When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying, Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect choice. These bars combine the rich flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with the convenience of a bar format, making them ideal for quick baking. Packed with gooey chocolate chips and a buttery, soft texture, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Let’s get started!

What are Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars?

Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert made from a buttery cookie dough loaded with chocolate chips. The dough is spread into a baking pan and baked until golden brown, resulting in soft, chewy bars that are perfect for sharing. These bars are like a cross between a cookie and a brownie, combining the best of both worlds into one delicious treat.

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and easy: These bars come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Crowd-pleaser: With their rich, buttery flavor and melty chocolate chips, these bars are always a hit.

Versatile: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just enjoying at home with a cup of coffee.
Foolproof: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers great results.
Pioneer Woman’s touch: A recipe that reflects Ree Drummond’s love for classic, comforting desserts.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Equipment

To make Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars, you’ll need the following equipment:

9×13-inch baking pan: For baking the bars.
Mixing bowls: For preparing the dough.

Electric mixer or wooden spoon: For creaming the butter and sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Spatula: For spreading the dough evenly in the baking pan.

Cooling rack: For cooling the bars after baking.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread the dough: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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 clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars

A glass of milk: A classic pairing that complements the rich, chocolatey flavor.
Vanilla ice cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Coffee or tea: These bars make a perfect companion to your morning or afternoon cup of coffee or tea.
Whipped cream: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent treat.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars

Soften the butter: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in the dough.
Don’t overbake: Bake until the edges are golden, but the center is still slightly soft to keep the bars chewy.
Use quality chocolate chips: Good-quality chocolate chips make a big difference in flavor.

Cool completely before cutting: Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean, even cuts.
Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars

Nutty Chocolate Chip Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before baking for a peanut butter twist.
Triple Chocolate Bars: Use a mix of semisweet, milk, and white chocolate chips for a triple chocolate treat.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Drizzle the baked bars with salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Coconut Chocolate Chip Bars: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor.

Storing Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Keep fresh for up to a week: These bars stay fresh for up to 5-7 days when stored properly.

Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 14g

Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg

Sugar: 20g

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars Healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
Use dark chocolate chips: Choose dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content for less sugar and more antioxidants.
Add oats: Mix in some rolled oats for added texture and nutrition.

Use unsweetened applesauce: Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and calories.

FAQs

Can I make Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Can I freeze Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. After baking and cooling, cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, such as semisweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. For a richer flavor, high-quality semisweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

To keep the bars moist and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Also, make sure to store the bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Chip Bars are a delicious and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, buttery flavor and gooey chocolate chips, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to enjoy with your family, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers amazing results every time. Enjoy the sweet, comforting goodness with every bite!

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