Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
9. Cool completely before slicing into bars for clean cuts, or slice warm for an extra-gooey texture.