Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Spread in the Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
9. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
10. Serve: Serve these delicious chocolate chip cookie bars on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!