Deliciously Simple Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Perfect for Busy Days and Sweet Cravings

When life gets busy, and you need something sweet in a hurry, these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come to the rescue! With buttery, golden edges and gooey chocolate chips in every bite, they’re everything you love about chocolate chip cookies without the hassle of rolling dough. Instead of baking individual cookies, you simply spread the dough into a pan and bake to perfection! This recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, unexpected guests, or when that cookie craving just can't wait.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe on the Recipes by Lisa Facebook page, and I'm so excited to share it with you. It's an absolute lifesaver when you want a quick treat without too much effort.

These bars also have a special place in my heart because they’re the perfect balance of chewy and crispy. I love to bake them when I’m hosting friends or need something sweet to accompany my afternoon coffee. Trust me, these cookie bars are bound to become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

A Little Fun Fact:

Did you know that chocolate chip cookies were actually invented by accident? Ruth Wakefield, the creator, intended to melt chocolate into her cookies but ended up with the beloved chocolate chunks we know today. These cookie bars take that classic flavor and make them even easier to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s creamy and smooth. This will give your bars that soft, buttery texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that perfect hint of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on your taste.
6. Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the greased baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them warm for maximum gooeyness, or at room temperature!

Pro Tip: Want to elevate these bars? Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a fantastic sweet-salty combo that will leave everyone craving more.

Variations and Pairings:

• For a nuttier flavor, add a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
• For a holiday twist, mix in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive flavor.
• Serve these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more by following Recipes by Lisa on Facebook. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this easy dessert with your friends and family!