5-Ingredient Wonder: The Ultimate Lazy Baker’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie bar studded with melty chocolate chips – all made with just five ingredients and one bowl. That’s the beauty of our lazy chocolate chip cookie bars! This recipe combines the comfort of homemade treats with the convenience of modern shortcuts, perfect for busy bakers or last-minute dessert needs.

To create this culinary magic, you’ll need:

1. 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
2. 2 large eggs
3. 1/2 cup melted butter
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
5. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor

The Lazy Baker’s Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips (and vanilla if using).
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
6. Let cool before cutting into bars.

The Science Behind the Simplicity

Ever wondered why these lazy cookie bars taste so incredible despite the minimal ingredients? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake mix provides a consistent base, while the brown sugar adds depth and chewiness. The melted butter creates richness, and the eggs bind everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cookie Bar Wisdom

Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? A: Absolutely! Try chocolate or butter pecan for delicious variations.

Q: How can I make these bars healthier? A: Use a sugar-free cake mix and dark chocolate chips. You can also reduce the butter to 1/3 cup and add 1/4 cup applesauce.

Q: Can I freeze these cookie bars? A: Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Beyond Dessert: Creative Twists on Your Lazy Cookie Bars

While these bars are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, don’t limit yourself! Here are some innovative ways to enjoy them:

1. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two bars to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor.
2. Trifle Building Blocks: Crumble the bars to create layers in a quick trifle.
3. Milkshake Mix-In: Blend a bar into your next milkshake for a cookies-and-cream twist.

Customization Station: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or different flavored chips. Want a festive touch? Mix in some seasonal M&Ms or sprinkles. The possibilities are endless, and you’re still keeping it under 7 ingredients!

Troubleshooting Tips: Cookie Bar Perfection Guaranteed

Having trouble? Here are some pro tips:

• If your bars are too dry, you might have overbaked them. Start checking at 18 minutes next time.
• For extra gooey bars, add an additional 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top before baking.
• If the batter seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the right consistency.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dessert Hero

There you have it – the secret to creating mouthwatering chocolate chip cookie bars with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This easy, versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, satisfying a midnight craving, or need a last-minute potluck contribution, these lazy cookie bars deliver bakery-quality taste without the fuss.

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Indulgently gooey chocolate chip cookie bars made with just 5 simple ingredients and one bowl. This effortless recipe delivers bakery-quality taste with minimal prep, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing at potlucks with almost zero effort.

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Ingredients

  

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

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Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Stir in the chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Press the dough into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake the bars: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set.
• Let the bars cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of chocolate chips: Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a different flavor.
• Add nuts or dried fruit: Add nuts or dried fruit, such as walnuts or cranberries, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Use a different type of sugar: Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, for a different flavor.
• Make the bars more gooey: Bake the bars for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is still slightly gooey.

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Variations:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Add peanut butter to the dough for a creamy and nutty flavor.
• M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Add M&M’s to the dough for a fun and colorful twist.
• Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Add cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Add oats to the dough for a hearty and wholesome flavor.