When your sweet tooth strikes but your energy is running low, Lazy Day Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. These delicious bars require minimal effort, yet deliver maximum flavor — and they won’t blow your budget either!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof: Perfect for beginner bakers or those in a rush.
- Cheap & Easy: Uses common pantry staples — no fancy ingredients needed.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these chewy, buttery bars.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Boxed cake mix (any flavor) | $1.50 |
| Eggs | $1.00 |
| Butter (melted) | $1.50 |
| Chocolate chips or nuts (optional) | $1.50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5.50 |
Pro Tip: Use store-brand cake mix and butter for the most budget-friendly option. No one will know the difference!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Lazy Day Cookie Bars
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until fully blended. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Fun Flavor Variations
| Flavor Combo | How to Make It |
| Cookies & Cream | Add crushed Oreos to the batter before baking. |
| Peanut Butter Dream | Swirl melted peanut butter over the batter before baking. |
| S’mores Sensation | Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired treat. |
| Cinnamon Roll Bars | Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the batter for a sweet twist. |
Budget-Saving Tips
- Cake Mix Hacks: Stock up on cake mix when it’s on sale for the cheapest dessert fix.
- Creative Add-Ins: Toss in leftover candy, dried fruit, or even cereal to jazz up your bars without extra costs.
- Batch & Freeze: Make extra and freeze in airtight containers for an emergency sweet fix.
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Bonus Tip: Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh and chewy.
More Budget-Friendly Dessert Ideas
If you love effortless yet delicious desserts, you’ll enjoy these:
- Chewy Brownie Bites Made with a Box Mix (But They Taste Homemade!)
- DIY Churro Bites with Just 4 Ingredients – Perfect for Penny Pinchers!
- Rice Krispie Treat Remix: Add This Secret Ingredient for Extra Flavor
Final Thoughts
Lazy Day Cookie Bars are the MVP of lazy baking. Cheap, fast, and oh-so-delicious, they’ll become your new go-to dessert when time and energy are in short supply.
Have a favorite cookie bar add-in? Share your genius ideas in the comments!
