Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal effort? These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the answer! Made with just four ingredients, these bars come together quickly and bake into a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert for a potluck, or simply want a sweet snack, these cookie bars will hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 bag (12 oz) of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Bars
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of butter until fully liquefied. This typically takes about 30-45 seconds, but watch closely to prevent it from splattering.
- Combine Butter and Eggs: Whisk the melted butter together with the two eggs until well combined. This step ensures the butter and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Add the Cake Mix: Stir in the yellow cake mix gradually, ensuring there are no lumps. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for these cookie bars.
- Incorporate the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter to ensure the bars don’t stick to the pan.
- Press the Batter into the Pan: Using a spatula or your hands, press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure to spread it out to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes if using a 9×13 inch pan. If you’re using a smaller pan, bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Ingredient Tips
- Butter: For best results, use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, you can use it but be mindful that it might slightly alter the flavor.
- Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily with the melted butter and cake mix.
- Cake Mix: A yellow cake mix works perfectly for this recipe, but you can experiment with other flavors like white or chocolate for a different twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a nice balance of sweetness, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Baking Tips
- Pan Size: If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and require a few extra minutes of baking time. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cooling: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting will make for cleaner slices. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the pan in the fridge for faster cooling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix such as white, chocolate, or even funfetti for a festive twist.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of your favorite types of chocolate chips. Other mix-ins like nuts, M&Ms, or butterscotch chips also work well.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or in two 9×13 inch pans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
What should I do if my cookie bars are too dry?
If your cookie bars turn out dry, you might have baked them too long. Next time, check them a few minutes earlier. Adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter can also help keep them moist.
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy and delicious treat that everyone will love. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bars in no time. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or simply on their own. Happy baking!