Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that still delivers big-time comfort and flavor. Made with yellow cake mix, melted butter, and a full bag of chocolate chips, these soft, gooey cookie bars come together in just minutes.

These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are my answer to cookie cravings on the busiest of days. When I don’t feel like measuring flour, pulling out the mixer, or waiting on dough to chill—this recipe steps in and saves the day. They bake up with golden tops, soft middles, and enough gooey chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you love low-effort treats like these, you’ll also want to try my Chocolate Coconut Oat Bars or my Healthy No Bake Protein Bars both easy, crave-worthy options for your snacking lineup. One bowl, minimal ingredients, and pure magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

One bowl, no mixer needed. Stir everything by hand—no fancy equipment required.
Only four ingredients. Just butter, eggs, cake mix, and chocolate chips.
Bakes up thick and gooey. Like a cross between a soft cookie and a brownie.
Perfect for beginners or busy days. Foolproof and family-friendly.
Customizable. Add nuts, white chocolate, or a drizzle on top if you want to dress it up.
Great for parties or gifting. Makes clean, easy-to-serve cookie bars that travel well.

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With Liliya!

Let’s be honest: sometimes we want cookies, but we don’t want to spend 45 minutes making them. That’s where these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies come in. I started making them during a busy week, and they’ve been a repeat ever since. They’re perfect for last-minute bake sales, cozy nights in, or when you just want something warm and gooey without pulling out the stand mixer. My kids call these “cake cookies” and devour them straight from the pan.

Liliya

Ingredients Needed For Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter. Melted butter makes the dough rich, moist, and easy to stir by hand. Salted or unsalted both work here.
Eggs. Two large eggs help bind everything and give that soft, chewy structure.
Yellow cake mix. The magic shortcut! Use your favorite brand. It brings flavor, sweetness, and structure all in one.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips. The full 12-ounce bag goes in yes, the whole thing. That’s what makes them extra gooey and chocolate-packed.

How I Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies

(This is a quick overview of how I make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

Preheat the oven. Set to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients. Melt the butter and stir in the eggs until smooth.
Add the cake mix. Stir in the full box of cake mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips. Use a spatula to stir in the entire bag of chocolate chips.
Press and bake. Spread the thick dough evenly into your greased pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely for clean slices. If you’re in a rush, just dig in with a spoon (no judgment here).

Expert Tips for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don’t overmix the batter. Just stir until everything is combined to keep the bars soft and tender.

Use room temperature eggs. They blend more smoothly with the melted butter.

Line the pan with parchment. It makes cleanup easier and helps lift the bars out neatly for slicing.

Let them cool fully before slicing. This helps them set and keeps the squares clean and intact.

Reheat leftovers. A quick 10 seconds in the microwave brings the gooey magic back if they’ve been sitting for a day or two.

Press a few chocolate chips on top before baking. It gives that bakery-style look with melty chocolate on the surface. Want them even gooier? Bake in a slightly smaller pan, like 7×7, and increase bake time slightly.

How to Pack Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies for Work and School

Wrap individually for grab-and-go. Cut the bars into squares and wrap them in parchment or wax paper for easy lunchbox stuffing or desk snacking.

Use a firm container. These bars are soft and gooey, so place them in a sturdy reusable container if tossing into a backpack or tote.

Keep them cool. If you’re packing during warmer months, tuck in a small ice pack to keep the chocolate from melting.

Make mini bites. Bake the dough in mini muffin tins for single-bite cookie cups that are ideal for kids’ lunches or snack boxes.

Pair with fruit or a yogurt cup. These bars round out perfectly with sliced apples, berries, or a small protein-packed yogurt for a satisfying midday treat.

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Funfetti cake mix. Use funfetti cake mix and white chocolate chips for a birthday party vibe in every bite.
Triple chocolate. Use chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and a few dark chocolate chunks for extra indulgence.
Peanut butter swirl. Add dollops of creamy peanut butter to the batter and swirl before baking for a salty-sweet combo.
Toffee crunch. Mix in ½ cup of toffee bits for buttery, crunchy surprises in every bite.
S’mores bars. Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a lazy s’mores-style cookie bar.
Holiday version. Use red and green M&Ms or seasonal sprinkles to make these festive for holidays or parties.
Vegan-friendly. Use a dairy-free cake mix, vegan butter, and a flax egg or applesauce to make a plant-based version.
Nut lovers’ twist. Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to balance the sweetness with crunch.
Caramel drizzle. Once cooled, drizzle with melted caramel for a bakery-style finish.
Mini muffin bites. Spoon batter into mini muffin tins and bake for 10–12 minutes for easy, grab-and-go cookie bites.

Storing / Freezing Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storing. Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing baked cookies. Wrap bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Freezing dough. Press dough into the pan, cover tightly with foil and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Pro Tip: These bars taste even better the next day so go ahead and make them ahead for your next party or potluck.

FAQs About Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, funfetti, and spice cake mixes all work well and give a fun twist.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope this recipe is designed to skip that step. Just mix and bake for instant satisfaction.

How do I know when they’re done?

The top will look golden and slightly cracked, and the center will no longer jiggle. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water). The result will be slightly softer but still delicious.

More Healthy Goodies To Try

Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars

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Author: Liliya
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 16 cookie bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies use cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and chocolate chips for a gooey, soft cookie bar with zero fuss and max flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nonstick spray or parchment (for pan)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and eggs.
Stir in the full box of cake mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips (the whole bag!) until evenly distributed.
Press dough evenly into prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares for clean edges.

Notes

For bakery-style tops, press extra chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Don’t overbake! The center should look just set.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Add-ins like nuts, peanut butter swirls, or M&Ms make fun variations!