Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh

I crave sweets and I always bake something each week for the family. These Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars always hit the spot. They’re so easy to make, and everyone loves them. I’ll bake a batch for a potluck or serve them at a party – they’re great all year long, no matter the time of year. They’ve got a distinct chew texture with the crunch of walnut, plus the perfect amount of melted chocolate goodness!

I love making cookies, but dessert bars are an easy alternative. They’re made in one pan and take up less amount of time. There are days when I’m baking that I just don’t feel like sitting around the oven to make batches of cookies. That’s when dessert bars are handy. Dessert bars are easy to cut, make a large portion and you’ll spend less time in the kitchen.

Some might call these a version of Blondies. They’re made with chocolate chips and have a soft, chewy texture, and the walnuts add a bit of crunch. Bake them until the top is golden brown, and then they finish baking while they cool. My family can never wait long enough for me to cut the bars! The only problem is how quickly they disappear in our home.

Looking for even more delicious dessert bar recipes? I’ve got a few favorites that Savvy Mama Lifestyle readers rave about:

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Pretzel Bars
• RumChata Dessert Bars
• Cherry Coconut Bars

Tips For Making Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars

For this recipe, you’ll use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Use either a stand mixer to mix the wet ingredients or an electric hand mixer. The parchment paper prevents the dessert bars from sticking to the side of your pan and allows you to easily lift the bars to cut them. However, if you want to use a baking non-stick spray with flour, that works too.

What To Serve With These Dessert Bars

There’s nothing better than a chocolate chewy dessert with a cold glass of milk or ice cream. If you’re making a dessert tray or table, consider adding a couple of extra bar recipes to serve an assortment. You could always pair these with a lighter option as well since they tend to be on the heavier side. 

How To Store Leftover Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars

If you have leftover Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars, store them in an air-tight food storage container. They don’t have any preservatives in them, so they won’t last long. You can save them for about 6 days. The bars shouldn’t harden, but if they do, add a slice of white bread into the storage container. They’ll soften again!

Recipe Substitutions

If you want to change the nut or type of chocolate chip used, feel free. Pecans work well in this recipe, too. Substitute chopped pecans to replace the walnuts and use the same amount required. White Chocolate Chips work if you want to change the flavor of the dessert bars.

What You’ll Need From The Grocery Store:

• Unsalted Butter
• Light Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Eggs
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Chocolate Chips
• Walnuts (Black walnuts have a stronger flavor but may be used)

Directions To Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Cream the butter, adding in the sugars until well mixed. 

Add the eggs and the vanilla.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add it to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated. 

Mix in the chocolate chips and the walnuts.

Line in an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper. Spread out the batter and lightly press down.

Bake for 30 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let cool before lifting the parchment paper from the pan. Slice the blondies once they’re completely cooled.