There are days when I come home from work, still in my office shoes, and the kids ask if we can bake something “just because.” That’s when I pull out my secret weapon—Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. No mixer, no chill time, and no stress. Just pure chocolatey comfort ready in less than half an hour.
It started one weekend when I promised dessert but had neither the patience nor the energy for a full batch of cookies. I spotted a box of yellow cake mix sitting in the pantry, next to a forgotten bag of chocolate chips, and thought, “Why not?” Ten minutes later, the batter was pressed into a pan and baking away, filling the kitchen with that sweet, buttery aroma that makes everyone wander in, pretending they’re just “checking” on it.
When I sliced the bars that first time, the edges were crisp and golden, and the center was soft and melty with chocolate. My husband called it “cookie meets brownie”, and that’s exactly what it is. These bars have become my quick fix for bake sales, after-school treats, and even those random 9 p.m. sugar cravings. They’re foolproof, cozy, and the kind of dessert that turns ordinary evenings into something special.
Short Description
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are buttery, chewy, and packed with melted chocolate in every bite. Made from cake mix and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the easiest crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll ever bake.
Key Ingredients
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1 stick butter (½ cup or 113 g), melted
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2 large eggs
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1 box yellow cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz / 432 g)
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1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz / 340 g)
Optional additions
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1 tsp vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
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½ tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
Tools Needed
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk and spatula
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Measuring spoons
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Microwave-safe bowl for melting butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second intervals until smooth but not boiling.
Step 3: Whisk in the Eggs
Add eggs to the melted butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. For extra flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Stir in the yellow cake mix. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, that’s what gives the bars their chewy texture.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the entire bag of chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Press into the Pan
Using a spatula or your hands, press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top for even baking.
Step 7: Bake
For a 9×13 pan, bake for 20–23 minutes until golden brown around the edges and just set in the center.
For a smaller, thicker pan (8×8 or 9×9), bake for 25–28 minutes.
Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for gooey texture or cooled for firm, chewy bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made with just one bowl and no mixer
Ready to bake in minutes, perfect for busy schedules
Deliciously chewy and rich with melted chocolate
Family-approved and budget-friendly
Great for lunch boxes, parties, or last-minute desserts
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the batter
Too much stirring can make the bars dense instead of soft.
Solution: Mix only until the ingredients are combined; the dough should look thick but not dry.
Using hot butter
If the butter is too hot, it can scramble the eggs or make the dough oily.
Solution: Melt the butter gently and let it cool for 2–3 minutes before adding the eggs.
Overbaking
Leaving the bars too long in the oven dries out the edges and hardens the center.
Solution: Remove from the oven once the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
Skipping the salt
Even desserts need balance, without salt, the flavor can taste flat.
Solution: Add ½ teaspoon of salt if using unsalted butter to enhance the sweetness.
Cutting while too hot
Warm bars tend to crumble when sliced right away.
Solution: Let them rest at least 15 minutes before cutting for clean, neat squares.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or potlucks.
Pair with coffee, cold milk, or even hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
For an extra treat, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To keep them soft longer, place a slice of bread in the container, it prevents dryness.
For a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Avoid refrigerating, as cold air can harden the bars.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try white, butter, or even chocolate cake mix for a twist.
2. How do I make the bars thicker and chewier?
Use a smaller pan (8×8 or 9×9) and bake a few minutes longer for a denser texture.
3. Can I add nuts or candies?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or M&M’s make fun mix-ins.
4. How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be golden and the center slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm as they cool.
5. Can these be frozen?
Yes. Once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and cleanup.
Press chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
Want them extra gooey? Undercook by one minute and let them rest.
Add ½ cup of peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for variety.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: Add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter when mixing the butter and eggs for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Double Chocolate Bars: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow, and mix in both milk and dark chocolate chips for an ultra-rich version.
Trail Mix Cookie Bars: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, ¼ cup shredded coconut, and ¼ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-salty combo.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have earned their spot on my family’s dessert list. They’re simple, quick to make, and fill the kitchen with a buttery, chocolate-rich aroma that always draws everyone close. In just a few steps, you get soft, chewy bars that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
When days feel full and time is short, this recipe brings a little homemade warmth to the table without extra effort. Each bite has that mix of golden edges and gooey chocolate centers that make them hard to resist. It’s an easy, feel-good treat that turns any busy evening into a small, sweet reward.
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter ½ cup or 113 g, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix approx. 15.25 oz / 432 g
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips 12 oz / 340 g
Optional additions
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor
- ½ tsp salt if using unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Melt butter in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla until glossy.
- Stir in yellow cake mix to form a thick, sticky dough.
- Fold in chocolate chips until evenly mixed.
- Press dough evenly into pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 20–23 minutes (9×13) or 25–28 minutes (smaller pan), then cool 15 minutes before slicing.
