1. Prep Your Baking Essentials

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier.

2. Mix the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 1 cup melted unsalted butter
   • 1 cup brown sugar + ½ cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing—this keeps the bars soft and chewy!
4. Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

3. Assemble the Layers

5. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Pour and spread 1 cup of warmed hot fudge sauce over the dough. Tip: If the fudge is too thick, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the fudge layer and gently spread it out.

4. Bake to Perfection

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks slightly set. Tip: The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

5. Slice & Serve

10. Cut into squares and serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience!