If you’re craving a sweet treat but short on time, Lazy Cake Cookies are about to become your new kitchen hero. These cookie bars are dreamy—just the right balance of gooey and golden, studded with melty chocolate chips, all with a prep that’s truly as easy as it gets. With only four main ingredients and endless possibilities for mix-ins, Lazy Cake Cookies are the answer to sudden cookie cravings, last-minute guests, or those days when you want something sweet without fuss. Anyone (yes, anyone!) can pull off this recipe, and each batch is almost guaranteed to disappear in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cake Mix Cookies:
- 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or mix-ins like M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or nuts)
How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or, for the easiest cleanup ever, line it with parchment paper. This step helps your Lazy Cake Cookies release without sticking so every bar comes out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your entire box of cake mix, both eggs, and the melted butter. Stir by hand or on low speed until the ingredients come together into a thick, cohesive dough—don’t worry if it looks a little dense, that’s just right for this recipe.
Step 3: Add Your Chocolate Chips or Mix-Ins
Gently fold in your chocolate chips (or whatever mix-ins you’ve chosen). This ensures you get gooey chocolate in every single bite. Don’t be afraid to play around and create your own signature Lazy Cake Cookies by switching up the mix-ins or cake mix flavors!
Step 4: Press and Bake
Scrape the dough into your prepared pan. Using a spatula or clean hands, press it evenly all the way to the edges—aim for a level surface so the cookies bake consistently. Pop it in the oven and let it work its magic for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the middle looks set.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the pan cool completely—this helps the cookies firm up and makes slicing into neat squares a breeze. Once cool, cut your Lazy Cake Cookies into 16 generous squares or bars, and get ready to share (or keep them all for yourself—no judgment!).
How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies
Garnishes
Lazy Cake Cookies are delicious as-is, but a little flair never hurts. Try lightly dusting the tops with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish, or drizzle with melted chocolate for true chocoholics. A handful of colorful sprinkles instantly transforms them into a party treat!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Lazy Cake Cookies for dessert, nothing beats a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a grown-up gathering, these pair wonderfully with a mug of strong coffee or your favorite tea, creating a sweet ending to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack the bars on a pretty platter in a pyramid or wrap them individually in parchment for a grab-and-go treat. You can also cut them into festive shapes with cookie cutters after they cool—perfect for holidays or themed celebrations. The fun, casual look makes these a crowd-pleaser anywhere you take them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lazy Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist, chewy, and fabulous for up to five days. Storing them in layers separated by parchment can help keep them looking their best.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Simply thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
If you miss that just-baked warmth, microwave an individual Lazy Cake Cookie bar for about 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven, with those chocolate chips turning delightfully gooey once again.
FAQs
Can I use other cake mix flavors for Lazy Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! Swap in chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti cake mixes to create totally different cookie bar experiences. It’s a fantastic way to use what you have and keep things exciting.
What kind of mix-ins work best?
The sky’s the limit—try peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, white chocolate morsels, butterscotch chips, or mini M&Ms. Choose whatever you’re craving or have on hand for a true Lazy Cake Cookie adventure.
Do I have to let them cool before cutting?
Cooling is key! Letting Lazy Cake Cookies cool completely ensures they hold their shape when sliced. If you’re feeling impatient, know they’ll taste amazing warm but might be more crumbly.
Can I bake these in a smaller pan for thicker bars?
You can! Just know that using a smaller pan (like 9×9 inches) will yield thicker, gooier bars and may need a few extra minutes in the oven to set properly.
Are Lazy Cake Cookies kid-friendly?
They’re a hit with kids and adults alike! The easy recipe is perfect for little helpers, and the unlimited mix-in combinations make them a fun baking project for any age.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the name fool you—Lazy Cake Cookies deliver maximum flavor for minimum effort. Simple, foolproof, and endlessly customizable, they’re the kind of treat you’ll make again and again, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want something sweet on a Tuesday. Give them a try and see why this easy classic has earned a permanent place in so many kitchens!
Print
Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lazy Cake Cookies are a quick and easy dessert made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry!
Ingredients
Cake Mix Cookies:
- 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or mix-ins like M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins.
- Bake: Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.
Notes
- This recipe is very versatile—use different cake mix flavors and mix-ins for variety (red velvet with white chocolate, funfetti with sprinkles, etc.).
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
