Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you’re craving a delicious treat but want to keep things simple, these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for you! Combining the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the ease of a bar recipe, these sweet treats come together quickly and effortlessly. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy homemade cookie bars with a soft, gooey center and lots of chocolatey goodness.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 stick of butter: The butter forms the base of the cookie bars, adding richness and flavor.
• 2 eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy texture of the bars.
• 1 yellow cake mix: Using cake mix as the base simplifies the process and provides a sweet, tender texture.
• 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips: These chocolate chips are folded into the batter to create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars.

Instructions:

1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting 1 stick of butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re using the microwave, heat the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. If you’re using the stovetop, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk with Eggs: Once the butter is melted, whisk it together with 2 eggs in a large mixing bowl. This step helps to combine the butter and eggs thoroughly, ensuring an even consistency in your cookie bar batter.
3. Stir in Cake Mix: Gradually stir in 1 yellow cake mix. The cake mix adds sweetness and helps to create a tender texture in the cookie bars. Continue to mix until the cake mix is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4. Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These chips will melt slightly during baking, creating delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
5. Press into Pan: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly. Press the cookie batter evenly into the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer. If you’re using a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
6. Bake: Bake the cookie bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). For a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 20 minutes. If you’re using a smaller pan, you may need to extend the baking time to 25-28 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can use a toothpick to check for doneness: it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice. Once cooled, enjoy these gooey, chocolatey treats!

Tips for Success:

• Pan Preparation: Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier after baking. Parchment paper also helps to prevent sticking and ensures a clean release.
• Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize the bars with additional mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing and wrap them tightly.

Why You’ll Love These Bars:

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute treats or when you’re short on time.
• Deliciously Gooey: The combination of melted chocolate chips and a soft, cake-like texture creates a deliciously gooey treat that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: These bars can be customized with various mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste. They’re also great for feeding a crowd, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful, no-fuss dessert that delivers on taste and simplicity. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature for a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!