Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie? But sometimes, you just don’t have the time—or energy—for a lengthy baking session. That’s where these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies come to the rescue. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of gooey, delicious cookies ready to devour in no time.
Let’s face it, life gets busy, and we don’t always have the luxury to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for an easy treat to bring to a party or just want something sweet to snack on after dinner, this recipe has got you covered. The best part? You don’t even need to make the dough from scratch. Thanks to a box of yellow cake mix, this cookie recipe is as simple as it gets. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so no need to worry about washing a ton of dishes!
If you’ve ever made cake mix cookies before, you know how wonderfully easy they are. And when you add in the rich chocolate chips, you’ve got yourself a treat that’s both quick and irresistible. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and every time they come out perfectly. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
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½ cup butter
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2 eggs
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1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
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12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Steps to Make Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 350℉. This is the ideal temperature for baking these cookies and will ensure that they bake up golden brown and delicious. While your oven is heating up, grab an 8″x8″ square baking dish and grease it with non-stick spray. This helps the cookies come out of the pan easily after baking. You could also line the dish with parchment paper if you want to make cleanup even easier.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix with Eggs
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so, just until it’s fully melted. Once the butter is melted, add in the two eggs. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This step helps create a smooth and creamy base for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Now, it’s time for the magic ingredient—cake mix! Add the entire box of yellow cake mix to the butter and egg mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth, making sure there are no lumps. The cake mix not only gives these cookies a soft, chewy texture but also makes the dough incredibly easy to work with. You won’t need to worry about creaming butter and sugar or measuring out flour. This step is as easy as it gets!
Step 4: Mix in the Chocolate Chips
Here comes the best part: chocolate! Pour in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir them into the dough. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter so that every bite gets that perfect burst of chocolatey goodness. You could even use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you prefer, but semi-sweet is my go-to for the perfect balance of sweetness.
Step 5: Press the Dough into the Pan
Now that your cookie dough is all ready, it’s time to get it into the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the dough evenly into the prepared 8″x8″ baking dish. Don’t worry about it being perfect—just make sure it’s spread out as evenly as possible so it bakes uniformly. The dough might feel a bit thick, but that’s normal!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The time will vary slightly depending on your oven, so be sure to keep an eye on them. The longer they bake, the firmer they’ll get, but I personally love them just a bit soft in the middle.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Squares
Once your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it helps the cookies set and hold their shape. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but if you wait a bit, they’ll cut into perfect squares. The longer they cool, the more they’ll hold together.
Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy. Serve them up with a glass of cold milk, or even top them with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Tips, Variations, and More Ways to Enjoy
In Part 1, we walked through the simple steps to make these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies. By now, you’re probably ready to dive into your batch of delicious cookies, but before you do, let’s take a moment to go over some handy tips, variations, and ways you can tweak this recipe to make it your own. Whether you’re craving something a little different or want to add a personal touch, these ideas will help you get creative in the kitchen.
Additional Tips for Perfect Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Butter Substitutes for Dairy-Free Version
If you’re following a dairy-free diet, or if you simply want to use up a butter alternative you have on hand, feel free to swap out the butter for a dairy-free version. There are plenty of dairy-free butter options available these days, such as vegan butter or even coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor, which could be a fun twist depending on your tastes! Just make sure whatever you use is in a solid form, so it mixes well with the eggs and cake mix.
2. Let the Dough Rest for Easier Handling
If you find that the dough is a little too sticky or difficult to spread in the pan, don’t worry! Simply let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing the ingredients. This short rest period allows the cake mix to absorb more of the moisture, which can make the dough a bit firmer and easier to handle. This step isn’t necessary, but it can definitely make the process smoother if you’re dealing with a stickier batch.
3. Get Creative with Chocolate Chips
The chocolate chips are the star of this recipe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play around with different types. Instead of using the standard semi-sweet chips, you could try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of both. For an extra indulgent twist, you can throw in some mini chocolate chips alongside the regular-sized ones. This will give your cookies even more pockets of chocolate throughout, making every bite that much sweeter.
4. Add a Crunch with Nuts
If you like a little crunch to balance the softness of the cookies, try adding a handful of chopped nuts. Walnuts and pecans are both great options, but you could experiment with other nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they mix well with the dough. Nuts will also give your cookies an extra layer of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
5. Customize the Flavor with Extracts or Spices
Want to take these cookies to the next level? Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or even almond extract for an extra boost of flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could also add a warm, cozy twist, making these cookies perfect for the colder months. Just be sure to start small—extracts and spices can be potent, so a little goes a long way.
How to Store Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s what I recommend:
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Room Temperature Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you know you won’t be able to finish them all in that time, no worries! There are other storage options that can help extend their shelf life.
