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If you’re craving something sweet but want to skip the oven and the fuss, this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the crunch of chocolate wafer cookies with the rich, creamy goodness of cocoa and sweetened condensed milk, these no-bake treats come together effortlessly while delivering maximum flavor and texture. Whether you’re making a quick dessert for friends or a fun snack for the family, this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal ingredients and zero stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich flavor and delightful texture that make these cookies so irresistible. From the chocolate wafers providing crunch to the sweetened condensed milk offering luscious sweetness, these ingredients all come together seamlessly.
- Chocolate wafer cookies (14 oz): These give the cookies their classic crisp texture and deep chocolate flavor; graham crackers can be used for a milder option.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Adds intense chocolate richness without extra sweetness to balance the condensed milk.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): The secret to the decadent, creamy binding that holds everything together with natural sweetness.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Enhances richness and allows the mixture to set nicely once chilled.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic hint that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate notes perfectly.
How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Begin by breaking those chocolate wafer cookies into smaller bits. You can toss them into a large resealable bag and give them a good roll with a rolling pin for a rustic texture, or pulse them in a food processor if you want finer crumbs. The size of the crumbs will impact the final mouthfeel, so choose your preferred texture and set these aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Next, grab a medium bowl and combine your cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything vigorously until you achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture. This luscious blend is what will coat and bind your cookie crumbs into those heavenly bites.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the cookie crumbs to the party. Add them to your chocolate mixture and fold thoroughly, ensuring every crumb is fully enveloped with the cocoa goodness. The mixture will be thick and somewhat sticky, but that’s exactly what you want for shaping beautiful cookies.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Whether you’re in the mood for bite-sized balls or convenient bars, this step is where you get creative. Scoop spoonfuls and roll the mixture into balls with your hands for an adorable, bite-friendly treat. Alternatively, press the entire mixture evenly into a parchment-lined dish about an inch thick if you prefer bars—this is an easy way to slice them into neat squares later.
Step 5: Chill
Pop your shaped cookies or bars into the refrigerator and let them chill for 1 to 2 hours. This step is key, as it allows the butter and condensed milk to firm up, giving your cookies the perfect consistency to hold their shape and have that satisfying bite.
Step 6: Serve
After chilling, your Lazy Cake Cookies are ready to shine. If you opted for bars, cut them into squares or rectangles. If you made balls, they’re ready to be enjoyed straight away. Serve them on a pretty platter or wrap them up as a delightful homemade gift—either way, they’re sure to impress.
How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cookies feel even more special, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar, grated chocolate, or shredded coconut on top. A light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate adds an elegant touch and an extra layer of indulgence that friends and family will adore.
Side Dishes
Lazy Cake Cookies pair wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy yet delightful dessert platter. They also complement a hot cup of coffee or rich cocoa, perfect for cozy afternoons or friendly gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe on colorful serving trays or in mason jars tied with ribbon for gifting. For parties, place them in mini cupcake liners or stack them on a tiered dessert stand to add a wow factor and make your presentation as delicious as the cookies themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared and chilled, store your Lazy Cake Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for a ready-to-go sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies, reheating isn’t necessary. You can enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for a softer bite.
FAQs
Can I use different cookies instead of chocolate wafers?
Absolutely! While chocolate wafers add a deep cocoa flavor and crunch, you can swap them out with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even vanilla wafers. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, such as coconut condensed milk. This swaps keep the recipe vegan-friendly while maintaining the creamy texture.
How long does it take for the cookies to set properly?
Chilling the mixture for at least 1 to 2 hours is crucial to let the butter and condensed milk firm up. If you want them firmer, you can chill for longer, even overnight, without any issues.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the mixture?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, adds wonderful texture and flavor contrasts. Just fold them in at the step where you combine the dry and wet ingredients.
What’s the best way to crush the cookies?
Using a food processor is quick and gives you fine crumbs, perfect if you like uniform texture. If you want chunkier pieces for added crunch, place cookies in a resealable bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or by hand. Either method works beautifully!
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that feel like a treat but come together with hardly any effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a quick sweet fix, I highly encourage you to try it out. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something irresistibly delicious, perfect for sharing and enjoying anytime.
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Print
Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lazy Cake Cookies are a no-bake chocolate treat made by combining crushed chocolate wafer cookies with a rich mixture of cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla. These easy-to-make cookies or bars are chilled until firm, offering a perfect balance of crunchy texture and creamy chocolate flavor without the need for baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) chocolate wafer cookies (or any plain cookies like graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crush the cookies: Place the chocolate wafer cookies in a large resealable bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor until finely crumbed. Set aside the crushed cookies for mixing.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Add the crushed cookies to the cocoa and condensed milk mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure that all cookie pieces are fully coated with the chocolate mixture, forming a thick consistency.
- Form the cookies: For bite-sized treats, scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls. Alternatively, press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined dish to about 1 inch thick to make bars.
- Chill: Place the shaped cookies or bars into the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours until they are firm and set.
- Serve: Remove from the fridge and enjoy the no-bake cookies as balls, or cut the chilled bars into squares to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute chocolate wafer cookies with graham crackers or any plain cookie of your choice.
- For a finer texture, use a food processor to crush the cookies instead of rolling them by hand.
- If desired, enhance flavor by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture before chilling.
- Store the cookies or bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
