Irresistible Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Easy, Chewy & Wholesome
Get ready to bake a batch of the most delicious and surprisingly wholesome chocolate chip cookie bars! These amazing treats are crafted with nutritious whole wheat flour, an abundance of rich chocolate, and crunchy walnut chunks, delivering a dessert that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Forget the fuss of scooping individual cookies; baking them in bar form makes this one of the simplest and quickest baked goods you can whip up.
These whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars are not just a variation on a classic; they’re an essential upgrade that you absolutely need in your baking repertoire! The simple act of baking them into bars instead of individual cookies transforms them into an effortlessly easy dessert, perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or simply satisfying that sudden cookie craving without all the extra effort.
What truly sets these cookie bars apart is their delightful nutty flavor, a wonderful contribution from the whole wheat flour. This wholesome ingredient adds a depth that complements the sweet chocolate perfectly. Texture-wise, prepare for pure bliss: these bars boast a wonderfully crisp exterior that gives way to a gloriously chewy, melt-in-your-mouth center. While adding walnuts is technically optional, their earthy crunch and buttery notes are, in my honest opinion, non-negotiable. They add another layer of texture and flavor that elevates these bars to perfection.
Why Choose Whole Wheat Flour for Your Cookie Bars?
Opting for whole wheat flour in your chocolate chip cookie bars is a fantastic way to introduce more wholesome goodness into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Unlike all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour includes the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat kernel, which means it retains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This not only makes your cookie bars a slightly healthier option but also imparts a unique, subtly nutty flavor profile that enhances the overall taste. The robust, earthy notes of whole wheat flour pair exceptionally well with the sweetness of chocolate and the richness of walnuts, creating a more complex and satisfying treat. Don’t worry about them being dry or dense; with the right balance of ingredients, these whole wheat cookie bars remain delightfully chewy and moist.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Whole Wheat Cookie Bars
Crafting these delectable whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars requires a few simple, common ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make these mouth-watering treats (full recipe with exact measurements provided below):
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for your bars. Butter provides richness and helps with that desirable chewiness.
- Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is key for moisture and chewiness, thanks to its molasses content. Dark brown sugar will lend a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: This works in conjunction with brown sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges of the bars.
- Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, adding structure and richness to the dough, ensuring your bars hold together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that elevates the taste of all the other ingredients, especially the chocolate. Use good quality vanilla for the best results.
- Whole Wheat Flour: The star ingredient, providing a wholesome, nutty flavor and a satisfying texture. It’s what gives these bars their unique character.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly and contributes to their soft, chewy texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in the cookie bars, preventing them from tasting flat.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The heart of any chocolate chip cookie. Semisweet offers a classic balance, but feel free to choose your favorite type of chocolate. Using chunks can provide lovely pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Chopped Walnuts (optional but highly recommended): These add a fantastic crunch and a complementary earthy, buttery flavor that pairs exceptionally well with whole wheat and chocolate. If you’re a fan of nuts in your cookies, don’t skip them!
Gathering these ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process, leading to the perfect batch of whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars.
Effortless Steps to Making Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
As I’ve mentioned, the beauty of cookie bars lies in their incredible simplicity. Making these whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars is an absolute breeze, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Master the Dough Mixing: These bars utilize the classic creaming method, which is fundamental to achieving a tender crumb and chewy texture. You’ll start by beating together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale. This step incorporates air, creating that desirable airy texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring all liquid ingredients are well integrated. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients – whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt – until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough bars. The chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts are then stirred in, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press into Pan with Ease: Once your delicious dough is ready, simply transfer it all into a prepared 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan. There’s no need for tedious rolling or shaping individual cookies. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to pat the dough into an even layer, pressing it gently into all corners of the pan. This ensures uniform baking and perfectly sized bars.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center appears set. Baking times will vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your pan (an 8-inch pan will yield thicker bars and might require a bit more time). Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
- Cool and Slice for Optimal Enjoyment: The most crucial step for perfectly sliceable bars is allowing them to cool completely. Resist the urge to cut into them too soon! As they cool, the bars will set up, making for clean, neat slices. Once fully cooled, simply slice them into your desired bar size and enjoy every wholesome, chocolatey bite!
