There’s something magical about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven—but let’s be real. Sometimes, life is busy, dishes are already piling up, and we just don’t have the energy for the whole cookie production. That’s exactly why I love these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re everything you want from a classic chocolate chip cookie—soft, chewy, chocolatey—but with barely any work involved.
This recipe has been my go-to for those nights when my sweet tooth kicks in hard, but I don’t feel like creaming butter and sugar or chilling dough for hours. And the best part? You only need four ingredients. Yes, you heard that right—just four simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and you’ll have yourself a batch of cookie bars that everyone will swoon over.
I remember the first time I made these—I’d just gotten home from work, and a friend was dropping by unexpectedly. I wanted something sweet and homemade but didn’t have the time (or the energy) to make cookies from scratch. So I grabbed a box of yellow cake mix from the pantry, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Let me tell you, these bars disappeared in minutes. Since then, this recipe has become a tried-and-true favorite, especially when I’m short on time or motivation.
Let’s dive into how simple these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
½ cup butter (melted)
2 eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (any brand works!)
12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
That’s it! No flour, baking soda, or measuring multiple dry ingredients. The cake mix does all the heavy lifting here, which is why these come together so fast.
STEP 1: PREHEAT & PREP
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, go ahead and grease a square 8″x8″ baking dish with non-stick spray. If you don’t have a square pan, you can use a similar-sized dish, but keep in mind that baking time might vary slightly.
STEP 2: MELT BUTTER & MIX WITH EGGS
In a medium mixing bowl, melt your ½ cup of butter (you can do this in the microwave in short bursts). Then add in your 2 eggs and mix everything together until it’s fully combined. This step is key for getting that smooth, cake-mix batter texture that holds the cookies together perfectly.
STEP 3: ADD THE CAKE MIX
Next, dump in the entire box of yellow cake mix. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything until a thick dough forms. It’ll be a little sticky, and that’s totally fine. This shortcut dough is what makes this recipe so easy and delicious without the usual cookie fuss.
STEP 4: STIR IN THE CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Now for the best part—chocolate chips! Pour in the whole 12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and fold them into the dough until they’re evenly spread throughout. Every bite should be full of melty chocolate goodness, so don’t skimp here.
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Only 4 Ingredients!)
Alright, now that we’ve got our cookie dough ready to go, it’s time for the easy (and delicious) part—baking and digging in! What I love most about these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies is that once they’re in the oven, your kitchen fills with that amazing, buttery cookie smell. You know the one. It’s warm, sweet, and makes it nearly impossible to wait for them to cool.
This is the part where the magic happens: those four simple ingredients turn into soft, chewy cookie bars that taste like you spent hours baking—when in reality, you barely spent 10 minutes on prep.
Let’s finish baking these beauties and talk about how to serve them, plus a few tips to make them even better.
STEP 5: SPREAD THE DOUGH INTO THE PAN
Once your dough is fully mixed and the chocolate chips are evenly distributed, scoop it into your greased 8″x8″ baking dish. This dough is on the thicker side, so you’ll want to use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down and spread it out evenly to all the corners of the pan.
Make sure the top is relatively smooth so that it bakes evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—these bars are meant to be casual, cozy, and fuss-free.
STEP 6: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN
Pop the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and set a timer for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top turns a lovely golden brown and the edges start to pull slightly away from the pan.
Every oven is a little different, so I recommend checking around the 20-minute mark. If the center still looks a bit glossy or soft, give it a couple more minutes. You want them to be set but still soft—this is how you get that perfect chewy texture.
STEP 7: COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE CUTTING
This step is so important, even though it’s honestly the hardest part—let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. I know, it’s tempting to dive right in, especially with all that melty chocolate. But trust me, these cookie bars firm up as they cool, and the texture becomes even better.
Once they’re cooled, you can cut them into 9 to 12 squares, depending on how big you want your portions. I usually go for 12 smaller bars when I’m serving a crowd (or saving some for later).
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Even though this recipe is about keeping things simple, there’s always room to make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix things up:
Switch up the chips: Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. You can also do a combo of two types!
Add some crunch: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little texture and a nutty flavor.
Swirl in some flavor: A few spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella swirled into the dough before baking adds a whole new layer of deliciousness.
Top with sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking makes these cookie bars feel a little more gourmet (and cuts the sweetness just a bit).
Serve with ice cream: Warm up a square in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate lazy dessert.
These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of recipe that fits any occasion—movie nights, unexpected guests, or just a solo treat after a long day. I’ve brought them to potlucks, playdates, and even a holiday cookie swap (yep, they were a hit!).
And honestly? No one has ever guessed that they’re made with cake mix.
Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Only 4 Ingredients!)
We’ve made it to the final stretch of this easy, delicious cookie journey! By now, you’ve got golden-brown, chocolate-studded cookie bars cooling on the counter—and if you haven’t eaten one already, I’m impressed by your self-control. Before we wrap up, I want to cover some of the most common questions people ask about these Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re wondering about storage, substitutions, or just looking for tips to get them just right, I’ve got you covered.
FAQ: Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Yellow cake mix gives that classic, buttery cookie flavor, but you can totally switch it up. Try chocolate cake mix for double chocolate cookie bars, or even spice cake mix for a cozy, fall-inspired version. Just keep the other ingredients the same.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just grab a gluten-free yellow cake mix (there are several good ones out there), and use it in place of the regular mix. Double-check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free too, and you’re good to go.
3. How should I store these cookie bars?
Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, refrigerate them—they’ll firm up a little but still taste great.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes, these freeze really well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temp or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
5. Do I need to use parchment paper in the pan?
You don’t have to, but you can if you want an easier cleanup or cleaner cuts. Greasing the pan with non-stick spray works just fine, but parchment makes it super simple to lift the whole batch out and slice them up neatly.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just double all the ingredients and use a 9″x13″ pan. Baking time may need to increase slightly (closer to 25–30 minutes), so keep an eye on the color and doneness.
7. Why do they need to cool completely before cutting?
When they first come out of the oven, the bars are super soft. Giving them time to cool allows them to set properly, which means you’ll get clean slices instead of a gooey mess. Trust me—it’s worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, you love having a few go-to recipes in your back pocket that don’t require a ton of time, ingredients, or clean-up—but still taste amazing. These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies check all those boxes. They’re fast, flexible, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re baking them for a last-minute get-together, a fun after-school treat, or just because you need a little something sweet in your life, these cookie bars are a total win. And once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a regular part of your baking routine.
If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Feel free to leave a comment, share your favorite mix-ins, or let me know if you made a fun variation. It’s always fun seeing how creative people get with a simple recipe like this one.
Now go ahead—grab a glass of cold milk, cut yourself a square (or two), and enjoy the easiest cookies you’ll ever make.
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Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description
Description: These Lazy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a no-fuss, quick, and delicious treat. With just four ingredients, they deliver all the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have time for a full baking session, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
½ cup butter (melted)
2 eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C) and grease a square baking pan (around 8″x8″) with non-stick spray.
Melt the butter and mix it with the eggs until fully combined.
Add the yellow cake mix and mix again until the dough comes together.
Stir in the entire bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let the cookies cool before cutting them into squares. The longer they cool, the better they will hold their shape.
Serve with a cold cup of milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes
Feel free to add other mix-ins, like nuts or white chocolate chips, if desired.
These cookies are great for a last-minute dessert, and the texture improves after they cool.
