Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The Easiest Way to Bake a Classic
There are few things as comforting as a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven. But what if you could get all that deliciousness without the fuss of scooping and shaping individual cookies? This recipe for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is the answer. It’s a simplified, no-fuss version of the classic cookie, delivering a perfectly soft, chewy, and gooey bar loaded with chocolate chips. This is the ultimate “lazy” dessert—it requires minimal effort and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver big on flavor with a small amount of effort, and this one is a true hero in my kitchen. What I love most is the sheer convenience of it all. Instead of spending time portioning out dozens of cookies, you simply mix the dough and spread it into a single pan. The result is a bar with a perfect texture: a slightly crispy edge, a soft and dense center, and plenty of melted chocolate chips in every bite. It’s the perfect treat for a last-minute get-together, a satisfying weekend baking project, or just a simple dessert to enjoy on a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 241 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 121 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Swaps and Notes
- Butter: Using melted butter is key to the chewy texture of these bars. It adds a wonderful richness that you just can’t get from softened butter. Just make sure it’s not too hot when you add the sugars to avoid cooking them.
- Sugars: The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar is what gives these bars their perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness. The brown sugar adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the granulated sugar ensures a crisp edge.
- Egg Yolk: The extra egg yolk is a secret weapon in this recipe. It adds richness, moisture, and a wonderfully chewy texture to the bars. Don’t skip this step!
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, but feel free to get creative. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of all three. You can also add some toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch.
- Finishing Touch: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the bars right after they come out of the oven is a fantastic way to elevate the flavor and add a perfect touch of salty-sweetness.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until they are well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, the extra egg yolk, and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20−25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This is a crucial step to ensure they set properly and don’t fall apart when you slice them.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense bar. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important tip! It may be tempting to cut into them while they’re warm, but the bars need to set. Cooling them completely will ensure clean, perfectly-formed squares.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes the bars incredibly easy to lift out of the pan for cutting.
- Adjust Baking Time: The cooking time will depend on your oven. Start checking them at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-baking. A slightly underbaked bar is much better than an overbaked, dry one.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookie bars are absolutely delicious on their own, but for a truly decadent treat, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A drizzle of caramel or hot fudge sauce would also be a fantastic addition. They are also perfect with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
These are an indulgent and delicious dessert. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the butter, sugar, and chocolate chips. While they are a decadent treat, they are a wonderfully satisfying dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun baking project.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These lazy chocolate chip cookie bars store beautifully. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For a fresher taste, you can also store them in the refrigerator. To get that gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture back, you can pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a perfectly chewy bar and plenty of melted chocolate is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!
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