Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (aka "Pan Chewies")

This is one of the first recipes my girls ever made on their own.  Quick and easy to throw together--just one bowl, no mixer...and the result is the perfect thick and chewy chocolate chip cookie bar.  Adapted one of a recipe swap recipe (Cyndi) and Mel's Kitchen Cafe.  The perfect last minute dessert that is quick to make and tastes great.


INGREDIENTS:

• 12 tablespoons butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1 cup (7 ounces) light brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar 
• 1 large egg 
• 1 large egg yolk 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (10 1/2 ounces) all purpose flour 
• 2 cups chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (any kind-- 1 1/2 cups semisweet and 1/2 cup butterscotch is our favorite)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Adjust the oven rack to lower-middle position. 
2. Line a 9X13-inch baking pan with foil, letting the excess hang over the edges of the pan by about 1 inch so you can grab those edges and pull the brownies from the pan after they have baked. Spray the foil-lined pan with nonstick cooking spray. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, salt and baking soda together until well combined. 
4. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and whisk well. 
5. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well. 
6. Add the flour. Using a large wooden spoon start folding the flour into the wet ingredients. 
7. After a few stirs (with streaks of flour remaining), add the chocolate chips and mix until just combined--until no dry streaks remain.  Take care not to overmix.  The dough can get really thick, so sometimes it's easier to finish mixing by hand.  
8. Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading into all the corners 
9. Bake until the bars are light golden brown on the edges, slightly firm to the touch, and edges start pulling away from sides of pan, 24-28 minutes. 
10. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the foil overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve.