
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the best parts of a chewy chocolate chip cookie with the rich, gooey decadence of fudge, then these Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares are exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into a perfect square of buttery cookie studded with melty chocolate chips, all topped with a luscious layer of chocolate fudge sauce that melts in your mouth. These bars are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover, and they’re surprisingly easy to whip up with simple pantry staples.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe nails the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The butter and sugars create a soft and chewy cookie base, while the eggs and vanilla extract add moisture and warmth. The baking soda helps the squares rise just enough to keep them light without losing that signature cookie chew. Adding chocolate chips throughout ensures every bite has pockets of melty chocolate, and the final drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce ties it all together with rich, velvety sweetness.
What makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares truly irresistible is the layering of flavors and textures. The base is buttery and tender, the chocolate chips bring bursts of semi-sweet goodness, and the fudge sauce adds an indulgent finish. This decadent dessert is perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply treating yourself after a long day.
What Goes In
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
- 2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with warm notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The structure of the cookie base.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Leavens the dough for ideal texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, for bursts of melty chocolate.
- 1 cup chocolate fudge sauce – The crowning decadent layer.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- 9×9 inch baking pan – Perfect size for cutting into squares.
- Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – Speeds up creaming butter and sugar.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key for baking success.
- Spatula – For folding ingredients and spreading batter evenly.
- Cooling rack – To cool your bars before slicing.
Directions: Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the squares later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your squares tender.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout so that every bite has a delightful chocolate surprise.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookie Base
Spread the cookie dough batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
Once the cookie base has cooled slightly but is still warm, pour the chocolate fudge sauce evenly over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it gently across the surface.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the fudge sauce to set. Once firm, cut into squares and serve. These decadent treats are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature.
No-Store Runs Needed
- Unsalted butter – a baking staple in most kitchens.
- Brown and granulated sugar – pantry essentials.
- All-purpose flour – a must-have for any baking project.
- Chocolate chips – if you don’t have semi-sweet, try Cookies With Dark Chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Vanilla extract – a little goes a long way in flavor enhancement.
- Chocolate fudge sauce can often be substituted with a homemade or store-bought chocolate syrup you already have.
Avoid These Mistakes
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Overmixing the dough: This activates gluten and can make your cookie base tough instead of tender.
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Using melted butter: Always use softened butter for the right texture and to properly cream with sugar.
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Skipping the chill time: Allowing the fudge layer to set is key to neat squares and the perfect bite.
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Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the correct temperature ensures even cooking and a chewy center.
Storage & Reheat Guide
Store your Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the fudge layer.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter adds flavor and texture that margarine can’t quite replicate. While you can use margarine in a pinch, the taste and consistency of your Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares might be a bit less rich and chewy.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. This will help maintain the texture and structure of the squares.
Is there a way to make these squares more fudgy inside?
For extra fudginess, you can add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or swirl in some softened cream cheese into the batter before baking. Just be careful not to overdo it and disrupt the cookie texture.
Can I make the fudge sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! You can melt chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream and a touch of butter to create a silky homemade fudge sauce. This option allows you to control sweetness and richness perfectly.
Reader Favorites
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip – A no-bake, creamy dip that’s perfect for parties.
- Cookies With Dark Chocolate – For those who love intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
That’s a Wrap
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares are a show-stopping dessert that brings together the best of cookies and fudge in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, these squares promise to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the luscious fudge topping makes this recipe a new favorite in the dessert lineup.
Keep this recipe handy for when you need a quick and delicious treat that feels like a special occasion. Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for chocolatey indulgence that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 1 cup chocolate fudge sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the squares later.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Spread the cookie dough batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once the cookie base is slightly cooled but still warm, pour the chocolate fudge sauce evenly over the top and spread gently.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the fudge sauce to set. Cut into squares and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookie base tender and chewy.
- Use softened butter, not melted, for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill the fudge layer to ensure neat squares and perfect bite.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual squares briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.