If you’re craving a dessert that’s as effortless as it is scrumptious, Lazy Cake Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat. This recipe transforms a box of cake mix and a handful of pantry staples into thick, chewy cookie bars loaded with melty chocolate chips and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or a spontaneous weeknight indulgence, Lazy Cake Cookies deliver that nostalgic, bakery-style cookie flavor with barely any prep or mess. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking maximum payoff with minimal work!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Lazy Cake Cookies is how the short, simple ingredient list creates such irresistible results. Every component plays its part in the taste, texture, and cheerful appearance of these cookie bars—so grab your favorites and let’s get baking!

Yellow cake mix: This is the foundation for the cookies, giving them a soft, cake-like texture and rich flavor without any measuring or fuss.
Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add structure, making the bars wonderfully chewy.
Vegetable oil: Oil keeps the cookies moist and tender while helping the dough come together quickly.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, adding sweet richness to every bite.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Nuts provide a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet dough.
M&M’s or sprinkles (optional for topping): These add a burst of color and extra sweetness, making each bar look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your dough is mixed. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This quick step ensures your Lazy Cake Cookies won’t stick and will come out in perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir until everything is evenly blended and a thick dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit stiff—that’s exactly what you want for chewy, dense cookie bars.

Step 3: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if you’re using them. These mix-ins add both flavor and texture, making every bite of Lazy Cake Cookies a little adventure. If you prefer, you can experiment with other add-ins like white chocolate chips or butterscotch morsels.

Step 4: Press and Decorate

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and press it out evenly from corner to corner. Sprinkle the top with M&M’s or colorful sprinkles for a festive finish—this not only makes the bars look irresistible but adds an extra pop of sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the Lazy Cake Cookies for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges—they should turn golden and the center should look set but not dry. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan; this helps them firm up and makes cutting into neat squares a breeze.

How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies

Garnishes

These bars look gorgeous right out of the pan, but you can make them even more inviting with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Serving them on a platter with a few extra sprinkles scattered around the edges adds a playful touch that’s perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

Lazy Cake Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a fresh fruit salad on the side. For coffee lovers, try serving them with a rich cup of espresso or a creamy latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or layer them in clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbon for adorable party favors. You can even crumble Lazy Cake Cookies over a sundae or blend them into milkshakes for an over-the-top dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store any leftover Lazy Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them ideal for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or sweet cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

Lazy Cake Cookies freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop a frozen bar straight into a lunchbox to thaw by snack time.

Reheating

If you love your cookies a little warm and gooey, microwave a bar for about 10 seconds before serving. This revives that just-baked magic and makes the chocolate chips irresistibly melty once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate, funfetti, or even spice cake for a new twist each time you bake Lazy Cake Cookies. Each version brings its own unique flavor to the bars.

Do I have to add nuts or can I skip them?

The nuts are completely optional. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply leave them out—the bars will still be deliciously chewy and packed with chocolatey goodness.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the dough in two pans, or use a larger sheet pan if you have one. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

How do I know when my Lazy Cake Cookies are done?

Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but still slightly soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake for the best chewy texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular one, and follow the recipe as written. You’ll still get the same easy, delicious results.

Final Thoughts

Lazy Cake Cookies are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up a dessert everyone will rave about. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of effort, you’ll be rewarded with thick, chewy bars bursting with flavor and color. Give these a try—you’re about to discover your new favorite lazy-day treat!

Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Lazy Cake Cookies are an effortless and delicious dessert made by combining cake mix with simple ingredients to create soft, chewy bars studded with chocolate chips and optional nuts or colorful toppings. Perfect for a quick sweet treat with minimal prep and bake time.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Add-ins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Toppings

1/2 cup M&M’s or sprinkles (optional for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Stir well until a thick, dough-like batter forms without any dry spots.
Add the mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if you are using nuts. This adds texture and flavor to the bars.
Prepare the pan: Evenly press the thick dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands for an even layer.
Add toppings: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of M&M’s or colorful sprinkles over the top if desired, to add a festive appearance and a pop of sweetness.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still moist.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake cookies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars for serving. This helps them firm up and slice neatly.

Notes

You can swap the yellow cake mix with chocolate or funfetti cake mix to change the flavor base.
Optional nuts add crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Feel free to customize toppings with other candies or sprinkles based on your preference.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American