There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm, melty chocolate nestled inside soft cookie bars. These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bring the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookies into an easy-to-make, shareable dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a lazy afternoon treat or a simple dessert to impress, these bars deliver all the nostalgia without the fuss.

With a tender crumb and pockets of gooey chocolate chips, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how quickly they come together, making it simple to satisfy sweet cravings in record time.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb base for tender, chewy cookie bars.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and deepening chocolate notes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy moisture and flavor when melted and incorporated.
• Brown sugar: Supplies sweetness and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a balanced, classic cookie flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for tender bars.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into delicious pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bars.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface, making removal of the bars easy and clean.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed to create a consistent texture.

Melt Butter and Combine Sugars

In a separate bowl or microwave-safe container, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in both brown and granulated sugars until smooth. The melted butter coats the sugars, helping dissolve them slightly for a tender crumb.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. This adds moisture and flavor while helping to bind the ingredients together.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which could result in tougher bars.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly so every bite contains melty pockets of chocolate.

Spread Batter and Bake

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Baking time ensures a soft middle with slightly crisp edges.

Cool Before Serving

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cooling helps them firm up for neat slices and enhances flavor.

Storage Tips

Keep your cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them up to one week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a cozy snack.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making this from scratch?

While this recipe is simple to make from scratch, store-bought dough could work but may alter texture and flavor slightly.

How do I make the bars more chewy?

Using more brown sugar and slightly underbaking will yield chewier bars with a softer center.

Can I use dairy-free butter substitutes?

Yes, plant-based butter alternatives work well and maintain the rich flavor while keeping it dairy-free.

How should I cut the bars?

Cut bars after they have completely cooled for clean edges. Using a sharp knife can help make neat squares.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and complement the chocolate chips.

Is it possible to bake these bars at a higher altitude?

Yes, you may need to slightly increase baking temperature and reduce baking powder; monitor baking closely.

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Lana

These lazy chocolate chip cookie bars offer an easy, delicious twist on traditional cookies, featuring a gooey, buttery texture loaded with rich chocolate chips. Perfect for quick baking and satisfying sweet cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• 1 baking pan 9x13 inch
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Use different chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
• Cut bars while warm for gooier texture or fully cooled for firmer bars.