In the realm of baking, few delights rival the simple joy of a fresh, warm cookie. Yet, sometimes, the elaborate steps and extensive ingredient lists of traditional recipes can deter even the most enthusiastic home baker. Enter the magnificent solution: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe promises an effortless journey to a pan of golden, gooey, chocolate-studded goodness, requiring just four fundamental ingredients and mere minutes of prep time. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, or anyone who believes that baking should be a pleasure, not a chore. These bars start with a humble boxed cake mix, transforming it into a remarkably soft, chewy, and utterly delicious dessert that tastes completely homemade.
The Ultimate Easy Cookie Bar Recipe: Deliciousness in Minutes
Life can be hectic, but your dessert menu doesn’t have to be. This recipe for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is specifically designed for speed and simplicity without compromising on flavor or texture. The secret weapon? A versatile boxed cake mix, a pantry staple that holds the key to countless quick and tasty creations. Forget about measuring multiple flours, leavening agents, and sugars; the cake mix does most of the heavy lifting for you. With just four ingredients – a yellow cake mix, eggs, butter, and chocolate chips – you’re mere moments away from a batch of irresistible cookie bars.
Unlike traditional cookies that require individual scooping and precise timing, these bars are baked in a single sheet pan, offering a streamlined approach that’s perfect for sharing or indulging by yourself. They boast a wonderfully gooey center, reminiscent of a perfect underbaked cookie, and delightfully chewy, golden-brown edges – often considered the best part by many! The convenience factor is off the charts, making them an ideal treat for impromptu gatherings, school lunchboxes, or simply a cozy night in. Their soft, tender crumb and rich chocolate pockets will have everyone asking for the recipe, never guessing how incredibly easy they were to prepare.
“These are extremely easy to make. Made these with my niece and all the kids had a ‘test’ bite and said, ‘These are the best! I want these for my birthday!’ Total hit!! Thank you for the recipe!”
– Bliss Franklin
Frequently Asked Questions About Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Absolutely! One of the most fantastic aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. While a yellow cake mix provides a classic, buttery flavor that beautifully complements chocolate chips, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties. I’ve personally had great success with red velvet cake mix (imagine a decadent bar with a hint of cocoa and a beautiful red hue!), rich chocolate cake mix for a double chocolate treat, and fun birthday cake mix for a festive twist with sprinkles already included. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor these bars to any occasion or craving. You can also mix and match different types of baking chips – think white chocolate, peanut butter, or even the seasonal holiday baking chips for a special touch. Feel free to incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and richness. The possibilities are truly endless, and no one will ever suspect how simple your gourmet-looking dessert was to create!
This is an excellent and increasingly relevant question, as cake mix box sizes have frustratingly shrunk over the years. Historically, many standard cake mixes were 18.25 ounces, but today, you’ll find them ranging anywhere from 13.25 ounces to 15.25 ounces. This variation in weight can slightly impact the batter consistency and, consequently, the baking time and thickness of your cookie bars. For instance, as of the writing of this post, Duncan Hines typically offers mixes around 15.25 ounces, while Betty Crocker has often reduced theirs to 13.25 ounces. Some specialty brands, like Dolly Parton’s mixes, might still be closer to the 18-ounce mark, though they usually come at a slightly higher price point.
It’s crucial to check the exact weight on your cake mix box before you begin. If you use a smaller mix, your bars will be slightly thinner, and the baking time might be on the lower end of the recommended range (15-18 minutes). For larger mixes, you might need a few extra minutes. The key is to keep a close eye on your bars as they bake. They should puff up, and the edges should turn a golden brown. Always start with the minimum baking time and add more as needed until they are set in the center. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly precise; these are “lazy” bars, after all, and a little variation only adds to their charm!
While these cookie bars are absolutely delightful on their own, serving them with toppings can elevate them to an even more decadent dessert experience. For a classic pairing, a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a must, allowing the warm, gooey bars to melt into the cool creaminess. Drizzle with rich chocolate sauce or a luscious caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. A dollop of whipped topping adds a light, airy contrast. If you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of colorful rainbow sprinkles can brighten them up for birthdays or celebrations. Other creative ideas include a dash of sea salt for a sweet and salty kick, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a layer of Magic Shell for a fun, hardening chocolate coating. Crushed candies, nuts, or even a swirl of fruit sauces like strawberry or raspberry can also transform these simple bars into a gourmet treat. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your heart’s desire!
