Introduction
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Now, imagine that same feeling, but in the form of easy-to-make cookie bars that taste just like warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies! These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss. With a rich, buttery flavor and chunks of semi-sweet chocolate in every bite, these bars will become a go-to treat for gatherings or a simple indulgence on a quiet afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cutting the bars easy, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help to aerate the flour and ensure an even rise!
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the decadent semi-sweet chocolate chips that will give your bars that gooey texture.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, and the edges are beautifully golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used), and slice into squares.
- Enjoy these delicious bars with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking — it enhances the chocolate’s richness beautifully! You can also mix in some chopped nuts or substitute half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a delightful twist. These bars are perfect for freezing, too; just wrap them well and enjoy them later!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike! The key to perfect bars is not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients — mixing until just combined ensures a tender, delicious texture. Keeping an eye on the baking time is also essential; every oven is a little different, so be sure to check for doneness early to avoid overbaking.
FAQ
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.
How do I properly store leftover cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chunks will give you larger pools of melted chocolate throughout the bars, which is simply divine.
Conclusion
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not only a breeze to whip up but also a delightful way to share love and happiness through baking. The combination of sweet, buttery goodness and rich chocolate is sure to bring smiles all around. Whether for a birthday celebration, a potluck, or a cozy night in, these cookie bars are bound to be a hit. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!