Life can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious homemade treats. Enter the incredible Lazy Cake Cookies with Spice Cake Mix — a dessert so simple, it almost feels like cheating! With just a handful of pantry staples and one bowl, you can whip up a batch of warm, chewy cookie bars that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
These aren't just any cake mix cookies; by using a spice cake mix, we infuse them with a delightful warmth and comforting aroma that's perfect for any season, especially fall and winter. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves elevates these humble bars into something truly special, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.
Forget complicated steps, endless ingredients, or chilling dough for hours. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort. Let's gather our simple ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients for Spice Cake Mix Lazy Cookies
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix (or yellow cake mix with added spices)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), sprinkles, or M&Ms
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Easy Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes for easy cleanup and hassle-free removal of your cookie bars later.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire contents of the spice cake mix box, two large eggs, and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Stir these ingredients together until they are fully combined. The dough will be quite thick and sticky, resembling a dense cookie dough rather than a typical cake batter.
Step 3: Fold in Your Favorite Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. If you're feeling creative, this is the perfect time to add any optional mix-ins like chopped nuts for crunch, colorful sprinkles for fun, or M&Ms for extra chocolatey goodness. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Press Dough into the Prepared Pan
Scoop the thick cookie dough into your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Using a spatula or your clean hands, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it reaches all the corners and has a relatively smooth surface. 
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center appears just set. Don't worry if the very middle seems slightly soft; it will continue to firm up as it cools. 
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving clean, even slices. Trying to cut them while warm may result in crumbling or sticking. 
Tips for Perfect Lazy Cake Cookies & Variations
These lazy cake cookies are incredibly forgiving, making them ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the spice cake mix for a Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake mix for a fruity twist, or even a lemon cake mix for a bright, zesty bar. The possibilities are endless!
Enhance Your Cookie Experience
- Gooey Center: For an extra-gooey cookie bar, bake closer to the 20-minute mark and let them cool slightly before serving warm.
- Add Frosting: A simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate these bars for a special occasion.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a fantastic textural contrast to the chewy cookie.
- Creative Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for a unique touch. If you're looking for another delightful and easy-to-make dessert with fruit, try this Fresh & Creamy Apple Salad!
Understanding the fundamental nature of baking with pre-made mixes can open up a world of culinary possibilities. For more ideas on exploring the versatility of boxed cake mixes, there are many resources that can inspire your next creation.
Enjoy Your Effortless Spice Cake Mix Cookie Bars!
These Lazy Cake Cookies with Spice Cake Mix truly prove that amazing desserts don't require hours of work or a pantry full of exotic ingredients. They're the perfect solution when a sweet craving hits, or you need a quick treat for unexpected guests. The warm spices and chewy texture make them irresistibly comforting, and the ease of preparation means you'll be making them again and again.
So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious, no-fuss cookie bars. They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection!
FAQs
What kind of cake mix can I use for lazy cake cookies?
While this recipe highlights spice cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor, you can easily substitute it with other popular flavors like yellow, chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet cake mix to suit your preference or what you have on hand.
How do I store these lazy cake cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your baked lazy cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra softness and to lock in moisture, you can place a slice of plain bread in the container with the cookies.
Can I add other ingredients to my spice cake mix cookies?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Beyond chocolate chips, consider folding in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), festive sprinkles, M&Ms, or even dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor dimension.
What's the best way to ensure clean slices when cutting these cookie bars?
For perfectly clean and even slices, it is crucial to allow the lazy cake cookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. If you slice them warm, they may crumble, stick to your knife, or be too gooey to handle.
Lazy Cake Cookies with Spice Cake Mix
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These incredibly easy one-bowl cookie bars use a simple spice cake mix to create a warm, chewy, and utterly delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, sprinkles, or M&Ms
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or candy-coated chocolates, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: 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: 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.
Step 6: Once the bars are done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for clean, even cuts.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze once cooled. You can also swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Ensure your cake mix box is 15.25 oz for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
