I guess I’m all about vanilla this week, huh? I mean, it’s not too surprising – I prefer vanilla over chocolate just about every time. Especially when vanilla beans are involved. Those tiny little specks of deliciousness are just so perfect. These bars have a healthy dose of both chocolate and vanilla though, so they’re basically the best of both worlds. Oh, and they’re just so gooey, which is my favorite part about bars vs cookies. They gooey-er the better if you ask me. Make these for Christmas – they’ll be everyone’s favorite gift! (Is that too big of a promise?)

Printable Recipe
Makes about 24 bars

ingredients:
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 tsp  vanilla
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

instructions: 
In a large bowl mix together the butter, brown sugar, and sugar until creamy.

Beat in the vanilla bean, vanilla, and the eggs one at a time.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

Gradually beat in the flour mixture until fully combined.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spread the batter in a 12×8 pan that has been lined with foil.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown on top, but still gooey in the center. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift the foil out of the pan and transfer to the freezer for another 10 minutes. This will allow the bars to set, while still being gooey in the center.

Cut into bars and enjoy!

Adapted from this recipe