With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of incredibly satisfying whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars ready to be devoured in no time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Every Time
Achieving the perfect whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars is simple, especially with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you navigate the baking process, ensuring your bars are consistently delicious and exactly how you like them:
- Choosing Your Baking Pan: You have flexibility with an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan. An 8-inch pan will produce thicker, more substantial cookie bars, which will naturally require a slightly longer baking time to cook through to the center. A 9-inch pan will yield thinner bars that bake more quickly. Adjust your baking time accordingly and always rely on visual cues.
- The Magic of Parchment Paper: I cannot stress this enough – always, always line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on the sides. This simple step is a game-changer! It makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire cooled slab of baked bars out of the pan, allowing for effortless slicing on a cutting board without any sticking or mess.
- Chocolate Your Way: This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your chocolate preferences. Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips or chunks – milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier bite, semi-sweet for a classic balance, or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. You can even mix different types for a more complex chocolate experience!
- Walnuts for Enhanced Flavor: While chopped walnuts are an optional addition, I wholeheartedly recommend them. Their slightly bitter, earthy flavor and satisfying crunch beautifully complement the nutty undertones of the whole wheat flour and the sweetness of the chocolate. They truly elevate the overall flavor profile of these cookie bars.
- Achieving Your Preferred Doneness: The ideal baking time can vary depending on your oven and personal preference. Pulling the cookie bars from the oven a little early (when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly soft) will result in bars that are incredibly gooey and fudgy in the middle. Don’t worry, they will continue to set up as they cool. If you prefer a firmer, lighter, and more uniformly chewy bar, let them bake for a few minutes longer until the center appears fully set and golden. Rest assured, these bars will be delicious either way, so experiment to find your sweet spot!
- Patient Cooling for Perfect Slices: For clean, neat slices, patience is key. I typically let the bars cool for about 15-20 minutes in the pan, allowing them to firm up slightly. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This full cooling process is essential for the bars to set properly, ensuring they don’t crumble when sliced.
- Alternative Serving Suggestion: While fantastic at room temperature, these bars are absolutely divine when served warm straight from the oven. Scoop generous portions into bowls and elevate the experience with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce, or a swirl of gooey caramel sauce. Pure indulgence!
Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Cookie Bars
While the classic whole wheat chocolate chip and walnut combination is a winner, these cookie bars are incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize them to your taste! Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:
- Nutty Alternatives: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, or if you simply want to try something new, consider swapping them for other chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or even cashews. Each will lend a different flavor and texture. For a nut-free option, simply omit them entirely.
- Chocolate Adventures: Explore beyond semisweet! Try a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips, or go gourmet with chopped white chocolate. You could even use a combination of different chocolate types for a dynamic flavor profile.
- Exciting Add-ins: Boost the flavor and texture with other delicious additions. Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical twist, dried cranberries or cherries for a touch of tartness, or a handful of rolled oats for extra chewiness and fiber. Sprinkles can also be a fun addition for a festive look!
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the dry ingredients can introduce a warm, comforting note that beautifully complements the whole wheat and chocolate.
- Top it Off: Before baking, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or walnuts on top for a visually appealing finish. After baking and cooling, you could even drizzle a simple glaze or a thin layer of melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Freshness
To keep your whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or save them for a later treat, these tips will help:
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to one week. Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers can prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary for freshness, if you prefer a firmer bar or live in a very warm climate, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be aware that refrigeration can alter the texture slightly, making them a bit denser. Allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: These cookie bars freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap individual bars or small stacks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing Frozen Bars: To enjoy frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. You can also gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
With these storage methods, you can always have a delicious whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bar on hand whenever the craving strikes!
This delightful recipe was originally published in April 2013 and has been a firm favorite ever since, loved for its wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor.
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (169 grams)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (213 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (226 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (255 grams)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (60 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there are overhanging sides. This will make removing the baked bars much easier.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a hand-held mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture may appear a little crumbly. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) and the chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Press the prepared cookie dough evenly into the parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your pan (8-inch pans will take longer than 9-inch pans). Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly. Then, using the overhanging parchment paper, carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, slice into desired bar sizes and serve.
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Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.