Name: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed; 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips or chunks; 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt

Chocolate chip cookie bars have been my ultimate comfort snack since childhood.

Memories of warm, gooey treats flood back with each bite.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect texture balance.

Nobody can resist the classic combination of sweet chocolate and buttery dough.

These bars simplify the traditional cookie-baking process, making dessert prep a breeze.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness for you to enjoy.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new go-to dessert.

Forget complicated cookie-making techniques- this recipe requires simple mixing and one-pan baking, ideal for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners.
Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love, from children to adults, with simple ingredients and a foolproof method that guarantees delicious results every time.
Using parchment paper and a single baking pan means minimal dishes and easy cleanup, saving precious time and reducing kitchen stress after enjoying these delectable chocolate chip bars.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: White wheat flour provides structure and texture for the cookie bars.
Chocolate Chips: Sweet morsels that create delicious chocolate pockets throughout the bars.

Leavening Agents:

Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential for helping the bars rise and become light and tender.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter, Brown Sugar: Rich, caramel-like foundation that creates a soft and chewy texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.

Finishing Ingredients:

Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavors in the bars.

Optional Toppings:

Extra Chocolate Chips: For additional chocolate intensity and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prep the Baking Scene

Crank up your oven to 175C (350F). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Base

In a large bowl, combine:

Melted butter
Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract. Stir until everything looks perfectly blended.

In a separate bowl, mix together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix- you want the batter to look just combined. Toss in those chocolate chips and give a gentle stir.

Step 3: Create the Cookie Canvas

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan. For extra chocolate lovers, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top for that picture-perfect look.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a center that’s just barely set. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking- gooey is the goal!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars hang out in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire batch out. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy warm for maximum deliciousness or at room temperature for a classic treat.

Customize Chocolate Chip Ratios: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips like milk, dark, or white chocolate to personalize the flavor profile and texture of your bars.
Prevent Dry Bars: Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain moisture, ensuring a soft and chewy consistency that melts in your mouth.
Elevate Storage Technique: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Master Baking Timing: Check bars at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking, looking for golden edges and a slightly soft center for the perfect gooey texture.
Boost Dietary Flexibility: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic alternative without compromising taste.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
Restore softness by microwaving a single bar for 5-8 seconds or placing in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 2-3 minutes.

Pair these warm, gooey chocolate chip bars with a cold glass of whole milk for the ultimate classic dessert experience.
Serve alongside a rich, freshly brewed espresso to enhance the chocolate's depth and provide a sophisticated contrast to the sweet cookie bars.
Choose a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or a late harvest Riesling to complement the rich, buttery chocolate chip bars and elevate the dessert's sweetness.
Top the warm bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that melts perfectly into the cookie's soft crumb.

Gluten-Free Oat Bars: Replace wheat flour with certified gluten-free oat flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option. Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Bars: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Toast nuts beforehand for enhanced taste.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and choose dark chocolate chips with minimal added sugar for a healthier version.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips. You can even mix different types for a unique flavor profile.

What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, though the texture and flavor might slightly change. For best results, use a mix of white and brown sugar.

How do I know the bars are perfectly baked?

The edges should turn golden brown, and the center should look just set but not completely firm. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Is it okay to skip the parchment paper?

You can grease the pan directly, but parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier and prevents sticking.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.