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Freezing the Cookies: If you’d like to make a big batch of cookies to enjoy later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for an hour or so until they’re firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. It’s like having fresh-baked cookies anytime you want!
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Reheating: If you prefer your cookies a little warm, you can easily reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling. If you have multiple cookies to reheat, the oven works too—just place them on a baking sheet and warm them at 350℉ for about 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but why not take them up a notch by serving them in creative ways? Here are a few serving suggestions:
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With Ice Cream: Let’s be real—cookies and ice cream are a match made in heaven. Try serving your Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee ice cream for an indulgent treat. You could even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies to make a cookie ice cream sandwich. Yum!
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Dipped in Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of milk and a warm chocolate chip cookie. Dunk your cookie in the milk for the ultimate sweet and comforting treat.
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Topped with Whipped Cream or a Drizzle: For an extra special touch, top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. This is perfect if you’re serving the cookies as a dessert at a gathering or special occasion.
Other Ways to Use Cake Mix for Quick Desserts
If you love the simplicity of using cake mix for cookies, you might want to try out some other quick desserts using cake mixes! Here are a few ideas that are just as easy and delicious:
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Cake Mix Brownies: Like the cookies, you can make brownies using a box of cake mix. The recipe is similar—just mix the cake mix with eggs and butter (or oil), and bake in a square pan. You’ll get chewy, fudgy brownies without the fuss.
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Cake Mix Bars: If you’re not in the mood for cookies but still want a simple, baked treat, cake mix bars are another great option. You can customize them with different add-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or coconut flakes for variety.
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Cake Mix Muffins: Cake mix isn’t just for cookies and brownies. You can make quick, fluffy muffins by combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and milk. Add fruit or chocolate chips, and you’ve got a delicious breakfast or snack!
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies: FAQ and Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the basics of making these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies down, you might have a few questions about the process or ways to customize them. No worries! In this section, I’m going to address some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and perfect your cookie-baking skills. Let’s get into it!
FAQ:
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the yellow cake mix is what makes this recipe so easy and gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors. A chocolate cake mix would make for a richer, more decadent cookie, while a spice cake mix could give the cookies a fun, autumn-inspired flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
2. Why do I need to let the dough rest before baking?
Letting the dough rest isn’t mandatory, but it can make a difference, especially if the dough feels too soft or sticky. Resting the dough allows the cake mix to absorb more moisture, making the dough easier to handle and spread in the pan. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but if you have the extra time, it can make things easier!
3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! If you’re allergic to eggs or follow an egg-free diet, there are some great substitutes you can use. For each egg, you can replace it with:
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
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¼ cup mashed banana
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2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water (let sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency)
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¼ cup yogurt (dairy or dairy-free)
Any of these options will work well in place of eggs, and while the texture may vary slightly, you’ll still end up with tasty cookies.
4. How do I know when my Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?
The key to knowing when your cookies are ready is to look for a golden-brown top and edges. If you insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean, they’re done. If there’s still dough sticking to the toothpick, give them a few more minutes in the oven. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake these cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! If you want to prep these cookies in advance, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to spread in the pan. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
6. Can I add other mix-ins like candy or dried fruit?
Definitely! One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can mix in all sorts of goodies like M&Ms, chopped candy bars, dried cranberries, or even butterscotch chips. The possibilities are endless! Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to around 1 ½ to 2 cups so that the dough doesn’t become too difficult to mix.
7. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your leftover Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this recipe, it’s that making delicious, homemade cookies doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a quick treat after dinner, a snack for the kids, or a sweet surprise for friends, these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Plus, the beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. You can customize the dough with all your favorite mix-ins, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or even experiment with different cake mix flavors. No matter how you choose to make them, these cookies will always be a simple and satisfying indulgence.
So, go ahead—give these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies a try! I promise they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation. And if you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out and any fun variations you tried. Happy baking!
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Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Author: Sophia
Description
These lazy chocolate chip cookies are the perfect solution for when you want something sweet but don’t have the time for a complicated recipe. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of chewy, delicious cookies with a rich chocolatey flavor. The cake mix makes the dough incredibly easy to mix, and the chocolate chips create the perfect balance of sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
½ cup butter
2 eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
12 ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350℉ and grease an 8″x8″ square pan with non-stick spray.
Melt the butter and then mix it with the eggs until well combined.
Add the cake mix to the butter and egg mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and fully mixed.
Pour in the entire bag of chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cookies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. The longer they cool, the better they will hold their shape.
Serve with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes
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You can use a butter substitute if you want to make these dairy-free.
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For an extra twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch.
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Letting the dough rest for a few minutes before pressing it into the pan can make it easier to spread and shape.