Name: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486227H24M40S
Total time: PT-486227H24M40S
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Crafting the ultimate lazy chocolate chip cookie bars brings pure joy to any dessert lover.

Forget complicated baking processes that drain your energy and patience.

Soft, gooey, and incredibly simple, these treats eliminate the need for individual cookie shaping.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the minimal effort required to create such a delightful sweet.

No mixer or complicated techniques stand between you and deliciousness.

One pan and a few basic ingredients are all it takes to whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Prepare to experience cookie bliss with the easiest recipe you’ll ever make.

Simplify Baking: Skip traditional cookie-making steps and enjoy a no-fuss dessert that comes together faster than individual cookies.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations where everyone craves a sweet, chocolatey indulgence.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and cleanup make this recipe a stress-free option for home bakers who want delicious results without extensive kitchen work.
Customizable Delight: Easily swap chocolate chips for nuts, add sprinkles, or experiment with different mix-ins to create your personal signature bar.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the chewy, caramelized texture of the cookie bars.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie bars and provides structure.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cookie bars rise and create a light, tender texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Mix-In Ingredient:

Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of chocolatey goodness and create delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, creamy mixture that looks like liquid gold.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack in the eggs and pour in vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until everything blends into a silky, rich combination.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t go crazy with mixing.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Magic

Toss in chocolate chips and fold them through the dough. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Spread the Love

Transfer the dough into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly, creating a smooth layer that promises deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a toothpick that comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bars rest in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and watch them disappear!

Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better mixing consistency.
Melt butter completely but let it cool slightly before combining with sugars to prevent egg scrambling.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the dough before baking for a more decadent look and texture.
For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain similar texture.
Underbake slightly for gooey centers by removing from oven when edges are golden but middle looks slightly soft, as bars will continue cooking while cooling.

Nutty Chocolate Chip Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty combination.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: Swirl peanut butter into the dough before baking, creating a marbled effect with creamy, nutty notes.
Espresso Chocolate Chip Bars: Mix in instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's depth and add a subtle coffee undertone.

Pair with Creamy Milk Delight: Serve these warm chocolate chip cookie bars alongside a cold glass of whole milk for the ultimate classic comfort combination that brings out the rich, sweet chocolate flavors.
Complement with Coffee Contrast: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness of the bars, creating a delightful flavor interplay that enhances the chocolate's depth.
Match with Vanilla Ice Cream Indulgence: Top the warm cookie bars with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture melt against the warm, gooey chocolate chips for a heavenly dessert experience.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Place bars in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Warm bars at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring back the gooey chocolate chip texture. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check frequently to avoid overheating and maintain moisture.

These bars are called “lazy” because they’re easier to make than traditional drop cookies. Instead of scooping individual cookies, you simply spread the dough in a pan and bake it all at once.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to customize the bars.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set center. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, which means the bars are perfectly baked and will remain soft.

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.