If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly easy yet absolutely decadent, Lazy Cake Cookies fit the bill perfectly. These bars are a beloved shortcut for those who crave a rich, gooey, cookie-like treat without the hassle of scooping, chilling, or rolling dough. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert before a movie night or simply want to sweeten up an afternoon, Lazy Cake Cookies deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort. Thick, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips (or any of your favorite add-ins), this recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers and sweet tooths alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind Lazy Cake Cookies is the clever use of pantry staples, each playing a unique role in creating the ultimate texture and flavor. Every ingredient is essential, combining for crowd-pleasing results that require no fuss or fancy equipment.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The shortcut secret that delivers classic cake flavor and a soft, chewy texture without any measuring or sifting.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and bind everything together, keeping the bars moist and rich.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Infuses the dough with buttery goodness, making the cookies tender with golden, crisped edges.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite—swap for chunks, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate to customize.
- Chopped Nuts or Sprinkles (optional): Add a delightful crunch or a festive pop of color, perfect for personalizing your batch.
How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and a perfect rise. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing—either way makes for easy removal and clean-up later.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the yellow cake mix, the two eggs, and the melted butter. Stir everything together until you have a thick, sticky dough. Don’t worry if it takes a little elbow grease; it’s supposed to be dense!
Step 3: Fold in the Goodies
Add your chocolate chips and any optional mix-ins (nuts or sprinkles). Gently fold them in, making sure they’re evenly distributed for chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Spread in the Pan
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your lightly greased hands to gently press and spread the dough into an even layer. Remember, the dough will be thick, but it doesn’t have to reach every corner perfectly.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are beautifully golden and the center is just set—avoid overbaking to keep that chewy, soft center that makes Lazy Cake Cookies so irresistible.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off—wait for them to set so slicing is neat and every square holds together beautifully. Once cool, cut into bars or squares and admire your handiwork!
How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust your Lazy Cake Cookies with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or top with a few extra sprinkles while they’re still warm. This little bit of flair transforms them from casual treat to celebration-worthy dessert in seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a piping hot cup of coffee. The contrast of hot and cold or sweet and slightly bitter makes every bite of your Lazy Cake Cookies stand out even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bars into layered dessert squares by adding a thin layer of caramel, or stack them on a festive platter for parties and bake sales. For something truly eye-catching, serve your Lazy Cake Cookies alongside bowls of mini chocolate chips and nuts for DIY garnishing fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lazy Cake Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them a great option for make-ahead treats or snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and sliced, wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze for up to three months, making Lazy Cake Cookies an ideal recipe for prepping ahead for parties or unexpected cravings.
Reheating
If you love the taste of warm cookies, just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked gooeyness and makes the chocolate chips wonderfully melty again—truly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Switch things up with chocolate, spice, or even funfetti cake mixes to create different variations. The recipe works beautifully with most standard 15.25-ounce cake mixes.
Are Lazy Cake Cookies gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular one. Make sure to double-check your other mix-ins if you want to keep the bars totally gluten-free.
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Nope! Lazy Cake Cookies are super adaptable. Swap in any mix-ins you like—peanut butter chips, white chocolate, dried fruit, candy-coated chocolates, or chopped nuts are all fantastic choices.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s just set but not overbaked. If you like a very gooey texture, lean closer to the 20-minute mark; for firmer bars, 25 minutes is usually perfect.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just use two 9×13-inch pans, or switch to a larger baking sheet if you want thinner bars. Keep an eye on baking time, as they may bake a little faster when spread out.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Cake Cookies are the ultimate proof that easy doesn’t have to mean boring! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert you can whip up with minimal ingredients and maximum impact, give this recipe a whirl. Once you experience the chewy goodness and infinite customization, you might never go back to traditional cookies again—just don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect!
Print
Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lazy Cake Cookies are a quick and easy dessert made with just a few simple ingredients. A perfect treat for when you’re craving something sweet but short on time!
Ingredients
Cake Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips and any optional nuts or sprinkles.
- Bake: Spread dough in the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Customize with white chocolate, M&Ms, or peanut butter chips.
- Avoid overbaking for a soft, chewy texture.
- 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 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
