If you’re craving a sweet treat that doesn’t require a ton of time or complicated ingredients, the Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightfully simple dessert combines the rich flavors of buttery yellow cake and semi-sweet chocolate chips into one irresistibly soft and chewy bar. Whether it’s for an impromptu gathering or a cozy night in, these cookie bars promise that nostalgic homemade flavor without the fuss of traditional cookie baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about the perfect balance of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a perfectly tender and chocolaty cookie bar. Each component plays its own vital role, from the moist cake mix base to the luscious chocolate chips that melt into every bite.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the bars remain soft and flavorful.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create the perfect chewy texture.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of this dessert, contributing sweetness and a delicate crumb.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide classic melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Using melted butter instead of softened butter helps the batter blend smoothly, giving the bars a tender, almost cakey texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
Step 2: Mix Eggs and Butter
Whisk the melted butter together with the eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for creating a uniform batter that bakes evenly.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Stir in the yellow cake mix gradually, mixing until the batter becomes smooth. The cake mix brings that classic sweetness and lightness that transforms this recipe into a crowd-pleaser.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently to distribute chocolate flavor throughout without overmixing, which helps keep the bars nice and tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan and Bake
Press the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure even thickness. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If using a smaller pan, increase baking time to 25-28 minutes. Baking just until golden ensures those cookie bars stay soft and chewy instead of dry.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step allows them to set perfectly and makes cutting easier, preserving their gooey goodness.
How to Serve Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious all on their own, you can sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt to create a delightful contrast to the sweetness or dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. For something extra special, drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this simple dessert into a decadent treat. Fresh berries add a bright, refreshing note and balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the cookie bars in charming little mason jars layered with whipped cream and berry compote, or cut into bite-sized squares for a party platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for an adorable gift or grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie bars covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick snack throughout the week.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Slice them before freezing and place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. When wrapped properly, they can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Warm your bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that just-baked softness and melt the chocolate chips again. It’s like enjoying them fresh from the oven all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic in this Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe, vanilla or even funfetti cake mixes add different flourishes of flavor that are just as delicious.
Is it possible to substitute butter with oil?
You can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil, but butter gives a richer flavor and slightly better texture that makes these bars stand out.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix to keep this recipe gluten-friendly. Just be sure the chocolate chips are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Totally! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut complement the flavors beautifully and add interesting texture to every bite.
What’s the best way to get the bars out of the pan?
Line your baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly. Once cooled, lift the entire block from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. This makes slicing neat bars easier and less messy.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is the perfect answer when you want a home-baked, delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, incredibly rewarding, and sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing smiles with friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy that warm, chocolatey goodness in every bite!
Print
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the convenience of a cake mix with the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookies. With minimal ingredients and effortless steps, they deliver moist, chewy bars packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips — perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 bag (about 10–12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Place the stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it completely, usually about 30-45 seconds depending on your microwave.
- Mix Eggs: Whisk the melted butter together with the eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cake Mix: Stir in the yellow cake mix gradually, mixing until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Evenly press the batter into the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for about 20 minutes if using a 9×13 inch pan. For smaller pans, bake 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps them set properly and makes for easier serving. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cookie bars!
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; you can add a pinch of salt if you like.
- The bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Try mixing in nuts or using white chocolate chips for variety.
- If you prefer a softer center, reduce baking time slightly and monitor closely.
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with yellow gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
