Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Slab

Tired of endless scooping and baking multiple batches of cookies? Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert: **Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies**! These delectable treats are wonderfully tender, perfectly chewy, and incredibly easy to make. Crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients like eggs, flour, butter, sugar, and, of course, an abundance of chocolate chips, they’re baked in a single pan and effortlessly cut into squares. This innovative approach to a classic favorite ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious, homemade goodness with your loved ones.

Whether you’re looking for the ideal potluck contribution, a fuss-free dessert for a birthday party, or a satisfying treat for family gatherings, these sheet pan chocolate chip cookies are your go-to solution. Forget the traditional, time-consuming process of shaping individual cookies; this recipe allows you to bake an entire batch in one go, delivering uniform, delightful cookie bars that are sure to be a hit every single time.

Discover the BEST Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookie enthusiasts, prepare to be amazed! This Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies recipe offers a delightful twist on everyone’s favorite cookie. Inspired by the timeless Toll House Pan Cookies recipe, this version has been meticulously perfected to capture all the nostalgic flavors and textures you adore, but with the added convenience of baking in a single sheet. The result is a uniformly baked, incredibly moist, and wonderfully chewy cookie bar that rivals any traditional scooped cookie.

If you’re searching for a shareable dessert that stands out from a regular batch of cookies, these moist and chewy chocolate chip pan cookies are precisely what you need. They are an absolute game-changer for large gatherings, making them ideal for holiday celebrations, casual dinner parties, or simply as a generous treat for your family. The ease of preparation combined with their irresistible flavor makes them a truly unbeatable option for any occasion.

Why These Pan Cookies Are a Game Changer

Pan cookie recipes are fundamentally similar to traditional cookie recipes, but with one crucial difference: instead of portioning the dough into individual balls, the entire batch is spread evenly into a baking pan, much like a sheet cake. This method offers several compelling advantages that make it a favorite among busy bakers and dessert lovers alike.

One of the primary reasons you’ll adore this preparation method is the sheer efficiency it provides. By spreading the dough across the entire pan, you maximize your baking surface, yielding a larger quantity of treats from a single batch compared to individual cookies where space must be left between each piece. This means more delicious cookies with less effort, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beyond the quantity, baking in a pan often results in a wonderfully consistent texture. The edges tend to be delightfully crisp, while the center remains soft and chewy, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Once baked to golden perfection and allowed to cool, these glorious sheet pan cookies are simply cut into squares, and voilà – a batch of perfect, ready-to-serve cookie bars awaits!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies

Crafting the ultimate chocolate chip pan cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that bring these delicious cookie bars to life:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the structural foundation of your cookies. It’s crucial to use all-purpose flour specifically, as flours designed for cakes (lower protein) or bread (higher protein) would significantly alter the cookie’s tender and chewy texture. For those with dietary restrictions, a 1-for-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising much on taste or texture.
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient is the key to achieving incredibly tender and wonderfully chewy cookies. Just a tablespoon can make a remarkable difference, contributing to that desirable soft-baked quality that everyone loves.
• Baking Soda: As a vital leavening agent, baking soda ensures your cookies rise just enough to be light and airy, preventing them from becoming dense or overly cake-like. It reacts with the acidic brown sugar to create the perfect lift and spread.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can absolutely use it, but be sure to omit any additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting. More importantly, ensure your butter is at **room temperature**. Room temperature butter is soft enough to cream easily with sugar, incorporating air that results in a lighter, airier texture in the final cookie. Melted butter, on the other hand, would lead to a greasier, denser cookie.
• Kosher Salt: While often overlooked, salt is a non-negotiable ingredient in baking. It doesn’t just add salinity; it profoundly enhances and balances the sweet flavors of the chocolate and sugars, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile. Think of salted caramel or salted chocolate – the salt elevates the sweetness!
• Sugar (Brown and Granulated): The combination of both light brown sugar and granulated sugar is fundamental to classic chocolate chip cookies. Brown sugar contributes moisture, chewiness, and a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar provides crispness and aids in spreading. This dynamic duo is found in almost every beloved chocolate chip cookie recipe for a reason!
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality vanilla extract adds a smooth, aromatic depth that rounds out all the flavors, making these treats even more irresistible and comforting. Don’t skip this essential flavor enhancer!
• Eggs: Eggs serve as a crucial binding agent, holding all the ingredients together. They also contribute to the cookie’s structure, richness, and help maintain a light yet chewy consistency.
• Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! For a truly well-rounded flavor experience, I recommend using a mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips. The milk chocolate adds creamy sweetness, while the dark chocolate provides a delightful bitter contrast, creating a perfectly balanced chocolatey bite in every square.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies In A Sheet Pan

Creating these sensational chocolate chip pan cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform leavening and flavor in your cookies. Set this mixture aside.
2. **Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, both types of sugar (light brown and granulated), and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture becomes visibly pale and delightfully fluffy. This step is vital for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
3. **Incorporate Eggs:** Add the large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time. After each egg addition, mix just until it is combined into the dough. Avoid overmixing at this stage. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed, just until the flour streaks disappear and the ingredients are barely combined. Overmixing flour develops gluten, which can lead to tough cookies, so mix minimally.
5. **Fold in Chocolate Chips:** Gently fold in your chocolate chips (or any preferred mix-ins) until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
6. **Spread into Pan:** Transfer the entire cookie dough mixture into a parchment paper-lined 12×17-inch jelly roll pan. Using your hands or a rubber spatula, evenly spread the dough all the way to the edges of the pan. It might seem like there isn’t enough dough to cover the entire pan, but trust the process – it will spread beautifully during baking.
7. **Bake and Cool:** Bake in a preheated oven (usually around 350°F or 175°C, as per the recipe card below) for 17 to 20 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are a beautiful golden brown, the surface appears slightly rippled, and the center still looks soft. This slight softness in the center will firm up as the cookies cool, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.
8. **Slice into Squares:** Allow the pan of cookies to cool completely in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes before attempting to slice them. Cooling is essential for the cookies to set properly. Once cooled, the easiest and quickest way to achieve neat, clean lines for your cookie squares is by using a pizza cutter.

