If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and utterly satisfying but don’t want any fuss in the kitchen, these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have your name written all over them. Imagine all the cozy goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies—plenty of caramel flavor, gooey centers, and a golden edge—but in a bar you can slice and share in under 40 minutes. This is truly my go-to treat for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or anytime I want a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in a lineup of pantry staples, each playing a special role in creating that irresistible texture and rich flavor. Here’s how every ingredient brings its magic to the mix:
- Unsalted butter, melted: Delivers richness and helps create that perfect, chewy bar texture—plus, melting skips the need for a mixer.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Key for a soft, moist crumb and adds that irresistible caramel undertone.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the bars structure without making them dense.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash, but it brings warmth and enhances those classic cookie flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The reliable backbone that keeps these bars wonderfully sturdy yet tender.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep things light and prevent the bars from being too dense.
- Salt: A little goes a long way to balance sweetness and brighten those chocolate notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—every bite melts-in-your-mouth with puddles of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with cooking spray. This ensures effortless release later, so your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until it’s smooth and glossy. This is where the magic starts—the butter melds seamlessly with the sugar, creating a rich base that guarantees extra chewy cookie bars.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing well until just combined. This step brings the batter together, setting the stage for a bar that holds its shape but still feels soft and pillowy.
Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over your wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until you see no more streaks of flour. Don’t overmix—just blend until everything looks uniform for the ideal soft crumb.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Time to fold in the chocolate chips! Scatter them across the dough and gently mix until every bit of batter boasts at least a few chips. You want gooey, melty chocolate in every single square.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the edges look golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re ready. This slight underbake is the secret to irresistible Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into neat squares. Trust me, waiting is hard, but it makes all the difference for clean edges and perfectly gooey centers.
How to Serve Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Enhance your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an easy upgrade. Even a handful of chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles can turn these crowd-pleasers into something truly special for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Pairing the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms them into a show-stopping dessert. If you’re serving them at a gathering, offer a spread of fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side to balance all that rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties and potlucks, I love slicing the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a pretty platter. Stack them in little paper cups for grab-and-go treats, or even serve warm Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in bowls with a splash of cold milk for a playful twist on milk and cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the bars have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for snacking or tossing in a lunchbox throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars on hand for longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate goes melty and the center softens, making your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars taste like they’re fresh from the oven all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chips are classic, the recipe welcomes dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also mix and match, or toss in peanut butter chips for a fun twist—make your bars your own.
Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut add lovely crunch and flavor. Just add up to half a cup of your favorite mix-ins with the chocolate chips for extra flair.
How do I avoid overbaking?
Keep a close eye toward the end of baking and test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so pulling them out when they still look a little gooey in the center is actually perfect.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. For a bigger crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time; they may need a few more minutes, but check for the same golden edges and moist-crumb center.
Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The bars come out just as chewy and delicious, so everyone can enjoy Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dessert you can whip up in one bowl, with zero fuss and guaranteed smiles. Give these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a try the next time you’re craving a little sweetness—and I bet they’ll become a delicious, go-to favorite in your home just like they are in mine.
Print
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the simplicity of these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that are quick to make and satisfy your sweet tooth with their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until just mixed. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or add nuts for variety.
- These bars are meant to be soft and chewy, so avoid overbaking for best texture.
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