Are you looking for a sweet and indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars! These delicious bars are perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to an afternoon snack. With their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Recipe 1: Classic Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 bar):
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions:
These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Serve as a sweet snack or dessert with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations:
Try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have semisweet chocolate chips on hand, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of both.
Storage:
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Be sure to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy to ensure a chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, or the bars may become tough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used in this recipe, we recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Recipe 2: Gluten-Free Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 bar):
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions:
These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Serve as a sweet snack or dessert with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations:
Try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet, feel free to use regular all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Storage:
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Be sure to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy to ensure a chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, or the bars may become tough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, if you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet, you can use regular all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Pioneer Woman Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you follow the classic recipe or the gluten-free version, these bars are sure to please. The chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite of kids and adults alike. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence, give these bars a try!