Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars Bake Sale Ready

Recipe Journal Inspo Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars

By Emily TorresOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Baking Bliss Begins Here!

Ever find yourself craving a little something sweet? These Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are just the ticket. Honestly, I've been scribbling down ideas for my recipe journal inspo page , and these cookie bars are totally making the cut.

They are fudgy, chewy, and packed with chocolate, a simple pleasure.

Cookie Bars: From Humble Beginnings

This recipe takes inspiration from classic American baking. It’s the kind of thing you'd find in an Own Recipe Book passed down generations.

Super easy to make, these bars only take about 50 minutes total. You'll get 16 satisfying bars from one batch.

Perfect for sharing, or not!

Why You'll Love These Cookie Bars

These bars are packed with good fats from the chocolate. I think these are perfect for any bake sale, or potluck.

They're seriously addictive. What makes them stand out is their rustic charm. There is something special about that handmade recipe journal feel that my grandmother had.

Ready to get baking? Let's dive into the ingredients list and make sure you have everything you need for your Research Journal Aesthetic .

Recipe Page Journal: the Perfect List of Ingredients

For the cookie bars, you'll need: softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, one egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped semi sweet chocolate chunks.

Make sure you check your cookbook stickers .

Remember, high-quality chocolate makes all the difference! I’ve had a few baking adventures, and I always prefer to chop my own chocolate instead of pre-made chips, for better flavor.

Now, let's get our aprons on! Get some recipe journal ideas ! You'll surely need the space for the ingredients and instructions.

Baking Journal Inspiration: More Variations

Consider adding nuts for a nutty twist. You can never go wrong with a personalized cookbook .

If you’re trying something different, swap in white chocolate and raspberries for a fruity, elegant take or trying to get inspiration with some aesthetic recipe layout .

Also, you can make them gluten-free with a 1:1 flour blend. I am always on the look for a diy recipe book .

You can even add coconut oil if you don't want to use butter as an alternative. Have fun playing around with some recipe journal ideas .

Let’s get this cooking session started, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Right then, let's talk ingredients for these chocolate chunk cookie bars. Honestly, they're so easy to throw together. You'll feel like Mary Berry in no time! I always try to use good quality stuff.

It just makes everything taste better , you know?

Main Ingredients: Cookie Bar Goodness

Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch. I've included both US and metric measurements for my international baking buddies.

Plus, a little note on what to look for when choosing your ingredients.

½ cup ( 113g / 4 oz ) unsalted butter, softened. The butter should be soft enough to easily cream.
¾ cup ( 150g / 5.3 oz ) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup ( 50g / 1.8 oz ) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature. A room temperature egg incorporates better.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Real vanilla is always best!
1 ½ cups ( 180g / 6.3 oz ) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup ( 170g / 6 oz ) roughly chopped semi sweet chocolate chunks. high-quality chocolate is key here.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (Slightly!)

This recipe is pretty straightforward. But here are a few things to consider for that extra oomph .

Vanilla is your best friend here. Don't skimp! A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top of the baked bars adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

Ooh, and if you're feeling fancy, a dash of cinnamon in the dough is lovely.

Don't have vanilla? A teaspoon of almond extract will work in a pinch. It'll give the bars a slightly different flavor.

I remember once I was making these. I was totally out of salt! Honestly, it was fine. But I really missed the little salty kick, you know?

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need a ton of fancy equipment for this recipe. Here's the bare minimum.

9x13 inch baking pan. This is essential.
Parchment paper. Makes your life so much easier.
Mixing bowls.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand).
Rubber spatula.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Oven mitts.

Don't have a fancy electric mixer? A good old wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick. If you don't have parchment, grease and flour the baking pan well.

I like using my Recipe Page Journal to keep track of these substitutions. It keeps me inspired! This is a great recipe journal inspo page for any baking lover.

A handmade recipe journal is the perfect place for own recipe book . If you are planning to make one, don't forget to use some nice cookbook stickers .

An aesthetic recipe layout on your research journal aesthetic will be a plus. If you don't find the desired one, you can always try a diy recipe book , or a personalized cookbook .

Get ready for some serious baking journal inspiration and collect all the recipe journal ideas

Honestly, who doesn't love a good cookie bar? These Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are seriously easy, and they taste like they came straight from a charming little bakery.

You know the kind? They're perfect for adding to your recipe journal inspo page . I swear, the smell alone is enough to make you feel like you're on the Great British Bake Off! Let's dive in.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro!

First things first, the mise en place is key. That's fancy French for "get your stuff together." Soften ½ cup (113g) of unsalted butter.

