Lazy chocolate chip cookie bars have completely changed my baking game! I used to dread making cookies from scratch because of the scooping and chilling. Then, I discovered this incredible recipe for easy cookie bars. All you need is one bowl and one pan, and in under an hour, you have warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie bars that taste just like the classic version. The smell of melted butter and sugar filling my kitchen always makes me smile, and the first bite is pure bliss – soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate. Let’s get baking these amazing one bowl cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These bars are a game-changer for any sweet tooth:
- Unbelievably delicious, just like classic chewy chocolate chip cookies.
- Incredibly simple to make with minimal cleanup.
- Uses just one bowl and one pan, making prep a breeze.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert needs.
- A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- So versatile – great for snacks, parties, or bake sales.
- Offers the satisfying taste of homemade treats with very little effort.
- Ideal for those moments when you need a sweet fix fast, thanks to quick baking.
Ingredients for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Making these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars is a breeze with this straightforward ingredient list. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these delightful chocolate chip cookie bars.
- 225 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – melting the butter is key for that fudgy texture in your cookie bars.
- 200 g packed light brown sugar – this is the secret to that perfect chewy texture we all love in our lazy chocolate chip cookie bars.
- 100 g granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature – ensures they incorporate smoothly into the batter for a cohesive dough.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors and adds that classic cookie aroma.
- 300 g all-purpose flour – the base structure for our delicious bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bars rise and spread slightly.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
- 200 g semisweet chocolate chips – the star of the show for that irresistible chocolatey goodness!
How to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23 cm by 23 cm baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later. This is the first step to creating these amazing one bowl cookies.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Add the two large eggs and the pure vanilla extract to the sugar and butter mixture. Stir everything together until the batter becomes glossy and slightly thickened. This is where the magic starts for your lazy chocolate chip cookie bars.
- Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in the large bowl. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until you can no longer see any streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender bars.
- Step 6: Gently stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan. Press the dough into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. Make sure the top is smooth for uniform thickness.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs attached. This indicates your lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are perfectly baked.
- Step 9: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for them to set properly.
- Step 10: After they’ve cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan. Cut them into your desired shapes for a perfect batch of one bowl cookies.
Pro Tips for the Best Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Want to elevate your baking? These tips will ensure your lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are absolutely perfect every time:
- Use good quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake! The key to chewy bars is to pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks a little soft.
- For extra flair, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking.
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when you start mixing.
What’s the secret to perfect chewy Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
The secret lies in the ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar and avoiding over-baking. Brown sugar has more moisture, which creates those wonderfully chewy chocolate chip cookies. Bake them until the edges are set and golden, but the center still looks a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and press it into the pan up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dough is cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
The most common mistake is over-mixing the dough after adding the flour, which can lead to tough bars. Also, resist the urge to bake them too long; they will continue to set as they cool. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for consistent results.
Best Ways to Serve Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These delightful lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are incredibly versatile. For a classic treat, serve them warm with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a fantastic base for a dessert charcuterie board, paired with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a truly unique experience, you could even try them alongside lighter, more savory items – imagine a sweet cookie bar paired with a refreshing marinated cucumber appetizer, creating an unexpected but delightful flavor contrast that will impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, and each lazy chocolate chip cookie bar offers a satisfying sweet treat. Here are the approximate nutritional details per serving:
- Calories: Approx. 275
- Fat: Approx. 16 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 32 g
- Sugar: Approx. 22 g
- Protein: Approx. 3.5 g
- Sodium: Approx. 90 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Keeping your delicious lazy chocolate chip cookie bars fresh is super simple! Once they’ve completely cooled in the pan – seriously, don’t skip this step, or they might crumble – lift them out using the parchment paper. For the best results, store these easy cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you find yourself with more bars than you can eat in a few days, don’t worry! You can easily freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and stash them in the freezer for up to 3 months. They’ll stay just as tasty!
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen or refrigerated bar, you have a couple of easy options. You can simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, which is perfect if you’re craving a chewy cookie bar. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they can become too soft. This makes enjoying your homemade treats a breeze, no matter when the craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my lazy chocolate chip cookie bars?
Absolutely! While semisweet is classic, feel free to experiment. Milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips all work wonderfully in these lazy chocolate chip cookie bars. You can also mix and match them!
Why are my lazy chocolate chip cookie bars cakey instead of chewy?
A cakey texture often happens if you’ve used too much flour or over-mixed the batter. Another common culprit is over-baking. For that perfect chewy texture in your lazy chocolate chip cookie, make sure to pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my lazy chocolate chip cookie bars?
Yes, you can! Nuts like walnuts or pecans are a fantastic addition. About 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts stirred in with the chocolate chips works well. You could also add things like toffee bits or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture in your easy cookie bars.
How do I get clean cuts on my lazy chocolate chip cookie bars?
The key to clean cuts is letting the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts also helps achieve those perfect, neat squares for your delicious lazy chocolate chip cookie bars.
Variations of Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic lazy chocolate chip cookie bars, why stop there? These easy cookie bars are a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Get creative and try these fun variations:
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: Swap out the semisweet chips for white chocolate chips and add about 1 cup of chopped macadamia nuts. The creamy white chocolate and crunchy, buttery nuts are a divine combination.
- Double Chocolate: For serious chocolate lovers, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet and add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. It makes for incredibly rich and decadent lazy chocolate chip cookie bars.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: After pressing the dough into the pan, dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the top and swirl it in gently with a knife. Bake as usual for a peanut butter-chocolate explosion!
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make these easy cookie bars gluten-free by substituting a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum.

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bliss: 1-Bowl Wonder
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lazy chocolate chip cookie bars offer the comforting taste and chewy texture of classic chocolate chip cookies but are made with minimal effort in a single bowl and pan. They are perfect for quick treats, bake sales, or anytime cravings.
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
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no flour streaks remain.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined 23 cm by 23 cm baking pan and press into an even layer.
- Smooth the top for uniform thickness.
- Bake in a preheated 175°C (350°F) oven for about 20 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Lift the cooled bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into desired shapes.
Notes
- Using melted butter results in a fudgy texture; chilled dough yields thicker bars.
- For variations, substitute half the chocolate chips with chopped nuts or white chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 250-300
- Sugar: Approx. 20-25 g
- Sodium: Approx. 80-100 mg
- Fat: Approx. 15-18 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 9-11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 6-7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-35 g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2 g
- Protein: Approx. 3-4 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 50-60 mg
Keywords: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Easy Cookie Bars, One Bowl Cookies, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Quick Baking