Is there anything more blissful than biting into a batch of Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh from the oven? These golden bars are ridiculously easy to throw together, ridiculously delicious, and a bona fide crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping them up for a bake sale, sharing them at a family gathering, or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend afternoon, this one-bowl wonder will become your go-to treat every single time. No mixers, no fuss — just pure cookie joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of all-star ingredients, Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are proof that sometimes the simplest things really are the best. Each component has a special role to play, ensuring you get that perfect balance of tender crumb, gooey chocolate, and rich, buttery flavor.
- Butter (1 stick, melted): The melted butter creates a chewy, rich texture and infuses the bars with irresistible buttery flavor.
- Eggs (2): Eggs add structure and just the right amount of moisture, keeping the bars soft and cohesive.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): The not-so-secret shortcut that gives these bars a gorgeous golden color and a soft, bakery-style crumble in every bite.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (1 bag): These little bursts of chocolate melt into sweet pockets throughout the bars, creating gooey perfection in every piece.
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — the perfect temperature to bake up golden edges and a soft, irresistible center. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it generously, or line it with parchment paper for an even easier cleanup. This makes it super simple to lift your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and cut them into tidy squares later.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This helps evenly distribute the richness of the butter and sets the stage for the cookie bars’ soft, tender interior.
Step 3: Combine Cake Mix
Pour in the yellow cake mix and stir until everything comes together into a thick, spoonable dough. It’s totally normal if the mixture looks dense — you want that, because it’s what gives these bars their classic cookie-meets-cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout your cookie dough. Every bite should get some chocolatey goodness!
Step 5: Spread and Bake
With a spatula or clean hands, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top so it bakes up uniformly. Slide the pan onto the middle rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops look beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little melted chocolate is perfect!).
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan so they set properly. This helps them hold their shape and makes cutting them into clean, uniform bars a breeze. Once cool, cut into squares and serve up the smiles!
How to Serve Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, dust your cookie bars with powdered sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. Each option brings out different flavors—fancy but still effortless!
Side Dishes
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even your favorite cup of coffee. If you’re serving them at a gathering, offer fresh berries or a simple fruit salad alongside for a pop of color and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a pretty cake stand, wrap them individually in parchment for party favors, or assemble an irresistible dessert platter with other classic treats. For a dinner party dessert, try layering a warm bar with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for cookie bar sundaes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars tasting bakery-fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks or spontaneous visitors.
Freezing
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Once cool, arrange them in a single layer (or separated by parchment) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for emergency sweet cravings or prepping ahead for parties.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked, gooey effect, pop a bar or two in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. The chocolate chips soften, and you’ll feel like you just pulled them from the oven. For larger batches, warm them gently in a low (300°F) oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try white, chocolate, or even funfetti cake mix for a playful twist. Each flavor brings its own unique character to your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chips are classic, but milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips will all shine in this recipe. You can experiment with chocolate chunks or a mix of chips for extra texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit can add a delicious crunch or chew to your bars. Just stick to about 1 cup total so your bars hold together nicely.
Why do I need to let the bars cool before cutting?
Cooling helps the bars set up and slice cleanly. If you cut them while warm, they might be gooey and fall apart—but if you just can’t wait, no one will blame you for sneaking a (messy) piece early!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix; all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You’ll still get all the convenience and flavor without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the easiest, most scrumptious Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ever. I hope you enjoy every gooey, golden bite and share them with the people you love. Give them a try; you might just find your new signature treat!
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