If you’ve ever needed a dessert that’s fast, foolproof, and downright delicious, you’re going to love these Lazy Cake Cookies. With just a handful of pantry staples and one bowl, this recipe delivers chewy, soft cookie bars that taste like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a last-minute weeknight craving, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s sweet, versatile, and totally customizable with whatever mix-ins you like. Plus, there’s no need to chill the dough or scoop individual cookies — you just press the whole thing into a pan, bake, slice, and enjoy.

While you can make lazy cake cookies with just about any boxed mix, using a spice cake mix adds a warm, cozy flavor twist that feels like fall in every bite. It pairs perfectly with chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of festive candies if you’re feeling playful.

Let’s dive into how to whip up a batch of these easy, chewy cookie bars.

Ingredients for Lazy Cake Cookies with Spice Cake Mix

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – spice cake mix can also be used for a warm, spiced flavor
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, sprinkles, or M&Ms

STEPS: Mix the Dough and Prepare the Pan

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until everything is fully mixed — the dough will be thick and sticky, more like cookie dough than cake batter.

Step 3: Add Your Mix-Ins

Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or candy-coated chocolates. This is where you can get creative and make the bars your own.

Bake and Slice the Perfect Lazy Cake Cookies

Now that your dough is packed with chocolatey goodness (and maybe a few extra fun add-ins), it’s time to bake! One of the best things about these Lazy Cake Cookies is how quickly they come together. Just press the dough into your pan, pop it in the oven, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a tray full of golden cookie bars ready to cool and slice.

These bars have the best texture — soft and chewy in the middle with lightly crisp edges. They’re great for snacking, sharing, or storing away for those sweet tooth emergencies. Let’s get to the final baking steps

STEPS: Press, Bake, and Cool

Step 4: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Scoop the dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or clean hands to press it evenly into the pan, making sure the corners are filled and the surface is smooth.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. It’s okay if the middle looks slightly soft — it will continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Let It Cool Completely

Once the bars are done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key if you want clean, even cuts. If you try to slice while they’re still warm, they may fall apart or stick to your knife.

Lazy Cake Cookies FAQ and Final Tips

These Lazy Cake Cookies are just as delicious as they are easy to make. Whether you made them with chocolate chips, added some crunchy nuts, or went full rainbow with sprinkles and candies, you’ve got a go-to dessert that never disappoints. Before you serve (or stash) your batch, here are some quick answers to common questions and a few extra tips to make sure your bars stay soft and chewy every time.

1. Can I use other cake mix flavors?

Absolutely. Spice cake mix adds a warm, cozy flavor, but yellow, chocolate, white, or even red velvet cake mix all work beautifully. This is one of those recipes that’s super flexible with whatever you have on hand.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — if you’re feeding a crowd or just want more, double the ingredients and bake in a rimmed half-sheet pan. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes, so keep an eye on it.

3. How do I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it helps lock in the moisture.

4. Can I freeze them?

You bet. Once fully cooled, wrap the bars individually or in layers (with parchment between) and freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temp before serving.

5. What if I want them extra gooey?

Bake on the lower end of the time range (around 20 minutes) and let them cool just slightly before serving warm. They’ll be soft, melty, and absolutely decadent.

Conclusion: One Bowl, One Pan, All the Yum

These Lazy Cake Cookies are proof that great baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and one bowl, you can whip up a batch of chewy cookie bars that satisfy every sweet craving. They’re perfect for bake sales, after-school treats, or just a quick weekend dessert.

The best part? You can easily change up the flavors and mix-ins based on what you have in the pantry or the season — spice cake in fall, red velvet at the holidays, lemon in spring. However you make them, one thing’s for sure: these bars won’t last long.

Tried them with a fun twist? I’d love to hear how you made them your own!

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