Cookie Cake with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips in 30 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Note: Lining with parchment paper ensures no sticking and easier cleanup later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, two large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is velvety and completely smooth.
3. Dump the entire box of yellow cake mix into the wet ingredients. Fold the mixture together until no dry streaks of flour remain. Note: The dough will be much thicker than traditional cake batter; it should feel like play dough.
4. Add 1.5 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir them in by hand to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the thick dough.
5. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or damp fingers to press the dough into an even layer, reaching all the way to the corners.
6. Slide the pan into the center rack of the oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden and the center no longer wobbles.
7. Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the 0.5 tsp of flaky sea salt over the top. Note: The residual heat will help the salt crystals adhere to the cooling chocolate.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Note: This is the hardest part, but it allows the internal structure to set, preventing a crumbly mess.
9. Use your parchment sling to lift the cake onto a cutting board. Slice into 12 generous squares or use a round cutter for a traditional cake shape.