Craving the warm, sweet goodness of chocolate chip cookies but don’t feel like forming individual cookies? These Classic Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are your solution! With the same delicious taste as regular cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form, they are perfect for those days when you want a quick, indulgent treat without all the hassle. Bake up a batch in just 40 minutes, and you’ll have a dessert that’s soft, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the two large eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the base for the cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can affect the texture of the bars.
- Fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes.
- Slice into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Underbaking Tip: For a chewier, gooier texture, consider slightly underbaking the bars and letting them cool before cutting. This ensures they remain soft in the middle.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the bars for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a glass of milk for the ultimate classic combination.
- These bars also make a great addition to a party or as a gift for friends and family.
Tips
- Chocolate Chip Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate, for a personalized twist.
- Add-ins: Add crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Cutting Bars: For clean slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting. You can also refrigerate them for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if necessary. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different.
2. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Allow the cookie bars to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How can I make these bars thicker?
If you prefer thicker bars, you can reduce the baking dish size to 8×8 inches, but be sure to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
These Classic Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the epitome of simplicity and indulgence. With minimal effort, you can create a warm, gooey, and satisfying treat that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are sure to please every chocolate lover. Enjoy a slice, and let the rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor take center stage!
PrintClassic Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the two large eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the base for the cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can affect the texture of the bars.
- Fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes.
- Slice into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Notes
- Underbaking Tip: For a chewier, gooier texture, consider slightly underbaking the bars and letting them cool before cutting. This ensures they remain soft in the middle.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the bars for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 210mg
- Protein: 3g