If you are craving a sweet treat that is effortlessly delicious and quick to whip up, the Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is here to impress. Combining the convenience of a boxed cake mix with rich chocolate chips and the cozy texture of chewy bars, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute gathering or just need a comforting snack, these Lazy Cake Cookies are guaranteed to become your new go-to dessert obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are easy to find, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting those perfect cookie bars that are tender, chocolaty, and irresistibly satisfying.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the recipe that provides sweetness and structure for your cookie bars.
- Large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add richness for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and that buttery flavor we all love in baked goods.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring melty pockets of chocolate that contrast beautifully with the soft cake texture.
- Chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional): For a personalized crunch or colorful flair, these add-in choices let you customize your bars.
How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cookie bars release easily after baking. This step sets you up for stress-free baking and clean edges on your bars.
Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, the large eggs, and the melted butter. Stir until you get a thick, sticky dough—this consistency is exactly what makes these bars so chewy and luscious.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Optional Extras
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to add your optional chopped nuts or sprinkles to add that extra texture and color pop to your bars.
Step 4: Spread the Dough and Bake
Transfer the sticky dough into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it down with a spatula or your clean hands. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center is just set but still soft—this ensures a chewy, tender bite every time.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling time helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. Cut into squares or bars, and get ready to enjoy a piece of sweet simplicity.
How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate instantly elevates these cookie bars for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries on the side also complement their rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Lazy Cake Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert combo. A warm cup of coffee or milk balances the sweetness perfectly and makes the snack even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand or wrap individual bars in colorful parchment with a ribbon for a charming grab-and-go treat. You might even sandwich a layer of peanut butter or Nutella between two bars for a delightful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lazy Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days, so you can indulge several times without losing any of that homemade charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you want a sweet snack.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the bars slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back the soft texture and melts the chocolate chips just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can swap in chocolate, spice, or even funfetti cake mixes to customize your cookie bars. Just keep in mind the flavor combinations you love.
Do I have to add nuts or sprinkles?
Nope! The nuts or sprinkles are entirely optional and mainly for texture or color. If you prefer a straightforward chocolate chip cookie bar, feel free to skip these add-ins.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities. Just check that all your add-ins like chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling is easy! Use a larger baking pan or two pans to accommodate the extra batter, and adjust baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to avoid overbaking these cookies?
Keep an eye on the bars starting around the 20-minute mark. The edges should turn golden, but the center still looks set and slightly soft. Overbaking will lead to drier bars, so pulling them out right on time is key.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe proves that you don’t need countless ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a dessert people will rave about. Easy, quick, and endlessly adaptable, these cookie bars bring all the joy of baking with none of the fuss. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and treat yourself to the warm, chocolaty goodness that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lazy Cake Cookies are a quick and easy dessert made with a yellow cake mix base, eggs, and melted butter, combined with chocolate chips and optional nuts or sprinkles. Baked to perfection, these bars offer a soft and chewy texture with a rich chocolatey flavor, perfect for a hassle-free treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Add-Ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, and melted unsalted butter. Stir thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Extras: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with any optional add-ins such as ½ cup chopped nuts or sprinkles to add texture and flavor.
- Spread Dough: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or your hands for an even thickness.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is just set, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares or bars for serving.
Notes
- Customize these bars by substituting white chocolate chips, M&M’s, or peanut butter chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft and chewy center.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
