Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have become my go-to for a quick, comforting treat, and I bet they will be for you too! There’s something magical about the aroma of warm chocolate and butter filling the kitchen, isn’t there? This recipe is my personal shortcut to that feeling, born from those evenings when I craved something sweet but had zero energy for fussy baking. These truly are the easy chocolate chip cookies you’ve been dreaming of, made even better because it’s a one-bowl chocolate chip cookies recipe. Forget multiple bowls and complicated steps; we’re keeping it simple and delicious. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
You’re going to adore these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars for so many reasons. They are the definition of minimal effort chocolate chip cookies, perfect for when you need a sweet fix without the fuss. Plus, they’re absolutely foolproof chocolate chip cookies, meaning even if you’re new to baking, you’ll get perfect results every time. Here’s why they’re a winner:
- One-bowl wonder: Seriously, just one bowl to wash!
- Super speedy: From mixing to pan to oven in minutes.
- Incredible texture: Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
- Rich chocolate flavor: Packed with plenty of chocolatey goodness.
- No chilling required: Straight from mixing bowl to baking pan.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients for the Best Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Whipping up these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars is a breeze thanks to a straightforward ingredient list. You’ll be making quick chocolate chip cookie dough in no time! Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe:
- 225 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – this ensures a tender crumb
- 200 g packed light brown sugar – the key to that chewy texture and rich flavor
- 100 g granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and helps with crisp edges
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature – helps bind everything together and adds richness
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – for that classic comforting aroma and taste
- 300 g all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie bars
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – essential for leavening and a good texture
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors and cuts sweetness
- 200 g semisweet chocolate chips – because what’s a chocolate chip cookie without plenty of chocolate?
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Let’s get these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars into the oven! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, truly embodying the spirit of dump and bake chocolate chip cookies. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these delicious treats.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare your baking pan by lining a 23 cm by 23 cm (9×9 inch) pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out so much easier!
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Stir in the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the mixture looks glossy and slightly thickened; this is a key step for texture.
- Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 300 g all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Combining your dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Be careful not to overmix here; stop just when you no longer see streaks of flour. This is part of what makes these one-bowl chocolate chip cookies so great.
- Step 6: Now, stir in the 200 g semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Transfer the delicious cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with moist crumbs attached.
- Step 9: Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience here is key for clean cuts!
- Step 10: After they’ve cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into squares, and enjoy your amazing lazy chocolate chip cookie bars!
Pro Tips for Foolproof Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
As a beginner chocolate chip cookie recipe, these bars are fantastic, but a few tricks will make them absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips for the best results!
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool completely before cutting: This is crucial! Warm bars will crumble. Give them time to set properly for clean, neat squares.
- Adjust baking time for your oven: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking.
- Use quality chocolate chips: The type and quality of chocolate chips really make a difference in flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect lazy chocolate chip cookie bars?
The magic lies in not overmixing the dough and ensuring your butter is melted but not hot. This combination creates wonderfully soft, chewy bars, making them truly effortless chocolate chip cookies.
Can I make lazy chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely prepare the dough ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For slightly thicker bars, you can even chill the dough in the pan for about 30 minutes before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with lazy chocolate chip cookies?
The biggest mistake is overmixing, which leads to tough cookies. Another common error is cutting the bars while they’re still warm, causing them to fall apart. Always cool them completely for the best texture and easiest slicing.
Best Ways to Serve Your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These delightful lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few classic accompaniments. Think of them as the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up. For a truly comforting experience, serve a warm bar with a tall, cold glass of milk – it’s a combination that never fails! If you prefer something warm, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea makes for a wonderful pairing. This simple chocolate chip cookie recipe is also great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during a cozy movie night.
Nutrition Facts for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Enjoying these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars is a treat you can feel good about. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (1 bar), keeping in mind these are general figures for this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe.
- Calories: Approx. 250-300
- Sugar: Approx. 20-25g
- Sodium: Approx. 100-150mg
- Fat: Approx. 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-35g
- Protein: Approx. 3-4g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Keeping these delicious lazy chocolate chip cookie bars fresh is super simple, making them perfect for any time craving strikes. Since they’re essentially no-fuss chocolate chip cookies, storing them is just as easy as making them! First, make sure your bars have cooled completely in the pan before attempting to move or cut them. This is crucial to prevent them from falling apart. Once cooled, you can lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into your desired shapes.
For storage, place the cut bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and chewy at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply unwrap the frozen bars and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
What is a lazy chocolate chip cookie?
A lazy chocolate chip cookie is essentially a simplified version of the classic cookie, often made in a bar or drop form with fewer steps. It’s designed for bakers who want that delicious chocolate chip cookie flavor without the fuss of scooping individual dough balls or extensive prep. Think of it as a cheater’s chocolate chip cookie recipe that still delivers fantastic results!
Why are they called lazy chocolate chip cookies?
They earn the “lazy” title because they require minimal effort and fewer steps compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies. For instance, a bar form means no scooping, and many recipes use a “one-bowl” method, cutting down on cleanup. It’s the perfect solution for when you want homemade goodness without the work.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my lazy chocolate chip cookies?
Absolutely! These recipes are very forgiving. You can easily add about 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel into the dough. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
What makes this a beginner chocolate chip cookie recipe?
This recipe is perfect for beginners because it uses simple techniques and common ingredients. There’s no complicated creaming of butter and sugar, no chilling required, and the bar format makes it incredibly straightforward to bake and cut. It’s designed to be foolproof, ensuring success even for those new to baking.
Variations of Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies You Can Try
While the classic recipe is amazing, don’t be afraid to get creative with your lazy chocolate chip cookies! These bars are a fantastic base for customization, making them even more exciting. If you’re looking for a fast chocolate chip cookie recipe that can be easily tweaked, you’ve found it.
- Add Nuts: Fold in about 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
- White Chocolate Macadamia: Swap the semisweet chips for white chocolate chips and add 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: Before baking, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top of the dough. This contrast of sweet and salty is absolutely divine!
- Double Chocolate: For the ultimate chocolate lover, use chocolate chip cookie dough and add 200g of dark chocolate chips along with the semisweet ones.
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie: 1 Bowl Charm
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade chocolate chip cookies with these incredibly easy Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This one-bowl, one-pan recipe delivers soft, chewy, and buttery cookie bars packed with chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 200 g packed light brown sugar
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 200 g semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23 cm by 23 cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- For thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap chocolate chips with nuts or white chocolate for variation.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 250-300
- Sugar: Approx. 20-25g
- Sodium: Approx. 100-150mg
- Fat: Approx. 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 7-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-35g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
- Protein: Approx. 3-4g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 50-60mg
