Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies

 

Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies: The Simple Dessert That Everyone Asks For

If you love chocolate chip cookies and you love brownies, Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are the perfect in-between treat you didn’t know you were missing. These chewy, gooey, buttery bars are baked in a single pan and sliced into squares — no scooping dough, no chilling, and no waiting around.

They’re quick to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, parties, or just a night when you want something sweet with minimal effort.

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🍪 What Are Pan Chewies, Exactly?

Pan Chewies are essentially cookie bars with a dense, soft, and chewy texture — similar to blondies, but made specifically to highlight brown sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. Unlike regular cookies, they’re meant to be thicker, moister, and easier to make.

You mix everything in one bowl, spread it into a baking dish, and bake. That’s it. It’s a no-fuss dessert that tastes like something your grandma would make — if your grandma had a serious sweet tooth and very little time.

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🧈 Ingredients (Classic Recipe)

Here’s what you’ll need for a 9x13-inch pan of Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Optional for topping: flaky sea salt or extra chips for sprinkling before baking

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🥣 How to Make Them

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease or line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.

• Add in eggs and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

• Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.

4. Add the Good Stuff

• Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).

• Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. It will be thick — a rubber spatula helps.

5. Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).

6. Cool & Slice

• Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. They’ll firm up as they rest.

• Slice into bars or squares and serve.

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🔥 Why You’ll Love Them

• Chewy texture from the brown sugar and melted butter combo

• Rich but simple flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike

• One bowl, one pan — minimal cleanup

• Versatile — easy to customize with add-ins or toppings

• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead desserts or emergency sweet cravings

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🍫 Variations & Twists

Version	What to Change
S'mores Chewies	Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
Peanut Butter Swirl	Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and swirl before baking.
Mocha Chewies	Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder for a coffee kick.
Salted Caramel	Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
M&M Chewies	Swap some chocolate chips for M&Ms for a colorful twist.
Gluten-Free	Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These adapt well!

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👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Pan Chewies

• Don’t overbake — the center should look just slightly underdone when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.

• Use good-quality chocolate chips or chopped bars for maximum flavor.

• Want them thicker? Bake in a smaller pan (like 9x9) and increase bake time slightly.

• Want them cakier? Add one more egg and reduce brown sugar slightly.

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📦 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.

• Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave briefly.

• These bars stay chewy even after a day or two, making them great for gifting or meal prep.

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🍰 Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pan Chewies are proof that simple ingredients can create something magical. They’re comforting, reliable, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you dress them up with swirls and mix-ins or keep it classic, these bars will become a go-to in your baking rotation.

They’re also perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who just wants dessert now.