Chocolate Chip Bars

A bar version of the classic cookie, these slightly chewy chocolate-chip confections are a delight.

READER'S COMMENT:

"These were really good, but I don't think they're that healthy. I used all whole wheat flour and next time I will definately cut back on the sugar. I loved that they did not have a lot of butter though! "

Makes: 15 bars

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 1/4 hours

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, coarsely chopped, or mini chocolate chips

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat an 8-by-12-inch or 7-by-11-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until the butter turns a nutty brown, 30 to 60 seconds. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, brown sugar and white sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat until well incorporated. Add the reserved dry ingredients and chocolate chips and stir just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 125 calories; 4 g fat ( 3 g sat , 1 g mono ); 20 mg cholesterol; 21 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 0 g fiber; 136 mg sodium; 38 mg potassium.

Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2

Exchanges: 1 1/2 other carbohydrate

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