This Ina Garten Cookies and Bars recipe is buttery and rich, which includes classic chocolate chip cookies and chewy dessert bars. It’s a versatile, foolproof recipe, ready in 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Cookies And Bars Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Cookies And Bars Recipe
For the Cookies:
- Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Stir until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
For the Bars:
- Preheat oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Make batter: Stir in dry ingredients until combined; fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.

Recipe Tips
- For chewier cookies: Slightly underbake and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet.
- For thicker bars: Use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust baking time.
- Flavor variations: Try white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped dried fruit.
- Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze cookie dough balls or baked bars for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Cookies And Bars
These treats pair perfectly with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh berries
- Ice cream for a dessert sandwich
- Hot coffee or tea

How To Store Ina Garten Cookies And Bars
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Ina Garten Cookies And Bars Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per cookie or bar)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely, dark chocolate adds a richer flavor.
How do I keep bars from overbaking?
Check 5 minutes early; they should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Ina Garten Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Ina Garten Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Ina Garten Cookies And Bars Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12-16
servings15
minutes35
minutes210
kcalA two-in-one dessert recipe with buttery chocolate chip cookies and chewy dessert bars — perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
-
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- For the Bars:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
1 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Directions
- For the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, until golden. Cool on wire rack.
- For the Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and set.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