My recipe is specifically developed and tested using a standard 9×13-inch baking dish, which yields a perfect sheet pan cookie thickness. However, the beauty of baking is in experimentation! I’ve had readers successfully adapt this recipe to other pan sizes. For example, one reader mentioned using a 9×9-inch baking dish, which resulted in thicker, more substantial cookie bars – a great option if you prefer a chewier, denser texture. Another reader ingeniously doubled the recipe and baked it in a high-rimmed baking sheet, perfect for feeding a crowd.
If you opt for a baking dish different from the recommended 9×13-inch size, a slight adjustment to your baking time will be necessary. For smaller pans (like 9×9), the bars will be thicker, so you’ll likely need to increase the baking time. For larger pans, the batter will spread thinner, potentially requiring a reduced baking time. Always start checking for doneness at the lower end of the time range, and increase in small increments (2-5 minutes) until the edges are golden and the center is set. Baking is an art, not a science, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and adjust as needed.
Proper storage is key to keeping your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and chewy for up to 4-5 days. If you find yourself with more bars than you can enjoy in a few days, or if you simply want to prepare a batch in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Crafting these delectable cookie bars requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, making them a perfect last-minute dessert option. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is the cornerstone of our “lazy” recipe. A standard yellow cake mix provides a rich, vanilla-infused base that transforms into a wonderfully chewy cookie dough. While I often use popular brands like Duncan Hines for consistent results, feel free to choose your favorite. You can even make your own from scratch using my homemade yellow cake recipe if you prefer, though that would make them a little less “lazy”! Remember to check the box size, as discussed in the FAQs above, as it can affect baking time and bar thickness.
- Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs to bind the dough and add moisture, contributing to the bars’ soft, tender texture. For optimal mixing and a smoother batter, it’s always a good idea to let your eggs come to room temperature before incorporating them. This helps them emulsify more effectively with the other ingredients.
- Melted Butter: Butter provides richness and helps create that signature chewy texture. I typically use salted butter for an added depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate. If you opt for unsalted butter, simply add a small pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt to the batter to balance the flavors. Ensure your butter is fully melted before mixing for a consistent dough.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: What’s a chocolate chip cookie bar without the chocolate? A 12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips is perfect for this recipe, providing plenty of gooey chocolate in every bite. However, feel free to unleash your creativity! You can use mini chocolate chips for a more even distribution, or swap them out entirely for other flavored baking chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even butterscotch chips. Holiday-themed chips are also a fantastic way to customize these for different seasons.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Baking these delicious bars is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray. I highly recommend using a spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy) for extra insurance against sticking, especially with a thicker batter.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with the melted butter and the beaten eggs. This batter will be quite thick, so using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment will make the process much easier and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. If mixing by hand, be prepared for a good arm workout! Mix until a thick, uniform dough forms.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Once your base dough is ready, gently fold in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.
- Spread into the Baking Dish: Transfer the very thick cookie dough into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Because of its consistency, spreading it evenly can be a bit challenging with a spatula. A helpful trick is to spray your hand lightly with nonstick cooking spray, then use your fingers to gently press and spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the dish. This ensures a consistent thickness for even baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Once the batter is spread, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, especially if your cake mix size varies from the original recipe. The bars will puff up nicely during baking and the edges will turn a beautiful golden brown when they are done. A slightly underbaked center is often preferred for a truly gooey texture.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for a bit before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly. However, like any good chocolate chip cookie, these are absolutely divine when enjoyed warm, straight from the oven! The warm, melted chocolate and soft dough are incredibly comforting. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few bites before they’ve fully cooled down. These warm bars also make an excellent base for a scoop of your favorite ice cream, creating a simple yet impressive dessert.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Dessert Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of easy and delightful dessert recipes waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood for more bar-style treats, classic cookies, or unique sweet dips, these recipes will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen:
- Homemade Twix Bars
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Peaches and Cream Bars
- Strawberries and Cream Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
- Oreo Brookie Bars
- Scotcheroos
- Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Homemade 100 Grand Bars
- Homemade Twix Bars
- Snickers Bars
- Homemade Kit Kat Bars
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Scones
Originally posted: March 2012
Photos updated and republished: April 2024
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are made with only 4 ingredients and can be whipped up in minutes! The recipe starts with a boxed cake mix which makes these so soft, so easy and so yummy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines – see notes below)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. I love to use the kind that has flour in it.
- In a bowl, combine 1 box yellow cake mix with 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and 2 large eggs, beaten. This is easier if you have an electric or stand mixer because batter will be very thick.
- Stir in 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread thick batter into greased baking dish. What I like to do is spray my hand with some nonstick cooking spray and then spread the batter around using my hand since the batter is very thick.
- Once it is evenly spread out, put in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. See my note below.
- It will puff up as it is cooking and be golden brown around the edges when it is done. Allow to cool.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 369mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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