Name: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate); Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or flaky sea salt for topping

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Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are my go-to dessert when I want something sweet, buttery, and packed with chocolate—but don’t feel like scooping dough or cleaning a million dishes. These bars come together in one bowl, go straight into a pan, and bake into a golden, chewy treat with crisp edges and a soft, gooey center. They’re as easy as it gets, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the warm, nostalgic flavor of homemade cookies with half the effort. No need to chill dough or roll out balls—just mix, spread, and bake. The texture is perfectly chewy in the center with just enough crispness on the edges. I can cut them big or small depending on the occasion, and they stay soft for days. Whether I want a dessert for a gathering or just something easy for myself, this is a no-fail favorite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (melted)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Optional: chopped nuts or flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
I add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
I stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined—being careful not to overmix.
I fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using), then spread the thick dough evenly into the prepared pan.
I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
I let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookie bars, depending on how big I cut them. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so I can have dessert ready in about 40 minutes total.

Variations

I like switching up the mix-ins depending on what I have—white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, or chopped dark chocolate all work beautifully. Sometimes I swirl in a little Nutella or peanut butter before baking for a fun twist. I’ve also added a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking for that sweet-salty combo I love.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—they stay soft and chewy. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer and reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds when I need a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I make these without a mixer?

Yes, and I do. Since the butter is melted, I mix everything by hand in one bowl. It’s super easy and keeps cleanup minimal.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope. That’s what makes this recipe “lazy.” I skip the chilling, and they still bake up with a great texture and flavor.

Can I halve the recipe?

Absolutely. I make a half batch in an 8×8-inch pan and bake for about 20–22 minutes. Perfect for smaller gatherings (or just me).

What’s the best way to tell when they’re done?

I check the edges—they should look set and slightly golden, while the center may look a little soft. They continue to cook slightly as they cool, so I don’t overbake them.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, I’ve used salted butter before. I just reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance it out.

Conclusion

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are one of those foolproof recipes I keep in my back pocket. They’re fast, flexible, and totally addictive—everything I want when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want a big baking project. With one bowl, simple ingredients, and rich, chewy results, these bars are a lazy-day win every single time.