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Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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These lazy chocolate chip cookie bars are gooey, buttery, and packed with chocolate chips. Made in one bowl with pantry staples, they’re the ultimate easy dessert squares for any occasion—no mixer or chilling required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g), packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (170g)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (60g)
  • Optional: Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
  • Optional: Peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips (swap out half the chocolate chips)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting, or lightly grease the pan.
  2. Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stove. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes until just warm.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy (about 1 minute).
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and the mixture lightens slightly in color.
  5. Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional nuts or extra chips. Save a handful to sprinkle on top if desired.
  7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra chips or sea salt on top if desired.
  8. Bake on the center rack for 22-28 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then slice into squares. For cleaner slices, chill for 30 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Let the melted butter cool before mixing with eggs to avoid scrambling. Don’t overmix the batter for the best chewy texture. Start checking for doneness at 22 minutes—bars should be golden at the edges and just set in the center. For perfect squares, chill before slicing. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, peanut butter chips, or a swirl of Nutella.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate chip cookie bars, dessert squares, easy cookie bars, lazy cookie bars, one bowl dessert, chocolate chip bars, potluck dessert, quick dessert, chewy cookie bars

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/lazy-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars-easy-recipe-for-dessert-squares/