The Secret to Perfectly Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the extra egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined.
4. 4

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6

   Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. 7

   If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the dough.
8. 8

   Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set, but the center still looks slightly underdone and gooey. The exact baking time will vary by oven.
9. 9

   Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing into squares. This ensures the bars set properly and maintain their gooey texture.