Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 55 reviews

If you love the crunch of a perfectly baked cookie paired with the rich smoothness of melted chocolate, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a dazzling twist on traditional cookies, featuring browned butter for that irresistible nutty flavor, a thin, crispy texture that snaps when you bite, and a luxurious layer of chocolate sprinkled with flaky sea salt for just the right balance of sweet and savory. It’s incredibly easy to make, wonderfully shareable, and ideal for impressing guests or gifting during holidays and parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one wooden bowl in the center filled with white flour, surrounded by smaller bowls and dishes. Clockwise from the top left, there is a white bowl with a dark liquid (vanilla extract), two small rustic bowls with white and light brown powders (likely salt and baking soda), a white bowl with an amber liquid (honey or syrup), a wooden bowl filled with dark chocolate chips, a small decorative bowl with a white solid (shortening or coconut oil), a wooden bowl with white sugar, a glass bowl with brown sugar, a wooden bowl with large pieces of pale yellow butter, and a white bowl with small dark chocolate chips. All bowls and dishes are placed carefully in a flat lay style on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: buttery richness, sweet depth, pleasant texture, and that beautiful golden color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert.

3/4 cup unsalted butter: Browning this adds a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the entire bark.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel undertone.
1 large egg yolk: Binds everything together while enriching the dough.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bark’s crisp texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with a slight lift without making it cakey.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances taste.
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Small pockets of melty chocolate delight throughout the cookie layer.
1 cup chocolate chips (for topping): To create a smooth, luscious chocolate layer on top.
1 teaspoon coconut oil: Ensures the melted chocolate topping is silky and spreadable.
Flaky sea salt: To sprinkle on top, adding that perfect salty crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your butter over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch closely as it foams and then transforms into a stunning golden-brown liquid with a nutty aroma that fills your kitchen. This step is key—it brings a sophisticated depth that sets this bark apart from ordinary cookies. Once browned, scrape it into a bowl and let it cool slightly for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Egg Yolk

Next, blend in both the granulated and brown sugars, then add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir everything until smooth and glossy. This mixture provides the sweet backbone and sticky consistency needed to bind your ingredients effortlessly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, then add this to your butter-sugar mix. Gently fold the dry ingredients in until just combined. The result is a dough that’s ready to be loaded with chocolate.

Step 4: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

Fold in those adorable mini chocolate chips carefully so they’re evenly distributed. These little gems ensure every bite has melted chocolate pockets that melt on your tongue.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper. Press your dough into a thin, even layer using your hands—this may take some care to spread it evenly near the edges, but patience pays off. If needed, use a metal spatula to smooth the surface for uniform baking.

Step 6: Bake the Bark

Bake at 350°F for 13 to 18 minutes, keeping a close eye so it turns a beautiful golden brown but doesn’t overcook. This thin cookie layer will crisp up, creating the perfect base for the chocolate topping.

Step 7: Melt and Spread Chocolate Topping

While your bark is cooling, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently in 30-second bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookie base and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Add Flaky Sea Salt and Chill

Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the chocolate layer for a finishing touch that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Chill the pan in your refrigerator for 30 minutes or freeze briefly to set the chocolate fully before breaking into pieces.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe

A white bowl with cookie dough that is light brown and crumbly, with a pile of small dark brown chocolate chips on top in the middle. A spatula with a wooden handle and a white blade decorated with cartoon cookies is resting in the bowl, partly touching the dough and chips. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair when serving can amp up the wow factor. Consider a light sprinkle of crushed nuts like toasted pecans for crunch, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the look and add a touch of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks and treats. Serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate to elevate cozy afternoons. It also makes a colorful and tasty addition to dessert trays or holiday cookie exchanges.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Arrange broken bark pieces in a decorative jar tied with a festive ribbon for an adorable homemade gift. You can also stack chunks wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine—perfect for party favors or sweet surprises in lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. This means you can make it ahead of time for gatherings or to satisfy sweet cravings anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookie bark fresh longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Because this bark is perfectly crisp as is, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer warmed chocolate, gently microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the sea salt topping or make the cookie too soft.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but keep in mind salted butter will add more saltiness to your bark, so you might want to reduce the additional kosher salt slightly to balance the flavors.

What type of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?

Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips work beautifully, providing a lovely contrast to the sweet dough. For a sweeter touch, milk chocolate chips are great too, while dark chocolate adds richness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bark intact.

How thin should I press the dough in the pan?

You want to spread the dough as thinly as possible without leaving large gaps. It will be around 1/4 inch thick so that it crisps up nicely in the oven but still holds together well once broken into pieces.

Why is browned butter important for this bark?

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty, complex flavor that takes this cookie bark from good to unforgettable. It also gives the dough a beautiful golden color and slight toasted aroma that makes every bite so comforting and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a stunning, easy-to-make dessert that will impress friends and family without hours in the kitchen, give this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe a try. With its perfect blend of crispness, rich browned butter flavor, melty chocolate, and simple ingredients, it’s a treat you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Happy baking!