Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – The Ultimate Dessert Shortcut
Craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are here to save the day! With minimal prep time and maximum indulgence, this dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of homemade cookies with the convenience of a shortcut recipe. Made with a simple box of yellow cake mix and a handful of pantry staples, these bars are irresistibly gooey, soft, and packed with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy night in, this recipe is as effortless as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
What You’ll Need and Why:
1. 15.25-ounce box yellow cake mix – The secret ingredient that simplifies the recipe while providing a buttery, sweet base.
2. 2 large eggs, beaten – Adds moisture and helps bind the batter together for a chewy texture.
3. 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted – Infuses the bars with rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
4. 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips – The star of the show! These add bursts of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking, so your cookie bars come out golden and perfectly cooked.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. For best results, use a spray that includes flour to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
3. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Using an electric or stand mixer is highly recommended, as the batter will be thick and sticky.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Spread the Batter
Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking dish. For easier handling, spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and press the batter into an even layer.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bars are done when they puff up slightly and turn golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This ensures clean slices and prevents the bars from crumbling.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for any gathering, these cookie bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Customizable: Swap in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even sprinkles for a fun twist.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
1. Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
2. Line the Pan: For even easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center; if it comes out with a few crumbs, your bars are ready.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Cut into bite-sized pieces and use as a topping for your favorite sundae.
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In Conclusion
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. With their gooey centers, crisp edges, and bursts of chocolate in every bite, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the easiest, most delicious cookie bars you’ll ever make!
Try this recipe today, and experience dessert bliss without the hassle!
