Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Get ready to satisfy your sweet cravings with our irresistible Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe! These bars are the perfect combination of soft, chewy cookie goodness and rich chocolatey flavor. Whether you’re in need of a quick dessert for a family gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Join us as we dive into the world of indulgent baking and discover the simple joy of homemade chocolate chip cookie bars.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk, depending on preference)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Spread Dough in Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Nuts: Feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the flavor of your cookie bars.
• Additions: Get creative with add-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or toffee bits for a unique twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content of the cookie bars.
• Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the brown sugar and granulated sugar.
• Use sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to keep the carbs low.

Low Carb Version:

• Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
• Use a low-carb sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol in place of the brown sugar and granulated sugar.
• Opt for sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to reduce the carb content of the bars.

In conclusion, Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and experience the simple joy of homemade chocolate chip cookie bars!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate for the saltiness of the butter.

Q: Can I freeze these cookie bars for later? A: Yes, these cookie bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.