Happy New Year! I have to say that January 1 is becoming one of my favorite holidays as I get older. It’s a fresh start! This year you can do anything. I’m still working on my resolutions from last year, because I’m not quite there yet. Over the holidays, my anxiety level was out of control and I did so much worrying that I almost ruined it for myself. I had a couple helpful conversations with my fiance and one of my best friends back in Michigan and this year I’m embracing not saying “sorry” and I will focus on not assuming the worst out of every situation. It’s a struggle, y’all!
To get ready to bust into the new year, I celebrated last night with some friends here in WV and wanted to bring some sweets to share. But, trying to get dolled up for the theme as a Bond Girl and get out the door on time proved to be too much for me and I forgot them at home! I guess I’ll be celebrating the new year today by eating a bunch of cookie bars. Poor me!
I loved making cookie dough into bars when I made these Eggnog Cookie Bites, so I thought I’d try it again with these chocolate chip cookie bars! You don’t have to bake them in several batches like you would with cookies. You press the dough into a dish, bake once, and be done. I love that! I added some chocolate and sprinkles on top because why not?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe:
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick butter – room temperature
6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup chocolate chips + 1/2 cup for the topping
Sprinkles
Pre-heat your oven to 375-degrees.
Whisk together your flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, or stand mixer bowl, cream together your butter and both sugars on medium speed, until it’s light and fluffy.
Add in your egg and mix on low until combined. Keeping the mixer on low, add your vanilla.
Once the wet ingredients are combined, add in your flour mixture 1/3 at a time with your mixer still on a low setting.
Once the dough has formed, add your chocolate chips and mix until combined.
Press the dough into an 8×8 baking dish. You could also double this recipe and make a 9×13 baking dish.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until you see the sides start to brown slightly and you can stick a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean.
While the cookie bars are still warm, sprinkle the 1/2 cup chocolate chips over the top and smear with a baking spatula.
Decorate the top with your sprinkles.
Let the chocolate set before cutting and serving.
Do you have any resolutions this year? How did your 2014 goals turn out?
