Growing up, my sister and I would make these delicious chocolate chip bars as a go-to late night snack. This recipe takes just 4 ingredients and no oven is required – just a microwave. Originally called “Microwave Mini Morsel Shortbread” in a vintage Tollhouse cookbook on my mom’s shelf.

Gather:

1/2 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)

1/4 brown sugar (raw cane sugar works too)

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Process:

Combine softened butter, sugar, and flour until a crumbly dough forms. You can do this with a mixer or by hand. Add vanilla extract, if using. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. Press dough into 8×8 glass pan. Microwave on 50% power for 3-5 minutes until dough is still soft but edges are firmer. (This has taken me some trial and error since the instructions in the cookbook were for microwaves of much lower wattage… it is very important to use a reduced power level or you will end up with a crunchy and/or burned cookie bar!) Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and spread chocolate smoothly across top once chips are shiny and melted. Cut into 12 bars and let cool completely on the counter or in the fridge (if you’re completely impatient like me!)

Bon apetite!