The tale of Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is one of those delightful kitchen adventures where ease meets decadence in the most delightful way. On a whim, inspired by a craving for something sweet and a desire for simplicity, these cookie bars came to life. Their creation, an almost magical transformation of a few simple pantry staples into a treat that vanished almost as quickly as it was made, is a testament to the joy of sharing and the universal appeal of chocolate chip cookies—in bar form!

With the neighborhood kids as the most honest and enthusiastic critics, the disappearance of these cookie bars speaks volumes. Their preparation, a breezy journey from mixing bowl to oven, ensures that this recipe will find its way into your repertoire of favorite treats, perfect for when the cookie craving strikes but time or energy is in short supply.

Ingredients for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
• 12 ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Non-stick spray
• Spatula
• 8″x8″ square baking dish

Instructions:

1. Prep Work: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Typically, this would be around 350°F (175°C). Take your 8″x8″ square baking dish and coat it generously with non-stick spray to ensure your cookie bars can be easily removed after baking.
2. Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, melt the butter. To the melted butter, add the two eggs and blend these wet ingredients together using your electric mixer until they are well combined. This forms the rich, creamy base that will bind the cake mix and chocolate chips together.
3. Combine with Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to your wet ingredients. Using your electric mixer, blend everything together until you have a uniform batter. The cake mix, acting as a shortcut, provides not only the flour needed for structure but also the sugar and leavening agents, making this recipe foolproof.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: With your spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The semi-sweet variety ensures that these cookie bars have that beloved chocolatey richness without being overly sweet.
5. Bake: Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, using the spatula to spread it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix instructions, typically around 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cookie bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This patience pays off, as it allows the bars to set, making them easier to cut and serve.

These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, with their golden edges, soft middle, and generous chocolate chip distribution, are a crowd-pleaser that defy the minimal effort they require. They are a perfect treat for impromptu gatherings, a sweet snack for neighborhood kids, or simply a comforting indulgence for those moments when only a chocolate chip cookie will do.