It needs to be soft , not melted. Measure out your sugars: ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown and ¼ cup (50g) granulated.

Whisk together 1 ½ cups (180g) of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl.

Chop up 1 cup (170g) of semi sweet chocolate. Good chocolate makes all the difference! Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

This is a game changer for easy removal!

step-by-step: Bake Like Mary Berry!

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix. That’s vital!
Fold in those glorious chocolate chunks.
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Look for golden edges and a set center.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Recipe Page Journal

Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked bars are gooey and delicious.
For a chewier texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Seriously, it works! Add this note to your own recipe book .
Use parchment paper. It makes life so much easier, plus you can decorate the bars with cookbook stickers after cutting to give that research journal aesthetic .

Honestly, these bars are amazing warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or, you know, just straight from the pan.

No judgement here! Have fun creating your own diy recipe book with this one! The possibilities for recipe journal ideas are endless - add notes, variations, and even drawings to make it a handmade recipe journal .

You could even get it personalized cookbook made for all your baking favourites. I love a good baking journal inspiration , don't you? Play around with the aesthetic recipe layout of your journal pages.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Bake!

Honestly, this Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bar recipe is so straightforward, it's almost foolproof. But, like any good bake, there are a few tricks to take it from good to "Oh my gosh, these are amazing!".

Let's dive into some notes, yeah?

Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!

Want to impress? A simple dusting of icing sugar does the trick. Cut into squares and arrange them on a platter.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a sophisticated touch, pair with a strong cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk.

Plating is everything!

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

These bars are best enjoyed within a few days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Wrap them individually in cling film before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Feeling adventurous? Why not swap out the semi sweet chocolate for dark chocolate? Or add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch? For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

You can definitely adapt this recipe to your dietary needs or preferences. So cool!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Each bar packs about 220 calories. They contain roughly 3g of protein, 12g of fat, 28g of carbohydrates, and 18g of sugar.

Remember, this is an estimate, and it depends on the ingredients you use. Enjoy these bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

And don't forget, baking is good for the soul!

My Recipe Journal Inspo

I often turn my own recipe book into a recipe journal inspo page . I love sticking cookbook stickers in there, and creating an aesthetic recipe layout ! I always enjoy flipping through my recipe page journal for baking journal inspiration.

There are so many recipe journal ideas . It's handmade recipe journal that holds all my secrets. I've even thought about making a personalized cookbook ! It's all part of my research journal aesthetic as I explore making my diy recipe book .

So, there you have it. A few notes to help you bake the perfect Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars. Now get in the kitchen and get baking! You got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cookie bars "bake sale ready"? Are they easy enough for a beginner?

Absolutely! These Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are designed to be super simple. The recipe uses straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, like something you'd see on "The Great British Baking Show" uncomplicated and delicious!

Plus, they are very portable and always a crowd pleaser, making them perfect for bake sales. Just remember, don't overmix the dough, and you'll be golden!

My cookie bars always turn out too hard. What am I doing wrong?

That's a common baking woe! Overbaking is the usual culprit. Aim for the edges to be golden brown, but the center should still be slightly soft. They'll firm up as they cool. Also, be sure you're not overmixing the dough; that develops the gluten too much and can lead to a tougher cookie bar. A gentle hand is key!

Can I make these Rustic Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars ahead of time? How should I store them?

You bet! These bars are great for making in advance. Once completely cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well! Wrap them individually or in small batches and freeze for up to 2 months.

Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving - you could even pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that warm, gooey goodness!

I'm trying to cut back on sugar. Can I make any substitutions in this recipe?

Certainly! While these are a treat, some substitutions can help. You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly (start with 1/4 cup less) or try using a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, though this might affect the texture. You can also use dark chocolate to reduce the overall sweetness.

I’m creating a recipe journal inspo page, and I love this recipe! What are some ways I can personalize it to make it my own?

That's fantastic! Recipe journals are all about personal flair. Try adding a handwritten note about where you first tried a similar cookie bar, or sketch a quick drawing of the bars. You could also include a swatch of fabric that reminds you of baking or a sprinkle of glitter for extra pizzazz!

Think about the story behind your love for baking and capture that in your recipe journal inspo page.

What are some fun variations I can try with this recipe besides nuts or different chocolate?

Get creative! How about adding a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the top before baking? Or maybe mix in some chopped-up pretzels for a salty sweet twist. You could also incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a festive touch, especially around Christmas.

For a truly decadent treat, try adding a layer of caramel sauce between the dough before baking.