Picture a dessert that brings people together effortlessly—a creation that transcends age and preference. Enter cookie bars: a luscious blend of cookie dough, artfully spread in a pan, baked to golden perfection, and often crowned with chocolate or creamy icing. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, cookie bars combine simplicity and indulgence in every bite. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy to prepare yet universally adored, cookie bars are the answer!
Ingredients
- Flour: Forms the base of the cookie bars, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
- White Sugar: Balances the richness of the chocolate with the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that gives the bars a light, airy texture.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder and keeps the cookie bars moist and tender.
- Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor, enhancing every bite.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient, ensuring each bar is studded with chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Cookie Bars
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add room-temperature butter, then mix in the brown sugar, white sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips, distributing them evenly for chocolatey bites in every piece.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Lightly coat an air fryer-safe pan with olive oil spray.
- Press the dough into the pan evenly, ensuring it’s spread to all corners.
- Place the pan in the air fryer oven or basket and set the temperature to 350°F.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then perform the toothpick test. If it doesn’t come out clean, continue baking until the bars are golden brown and perfectly cooked.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent baking and avoid undercooked spots.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and mess-free serving.
- Rotate for Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through cooking to counteract any hot spots in your air fryer.
FAQs
How Do I Know When the Cookie Bars Are Done?
The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
Can I Use Refrigerated Cookie Dough?
Yes, refrigerated cookie dough works well! Preheat your air fryer first, press the dough into the pan for even baking, and adjust the cooking time based on the dough’s thickness and your air fryer’s wattage.
Cookie bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines simplicity and decadence. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these golden bars will disappear as quickly as they’re served.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Calories: 211 kcal per serving
Total Time: 43 minutes
Indulge in these buttery, crunchy chocolate chip cookie bars made effortlessly in an air fryer. This simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for the whole family—especially the kids!
Ingredients
- 1 stick (½ cup) softened butter
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well-combined. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for bursts of chocolatey goodness.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) to ensure even baking.
3. Shape and Bake
- Spread the dough evenly into a prepared, air fryer-safe pan.
- Place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
4. Cool and Slice
Using a kitchen towel, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cookie bars into your preferred shape—classic squares or cake-like slices—and serve.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Protein: 1 g
Enjoy the buttery, chocolatey crunch of these easy air fryer cookie bars—a delightful treat that will disappear in no time!
