If you love the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies but want something even easier to whip up, you’re going to adore this Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. It takes just a few simple ingredients and a handful of steps to create rich, buttery bars packed with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, giving you all the cozy cookie flavor but in a delightfully convenient, slice-and-serve form. Whether you’re short on time or just craving an effortless homemade treat, these cookie bars are an absolute game changer that’ll quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the yellow cake mix providing a soft crumb, each component works together harmoniously to deliver a delectable cookie bar you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 stick of butter: Provides that melt-in-your-mouth richness and helps bind everything together.
- 2 eggs: Adds moisture and helps the bars hold their soft and tender texture.
- 1 yellow cake mix: The base that delivers sweetness and a fluffy crumb compared to traditional cookie dough.
- 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts slightly throughout baking, giving pockets of chocolaty goodness in every bite.
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter
Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s completely liquid and warm. This step is key since melted butter integrates smoothly with the eggs and cake mix, leading to that perfect, tender texture you want in your cookie bars.
Step 2: Mix Eggs
Whisk the melted butter together with the eggs until the mixture looks smooth and shiny. This ensures your batter is uniform, which helps the bars bake evenly without any dry spots.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Next, stir in the yellow cake mix slowly until the batter forms a smooth and thick consistency. The cake mix adds a lovely crumb that’s different from your typical cookie dough—a little lighter but still rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This guarantees that every square you cut will have a perfect balance of cookie-like sweetness and melty chocolate treats.
Step 5: Prepare Pan and Bake
Press the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. If you’re using a smaller pan, bake a bit longer (25-28 minutes) so the bars cook through without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting time helps them set up perfectly, so they don’t crumble when you cut. Then get ready to enjoy your homemade treat that’s just as satisfying as your favorite cookies without any fuss!
How to Serve Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled bars, or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for contrast. A few chopped nuts on top before baking can also add a little crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, chocolate-filled bars.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a comforting dessert combo that feels indulgent yet simple. Alternatively, a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee complements the rich chocolate and buttery flavors, making snack time even better.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these bars in a pretty dessert box or wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable gift idea. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter at parties—guaranteed to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the remaining bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect quick snack for busy days ahead.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie bars last about 2 to 3 months, so you’ll always have a sweet treat ready when you need a pick-me-up.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds. Warming them slightly releases the chocolate chips’ gooey goodness, almost like eating freshly baked cookies right out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes to add new flavors to your bars. Just keep in mind that changes in mix type may slightly alter the texture and taste.
Is it okay to use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will provide a richer, less sweet flavor, perfect if you prefer your desserts on the bittersweet side. Milk chocolate chips are also a delicious alternative for those who love extra sweetness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Totally. Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can give your bars some delightful texture and flavor complexity. Just fold them in alongside the chocolate chips before baking.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The edges will start to turn golden and pull slightly away from the pan, while the center should look set but still a bit soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and chewy.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, look for a yellow cake mix and chocolate chips labeled gluten-free. This simple swap lets you enjoy these bars without compromising on flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe inspires you to treat yourself or impress friends with an easy, scrumptious dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s simple, versatile, and absolutely addictive—once you make it, it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a quick and easy dessert made with minimal ingredients. Using a yellow cake mix as the base, combined with melted butter, eggs, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these bars bake into a chewy, rich, and chocolatey treat perfect for any occasion. They require little preparation and bake quickly, making them ideal for a delicious homemade dessert without the fuss of traditional cookie baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter (113 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 package (approximately 15.25 oz or 432 grams) yellow cake mix
- 1 bag (about 11.5 oz or 326 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until fully liquefied but not boiling.
- Mix Eggs: Whisk the melted butter together with the two eggs in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cake Mix: Stir in the yellow cake mix gradually, blending it thoroughly into the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter without lumps.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter to distribute the chocolate throughout.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Press the batter evenly into the bottom of the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20 minutes if using a 9×13 inch pan. For smaller pans, bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the bars are set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cookie bars!
Notes
- For best results, use a metal or glass 9×13 inch baking pan.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips based on preference.
- Make sure not to overbake; bars should be set but still moist inside.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
