe for the first time last night & then took them to Bible Study. Let's just say I came home with an empty bowl! The recipe is from my all-time favorite baking source, King Arthur Flour. They never steer me wrong! The recipe is also great because you get the chocolate chip cookie taste without the work of having to scoop the dough for each cookie, just whip together the dough & spread it in a pan. Less time in the kitchen, more time to enjoy this delicious treat! Perfect for a Friday night, don't you think?! ♥

King Arthur Flour's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups (11 1/2 ounces) flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup (10 2/3 tablespoons, 5 1/4 ounces) butter
2 1/4 cups (18 ounces) firmly packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups (16 to 18 ounces) chocolate chips
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Melt the butter, and add the brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture, then the chocolate chips and nuts. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until their top is shiny and golden. Don't overbake, or the bars will be dry; a cake tester inserted in the center will not come out clean. Remove the bars from the oven, and allow them to cool to room temperature before cutting. Yield: 24 bars.

Variation: Use a mixture of your favorite flavored chips: chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon, cappuccino, etc.