Easy-Breezy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe for Sweet Joy

Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie bars strikes a delightful balance between comfort and creativity.

These mouthwatering chocolate chip cookie bars capture the essence of classic cookie magic in every single bite.

Soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate morsels, the recipe promises a delectable treat that melts in your mouth.

Each bar delivers a nostalgic sweetness that transports you back to childhood kitchen memories.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dessert a go-to option for busy bakers seeking something special.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these bars will become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Prepare to delight your taste buds and spread joy with every delicious square.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 12

Gather Your Goods for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bars, providing structure and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: These leavening agents create a soft, light texture and help the bars rise perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a moist, decadent texture; opt for high-quality butter for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and keeps the bars wonderfully soft and chewy.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

• Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, adding pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bars; choose high-quality chocolate for the most indulgent experience.

Gear Guide for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfect cookie bar shape and size.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Medium mixing bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Separate mixing bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without overmixing.
• Spatula: Helps fold chocolate chips and spread dough evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Oven: Required for baking delicious cookie bars.

Process Breakdown for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 175C and get your baking pan ready by giving it a quick spray and lining it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

• Mix Your Magic

Grab a bowl and whisk melted butter with brown sugar until they become best friends. Toss in the egg and vanilla, stirring until everything looks smooth and happy. In another bowl, blend your dry ingredients together, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Don’t go crazy mixing – just blend until everything is combined. Now toss in those delicious chocolate chips and give a gentle stir.

• Spread the Love

Press your cookie dough evenly into the pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Want extra chocolate? Sprinkle some bonus chips on top for a decadent touch.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s just barely set – this keeps things deliciously gooey.

• Chill and Slice

Let your bars cool down in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Use those parchment paper handles to lift them out, then slice into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for maximum yumminess.

Tips to Know for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Gooey Texture Tricks: Pull the bars out when the center still looks slightly underbaked for that perfect soft and chewy texture – they'll continue setting while cooling.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a delicious plant-based version of these bars.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and depth of flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand intensifies their nuttiness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the completely cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for future chocolate chip cravings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars accessible for those with wheat sensitivities – ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Plate It Right for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Sweet Scoop Pairings: Serve these chocolate chip bars alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic comfort combination.
• Dessert Upgrade: Top warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm, gooey chocolate and cool, creamy ice cream.
• Party Presentation: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at potlucks, movie nights, or kids' birthday parties, making them perfect finger-friendly treats.
• Gourmet Touch: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars just before serving to elevate the dessert and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Plan + Store Smart for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Quick Freezing Trick: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for instant sweet treats anytime.
• Portioning Pro Tip: Cut bars before freezing, creating grab-and-go snacks that thaw quickly at room temperature within 15-20 minutes.
• Moisture Management: Place small piece of bread in storage container to maintain softness and prevent bars from becoming dry or crumbly.

Effortless Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Gooey lazy chocolate chip cookie bars emerge as a quick dessert solution for busy bakers. Chocolate-studded squares deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, letting home cooks enjoy sweet success without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips or chunks
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Set oven to 175C (350F) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Mixing Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter with brown sugar until smooth, then blend in egg and vanilla extract to create a uniform mixture.
3. Combining Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together, then fold gently into wet ingredients without overmixing the batter.
4. Chocolate Integration: Incorporate chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution and sprinkling extra chips on top for enhanced texture.
5. Baking Process: Spread dough evenly in prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a slightly soft center.
6. Cooling and Serving: Let bars rest in pan for 15 minutes to set, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Control Butter Temperature: Ensure melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent scrambling eggs and maintain proper dough consistency.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients minimally to keep bars tender and avoid developing tough, dense texture during baking.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Gently fold chips into batter and reserve some for topping to create visually appealing and evenly studded cookie bars.
• Checking Doneness Precisely: Watch edges for golden-brown color and center for slight softness; avoid overbaking to maintain moist, chewy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg