#459: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I made three different kinds of cookies to give as gifts this year, then as I was boxing them up, they barely filled the boxes.  So I decided to make these cookie bars because 1. They were easy.  2.  I had all of the ingredients on hand. and 3.  They looked bigger and I hoped they would help fill up the box a little.  :)

These were super easy to make, but they did not take nearly as long to bake as the recipe says.  (Thankfully I read the reviews before cooking).  These aren't the best cookie bars I've ever eaten...they don't compare to others such as Magic Cookie Bars, but they still are simple and good. 

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more baking sheet

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. Generously butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet; set aside. (I used a 9x13 pan and an 8x8 glass pan.  I also just really sprayed it with PAM spray and none of the bars stuck to the pan).  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until well combined. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed until just combined. Beat in chocolate chips.

Spread dough on prepared baking sheet. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until edges are brown and top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. (It only took 25 minutes for mine to be completely done!)  Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely on baking sheet. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1 1/2-by-4-inch bars.