Decadent Chewy Chocolate Chip Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Mix-ins

09 - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and well combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
05 - Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
07 - Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

# Notes:

01 - Serve warm for a gooey texture or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
02 - Pairs well with milk or your favorite beverage.