# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
05 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
09 - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
04 - Whisk eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently with a spatula until just combined without overmixing.
06 - Add chocolate chips and nuts (if using), stirring until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Spread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still soft for a gooey texture.
09 - Allow bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing into 16 bars.
