Introduction

If you have ever been in a situation where you need a tray of warm, gooey desserts but only have about five minutes of energy left, you are in the right place. We have all been there—the school bake sale is tomorrow, or you have a sudden late-night craving, but the idea of measuring out flour, baking soda, and salt feels like a marathon.

Enter the Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe is the ultimate “cheat code” in my kitchen. By using a clever shortcut with a pantry staple, we bypass the tedious steps of traditional baking without sacrificing that buttery, brown-sugar flavor we all love. These bars are thick, chewy, and loaded with melted chocolate, making them a hit for any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are three main reasons why this recipe is a permanent resident in my recipe binder:

1. Minimal Cleanup: You can practically make the entire batter in one microwave-safe bowl.
2. Texture: Unlike some “shortcut” recipes that can be dry, the addition of two eggs and a full stick of butter makes these incredibly fudgy.
3. Versatility: It serves as a perfect base for any mix-ins you have on hand.

If you’ve enjoyed my Cake Mix Cookies, you already know how much of a game-changer a box of cake mix can be. This bar version takes that convenience and turns it into a decadent, sharable treat.

List of Ingredients

To make these bars, you only need four simple items that are likely already in your kitchen:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) of Butter: Melted and slightly cooled.
• 2 Large Eggs: Preferably at room temperature for better emulsion.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix: This provides the flour, sugar, and leavening agents all in one.
• 1 bag (12 oz) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the show!

Swaps and Notes

• The Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix gives the most “traditional” cookie flavor, you can swap it for White or Butter Pecan mix for a different profile.
• The Chocolate: If semi-sweet is too dark for you, milk chocolate works beautifully. For a richer vibe, try dark chocolate chunks or even white chocolate chips.
• Healthier Twist: If you are looking for a fruity alternative, you might also enjoy my recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

List of Steps

1. Prep Your Space: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Butter: Place your stick of butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat until completely melted.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the two eggs into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Add the Mix: Stir in the dry yellow cake mix. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, as the dough will become quite thick and tacky.
5. Fold in the Chips: Fold in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Press into Pan: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Since the dough is thick, you may need to use a piece of greased plastic wrap or damp fingers to press it evenly into the corners.
7. Bake: * For a 9×13 pan, bake for 20 minutes.
   • For a smaller pan (like an 8×8), bake for 25-28 minutes to ensure the center sets.
8. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows the center to firm up into that perfect chewy texture.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: These bars are best when they are slightly “underdone” in the center. They will continue to set as they cool. If the edges are golden brown, they are ready!
• Parchment Paper is King: If you want perfectly square cuts, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Once cooled, you can lift the entire block out and slice them on a cutting board.
• Egg Temperature: If you forget to take your eggs out of the fridge, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. This helps them mix into the butter without curdling it.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bars are incredible on their own, but if you want to elevate them, try these ideas:

• The Sundae Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.
• The Afternoon Snack: Pair a square with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• The Party Platter: Mix these with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a dessert board that offers different textures and sizes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated based on 24 bars per 9×13 pan.

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 2g

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: These freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
• Pro Tip: If they get a little firm after a few days, pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore that “fresh from the oven” gooeyness.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you can’t get enough of that classic chocolate chip flavor, check out these other favorites from the blog:

• Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies – For when you want a sophisticated, legendary cookie.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – The ultimate indulgence for true chocolate lovers.

---

Final Thoughts

Baking doesn’t always have to be a multi-hour project. Sometimes, the best memories are made over a simple 4-ingredient treat that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love. Give these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a try this weekend—I promise they won’t last long!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more easy weeknight solutions and decadent desserts.