Understanding the Jelly Roll Pan: Your Secret Baking Weapon

This recipe specifically calls for a 12×17-inch **jelly roll pan**, and you might be wondering how it differs from a standard cookie sheet. The distinction is key to the success of pan cookies.

Jelly roll pans, as their name suggests, were originally designed for baking thin sheet cakes that would then be rolled into “jelly rolls.” This design means they have slightly higher, typically 1-inch deep, sides all around, creating a contained baking surface. They are also generally a bit larger than your average rimmed cookie sheet. These specific dimensions – the larger surface area and the raised edges – make them absolutely ideal for baking pan cookies. The sides prevent the cookie dough from spreading too much, ensuring uniform thickness and perfectly squared edges when cut, while the large surface allows for a generous batch of cookies.

Get Creative: Sheet Pan Cookie Recipe Variations

While classic chocolate chip pan cookies are always a winner, this recipe is incredibly versatile and lends itself beautifully to creative variations. Feel free to substitute one cup of chocolate chips for any of the following to explore new flavor dimensions:

• Caramel Chips: For a buttery, sweet, and slightly chewy addition that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• Butterscotch Chips: Adds a distinct, rich butterscotch flavor for a nostalgic twist.
• Peanut Butter Chips: A fantastic choice for peanut butter lovers, creating a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combination.
• White Chocolate Chips: Offers a creamy, sweet contrast to the traditional milk or dark chocolate.
• Toffee Pieces: Incorporates a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery caramel flavor.
• M&M’s: Adds a fun pop of color and an extra layer of chocolatey candy goodness.
• Shredded Coconut: For a tropical hint and a chewy texture, especially delicious when toasted lightly.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• **Pretzel Bits:** For a delightful sweet and salty crunch.
• **Dried Fruit:** Craisins or chopped dried cherries can add a tangy chewiness.
• **Combination:** Don’t limit yourself to just one! Try combining chocolate chips with nuts, toffee, or M&M’s for a truly decadent cookie bar.

More Irresistible Chocolate Chip Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic ways to enjoy this beloved flavor profile:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Similar in concept to pan cookies, these bars often feature additional fun mix-ins like M&M’s for an extra festive touch. They are equally easy to make and perfect for any celebration.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic pairing that’s always a hit! These cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter for an irresistible treat.
• Edible Cookie Dough: For those who love to “sample” cookies before they’re baked, this egg-free edible cookie dough is a safe and utterly delicious way to indulge your cravings for raw cookie dough.
• Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: Elevate your chocolate chip cookie experience with a luscious, gooey caramel center. Each bite is an explosion of sweet, buttery caramel intertwined with rich chocolate.
• Cowboy Cookies: A hearty and satisfying cookie loaded with an array of delicious ingredients! These aren’t just chocolate chip cookies; they often feature pecans, caramel, coconut, and oats, offering a complex texture and flavor profile.

Rated 5 stars from 24 votes

Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies

Author: Rebecca Hubbell

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

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Skip the scooping and multiple batches and make Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies instead! They are tender, chewy, easy and perfect for a crowd!

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (293g)
• 2 tablespoons malted milk powder or powdered milk (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar (215g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (175g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the 2 cups chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Spread the cookie dough evenly onto the prepared parchment-lined jelly roll pan. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to press the dough all the way to the edges of the pan. It may seem like a thin layer, but it will bake perfectly.
8. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, the surface looks slightly rippled, and the center is still soft (it will set as it cools).
9. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting. Once cooled, use a pizza cutter to slice them into squares for clean, even portions.

Video

Watch the recipe video for Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies:

Download/Watch Video: Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies

Upload Date: 2020-02-29T00:00:00.000Z

Description: Skip the scooping and multiple batches and make Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies instead! They are tender, chewy, easy and perfect for a crowd! Made with simple ingredients like eggs, flour, butter, sugar, and of course, chocolate chips, they’re baked in a pan and cut into squares.

Notes

1. You can use a 1-for-1 substitute of gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
2. For the chocolate chips, I prefer a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips, but feel free to use all of one kind, or swap 1 cup of chocolate chips for another add-in.
3. Recipe Variations:
   • Caramel chips
   • Butterscotch chips
   • Peanut butter chips
   • White chocolate chips
   • Toffee pieces
   • M&M’s
   • Shredded coconut
   • Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
4. This recipe calls for a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan. These pans have slightly higher sides and are larger than typical cookie sheets, making them ideal for containing the dough and ensuring even baking for pan cookies.
5. For the cleanest and easiest cuts, allow the cookies to cool completely, then use a pizza cutter to slice them into squares.
6. Shelf Life and Storage: These chocolate chip pan cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 293IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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