There’s something magical about the aroma of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. It takes me right back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where she’d whip up treats without breaking a sweat. But life gets busy, and sometimes we just want that warm, gooey cookie goodness—without the fuss. That’s where these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come in.
This recipe is one of my all-time favorites for both summer and winter. In the summer, you can serve them slightly chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In winter, enjoy them warm straight from the oven with a mug of hot cocoa. These cookie bars are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate in every bite—pure comfort with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Quick & Easy: No mixer needed and no scooping individual cookies—just mix, pour, and bake.
- Perfect Texture: Gooey center with slightly crispy edges.
- All-Season Treat: Equally delightful in warm or cold weather.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a family night in.
Ingredients
For 7 generous servings, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 ¼ cups packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Chocolate (and Nuts, if using)
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick—this is what gives the bars their chewy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate them for a bit before slicing into squares.
Tips for the Best Cookie Bars
- Butter must be melted but not hot. If it’s too warm, it can scramble the eggs.
- Don’t overbake. Slightly underbaking gives a gooey center.
- Customize. Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or a mix!
Serving Suggestions
- Summer: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and fresh berries.
- Winter: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
How to Store
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Reader Favorite FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust the baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are my go-to for when I want to impress without the stress. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for unexpected guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these bars deliver every time.