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Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come together quickly with just four simple ingredients making them perfect for when you want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a boxed cake mix as the base keeps them soft and chewy while the chocolate chips add the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you need a last-minute dessert or a sweet snack, these bars deliver every time.
I first made these bars on a busy weekend when I needed something fast and ended up making them a regular in our house because everyone loved how easy and tasty they were.
Ingredients
- One box yellow cake mix: the base of the bars I prefer Duncan Hines for consistent moistness
- Half a cup of salted butter melted: adds richness and keeps the bars soft
- Two large eggs beaten: binds the ingredients and provides structure
- Twelve ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips: gives that classic sweet chocolate burst in every bite avoid mini chips if you want chunks to melt nicely
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray that contains flour this helps the bars release easily after baking.
- Mix the batter:
- In a large bowl combine the yellow cake mix with the melted salted butter and beaten eggs. Use an electric mixer if possible because the batter will be thick and tough to stir by hand.
- Add the chocolate chips:
- Fold in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter ensuring every bite will have chocolate.
- Spread the batter:
- Spray your hand lightly with cooking spray or use a spatula to spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish pressing gently to smooth the top.
- Bake the bars:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bars puff up slightly and the edges turn golden brown. Remove and allow to cool fully before cutting.
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The cake mix brings a fluffy softness unlike typical cookie bars I have tried and the melted butter with eggs creates the perfect texture every time. I have countless memories of making these with friends and family when we needed a quick dessert that didn't disappoint.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days but they taste best within the first two days when still fresh. For longer storage you can freeze them individually wrapped and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can experiment with using a white or yellow cake mix depending on your preference though yellow gives a nice buttery flavor. Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different twist. Unsalted butter works if you don't have salted but add a pinch of salt to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve these bars as a quick snack with a glass of cold milk or warm coffee. They also make wonderful treats for potlucks or lunchboxes. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns them into an instant dessert.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the bars soft and chewy?
The yellow cake mix combined with melted butter and eggs creates a tender batter that bakes into soft, chewy bars with a moist texture.
- → Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking.
- → What is the best way to spread the thick batter evenly?
Spraying your hand with nonstick cooking spray and using it to press the batter into the pan helps spread it evenly despite its thickness.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They puff up while baking and develop golden-brown edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- → Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While yellow cake mix is recommended for its delicate sweetness, experimenting with vanilla or butter-flavored mixes can yield tasty variations.