Easy Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

When Life Calls for Lazy Baking (And Chocolate, Always Chocolate)

There are days when even the most devoted bakers among us need a shortcut. Maybe it’s a rainy Sunday when the couch feels extra cozy, or perhaps it’s one of those hectic weeknights when the idea of rolling out individual cookies feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s when these Easy Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars swoop in to save the day—like a warm, buttery hug with melty chocolate pockets.

I first made these during a particularly chaotic week when my toddler discovered the art of “helping” in the kitchen (read: flour tornadoes). These bars require just one bowl, no fancy equipment, and bake up into the most forgiving, crowd-pleasing treat. The edges get delightfully crisp while the center stays soft and gooey—like the lovechild of a chocolate chip cookie and a blondie.

Ingredients You Probably Already Have

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – The melted butter is our lazy secret weapon! No waiting for it to soften, and it creates those irresistible chewy edges.

1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed – That molasses-kissed sweetness that makes these bars taste like childhood.
2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk – The extra yolk adds richness without making them cakey. Save the white for morning scrambled eggs!
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Splurge on the good stuff here—it makes all the difference.

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, friends. No one wants dense hockey pucks.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Our little lift agent for the perfect thickness.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt – The quiet hero that makes the chocolate sing.

2 cups chocolate chips – I use semi-sweet, but milk chocolate or a mix with chunks makes these extra indulgent.

One Bowl Magic: The Lazy Baker’s Ritual

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper (or give it a good buttering if you’re feeling extra rustic).

Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan if you’re old-school). Let it cool just enough that it won’t scramble the eggs—about 5 minutes. This is the perfect time to sip your tea and admire your lazy baking prowess.

Whisk in the brown sugar until it looks like liquid caramel. The mixture will be thick and glossy—this is where the chewiness begins!
Add eggs and vanilla, whisking vigorously for about 30 seconds. You’ll see the mixture lighten slightly. Pro tip: Crack eggs into a separate bowl first unless you enjoy fishing out shell fragments.

Now comes the best part: dump in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and mix just until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be thick and luxurious—like edible cookie dough (because, let’s be honest, we’ll all sneak a spoonful).

Fold in the chocolate chips with gentle enthusiasm. I always reserve a handful to sprinkle on top because pretty food tastes better, science says so. Scrape the dough into your prepared pan and use the back of your spoon to press it evenly. Don’t fuss too much—rustic is charming!

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are forgiving and easy to customize! Here are some ways to make them your own:

Butter substitute: Swap melted butter for coconut oil or vegetable oil in a pinch (use 3/4 cup).
Flour swap: For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Mix-in ideas: Try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of peanut butter before baking.

Extra gooey: Underbake by 2-3 minutes for fudgier bars (the center should still look slightly wet).
Salt lovers: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet-salty kick.

What to Serve With Your Cookie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are some cozy pairings:

A cold glass of milk (classic never fails!)
Vanilla ice cream for an easy cookie sundae
Hot coffee or cocoa on chilly afternoons

Fresh berries for a slightly lighter treat

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep your cookie bars fresh and delicious with these simple tips:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked warmth, or pop frozen bars in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chunks will give you those beautiful melty pockets of chocolate – just chop a chocolate bar into rough pieces.

Why are my bars cakey instead of chewy?
This usually means you overmixed the batter or baked too long. Next time, mix just until combined and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Can I halve this recipe?
Yes! Use an 8×8 pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. All ingredients can be divided in half except the egg – use 1 whole egg.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be golden and the center will look set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should have moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the smell of chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house – and now you can enjoy that cozy feeling with even less effort! These lazy cookie bars deliver all the nostalgic flavor we love, with the bonus of being easier to make (and share). Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes, serving them at book club, or sneaking a midnight snack straight from the pan, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it does in my kitchen. Happy baking!

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Author: Trusted Blog

Print Recipe

Description

Easy-to-make chocolate chip cookie bars that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light 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

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.

Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.