Ina Garten’s cookies and bars deliver rich flavors and buttery textures with minimal effort. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together quickly and bake to perfection, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

Soft chocolate chip cookies, golden oatmeal bars, and fudgy brownies ensure bakery-quality results in every bite. With a short prep and bake time, these treats are perfect for satisfying cravings, entertaining guests, or storing for a quick snack.

What Are Ina Garten Cookies and Bars?

Ina Garten’s cookies and bars combine high-quality ingredients with simple techniques to create rich, flavorful, and satisfying treats. From crisp yet chewy cookies to dense and fudgy bars, these desserts are perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at gatherings.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Easy to make – Straightforward steps using pantry staples.
Perfect textures – Cookies with crisp edges and soft centers; bars that are chewy and rich.
Great for any occasion – Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence.
Customizable recipes – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Make-ahead friendly – Stores well for future snacking.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

For the Cookies:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the Bars:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

For the Cookies:

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugars – In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips – Stir until evenly distributed.
Bake the cookies – Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

For the Bars:

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Whisk dry ingredients – In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix batter – Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
Bake the bars – Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool before slicing into squares.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Pair with milk or coffee – The perfect combination for a cozy treat.
Drizzle with caramel sauce – Adds extra sweetness to bars.
Top with sea salt – Enhances the chocolate flavors.
Serve with ice cream – A warm cookie or bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is irresistible.
Dip in melted chocolate – Elevates the flavors and adds richness.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
Do not overmix the dough – Overmixing results in tough cookies and bars.
Chill cookie dough if needed – Prevents spreading for thicker cookies.
Line baking pans with parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Measure flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies and bars.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Add nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor.
Use white chocolate chips – A fun alternative to dark chocolate.
Incorporate dried fruit – Cranberries or raisins add sweetness and texture.
Make them gluten-free – Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Spice it up – Add cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Store at room temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage – Lasts up to a week when stored properly.
Freeze for up to 3 months – Wrap cookies and bars individually in plastic wrap before freezing.
Thaw before serving – Let frozen treats sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cookies and Bars

Microwave for a warm treat – Heat cookies or bars for 10-15 seconds to make them gooey again.
Oven method for a fresh-baked feel – Warm at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Enjoy cold for a chewy texture – Some prefer chilled cookies and bars for a firmer bite.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?

Cookies spread too much when the butter is too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled before baking. To prevent this, use room-temperature butter (not melted) and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure to measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method to prevent excess spreading.

How do I make my cookies chewier instead of crispy?

For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture. Additionally, slightly underbaking the cookies and letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps retain a soft, chewy texture.

How can I tell when my bars are fully baked?

Bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as bars continue to set while cooling. Let them cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Can I freeze the cookie and bar dough for later use?

Yes, cookie dough and bar batter can be frozen. Scoop cookie dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer them to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. For bars, spread the batter in a pan, cover it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s cookies and bars are simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.

Bake a batch today and enjoy a homemade dessert that never disappoints!