Melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, and chocolate chips come together in these easy bake chocolate chip squares. Soft, chewy, and wildly comforting.

Let me tell you about a Tuesday night that went entirely off-script. My toddler was having a full meltdown over nothing, we had leftovers for dinner (again), and I realized I hadn’t done anything remotely “nice” for myself in, like… weeks? You know those days?

this recipe

Anyway, I needed dessert. But not the kind with fifteen steps and a sink full of dishes. I needed easy. I remembered this little scribbled recipe I’d copied from a friend at a college potluck—years ago. She’d brought these soft, melty squares that tasted like warm chocolate hugs, and I never forgot them. I didn’t even ask for the name. I just wrote “easy bake chocolate chip squares” across the top like it was obvious. And now? They’re my go-to feel-better-in-30-minutes treat.

They’re not perfect. Sometimes I overbake them. Once I forgot the salt. Another time I added too many chocolate chips (which, honestly… can you really?). But they always hit the spot. That’s kind of the magic.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares Recipe?

They’re ridiculously simple. That’s the big sell. No creaming butter, no chilling dough, and definitely no weird ingredients. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a little faith.

But even more than that—they feel like comfort. You take one bite and you’re suddenly ten years old, back in your friend’s kitchen, licking batter off the spoon before her mom catches you. They’re chewy, soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edge. Not flashy. Not perfect. Just good.

And hey, if your idea of baking is usually buying cookie dough and calling it a day (been there), these squares will make you feel like a rockstar without actually doing much.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s everything you need for your own batch of easy bake chocolate chip squares. No mixer required. If you’ve got chocolate chips and brown sugar, you’re already halfway there.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – No need to soften. Just melt it and move on.

• 1 cup brown sugar – Makes these bars soft and rich. I use whatever’s in the pantry—light, dark, a mix, it’s all fair game.

• 1 egg – Holds it all together. Don’t overthink it.

• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Not optional. Trust me, it’s the soul of the thing.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Basic. Reliable.

• ½ tsp baking powder – Gives just a bit of lift.

• ¼ tsp baking soda – Helps with the texture.

• ½ tsp salt – Don’t forget it. Seriously. I forgot once. Never again.

• 1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet is classic, but I’ve used dark, milk, mini, and even those mystery “baking morsels” I found in the back of the cupboard. They all work.

How To Make Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares?

Step 1: Oven time
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper if you hate scrubbing. (I do.)

Step 2: The wet stuff
In one bowl—yep, just one—stir together your melted butter and brown sugar until it looks like something you’d drizzle over pancakes. Add the egg and vanilla. Stir it up until it’s smooth-ish.

Step 3: The dry stuff
Dump in your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. If it looks a little lumpy? You’re doing it right.

Step 4: Chocolate time
Fold in those chocolate chips. Try not to eat too many. Or do. You’re the boss here.

Step 5: Bake and hope your house smells amazing
Spread the batter into your pan. It’s thick, so don’t stress if it’s not perfectly smooth. Bake for 20–25 minutes. You want golden edges and a soft middle. If the center jiggles, give it another minute or two.

Step 6: Cool-ish, cut, enjoy
Let them sit for a few minutes if you can wait. But I won’t lie—I’ve eaten them warm with a spoon straight out of the pan. No shame in that game.

Storage Options:

These easy bake chocolate chip squares keep pretty well, if they last that long.

• Counter: Airtight container. They stay soft for 2–3 days.

• Fridge: They’ll firm up but still taste great. Bonus points if you zap them in the microwave for a few seconds.

• Freezer: Wrap in plastic or foil. Perfect for midnight cravings or unexpected guests.

Variations and Substitutions:

I love this recipe because it’s endlessly flexible. Feeling wild? Tweak away:

• Use white chocolate chips (or peanut butter ones).

• Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts if you like a little crunch.

• Add a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter into the batter before baking. (Messy? Yep. Delicious? Also yep.)

• Sprinkle sea salt on top right before baking. Game changer.

• No chocolate chips? Use broken-up candy bars. Or skip the chips and add cinnamon and raisins—if you’re into that kind of thing.

What to Serve with Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares?

• Cold milk. The obvious choice.

• Strong coffee. For that “I’m pretending this is breakfast” energy.

• Vanilla ice cream. Hot + cold = happiness.

• Fruit. If you’re trying to make it feel healthy (lol).

• Nothing. They really don’t need anything, honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I double this recipe?
Yep! Just use a 9×13 pan and bake for a little longer. Start checking at 25 minutes.

Do they freeze well?
Totally. Wrap individually, then defrost one at a time like little sweet treasures.

What if I only have salted butter?
Use it! Just reduce the added salt a tiny bit. Or don’t. I’ve done both. Lived to tell the tale.

These easy bake chocolate chip squares aren’t just dessert. They’re a little act of self-care. A low-pressure, high-reward kind of treat you can make when your day needs a boost—or when your sweet tooth won’t shut up.

They’re not perfect. But neither are we. And honestly? That’s what makes them so good.

If you bake these, tell me how it went. Did you burn the edges? Add extra chocolate? Eat half the pan while watching reality TV? I wanna hear it all.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Classic Vanilla Custard Bars

Easy Penuche Fudge

Delicious Brown Sugar-Glazed Italian Pork Chops

Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Imagine the warmth of the oven. Mingling with the sweet. Comforting scent of chocolate and vanilla. As you pull out a tray of Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares. This recipe is a heartfelt hug. In the form of a dessert. Promising gooey, chocolatey goodness. With every bite. It's a testament. To the joy of baking simplified. Where every ingredient. From the melting butter. To the rich brown sugar. Plays its part. In creating moments of pure delight. Perfect for impromptu gatherings. A treat for the kids. Or just a quiet moment with a cup of tea. These squares are more than just a dessert. They're a tiny slice of happiness. Easy enough to whip up on a whim. But special enough. To be memorable.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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• 1/2 c unsalted butter melted
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 c all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 c chocolate chips

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg. Until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix. Until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the pan. And smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Until golden around the edges.
7. Let cool. Then cut into squares. And enjoy!

Notes

For all the gluten-free enthusiasts. Eager to indulge in these Easy Bake Chocolate Chip Squares. Fear not! You can still enjoy this gooey delight. With a simple swap. Replace the all-purpose flour. With your favorite gluten-free flour blend (make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution type. Often labeled as 'all-purpose gluten-free flour'). This tweak. Ensures everyone gets to join in on the fun. Without compromising on taste. Or texture. Just imagine sinking your teeth. Into these chewy, chocolate-packed squares. Now perfectly suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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