If you are looking for a delightfully simple yet utterly irresistible treat, this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples coming together in a no-bake, no-fuss prep, these cookies deliver rich chocolatey flavor wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Whether you want a quick afternoon snack or a charming dessert to impress guests without stress, this recipe is all about effortless joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe are straightforward and essential, each playing a crucial role to create a balance of flavor and texture. From the chocolate wafer cookies that add that signature crunch to the sweetened condensed milk which brings luscious creaminess, every item brings its own magic to the final treat.
- Chocolate wafer cookies (14 oz): These provide the crisp, chocolatey base that makes the cookie delightfully crunchy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Adds intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, balancing the condensed milk perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Brings creamy sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together into a luscious mixture.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and smoothness, which helps hold everything together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the chocolate notes with warm, aromatic depth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate taste more vibrant and layered.
How to Make Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Begin by breaking down the chocolate wafer cookies into small pieces. You can place them in a large resealable bag and use a rolling pin to gently crush them until you get bite-sized chunks, or if you prefer a finer crumb, a quick blitz in the food processor works perfectly. Setting the texture just right here is key for that satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended, creating that rich, chocolaty base that the cookie pieces will soon bathe in.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add your crushed cookies into the chocolate mixture, stirring well to ensure every morsel is coated. This step is what transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, thick batter brimming with chocolate and texture.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Take spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands for classic cookie shapes. Alternatively, you can press the whole mix into a parchment-lined dish to form bars about an inch thick — perfect for cutting into squares once set. Whichever way you choose, just make sure they’re packed snugly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate your cookies or bars for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling is an essential step as it helps the mixture to firm up, giving your Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe their delightful chewy texture combined with that crisp cookie bite.
Step 6: Serve
Once chilled and set, your Lazy Cake Cookies are ready to enjoy! If you created bars, slice them into perfect squares, or simply grab a cookie ball and indulge. This is the moment where all the simple prep turns into a luscious treat you’ll want to share but might find yourself hiding away.
How to Serve Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the top. You can also dip the cookie balls’s tips in melted chocolate and let them set for an elegant touch that makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy richness of the cookies is perfectly balanced by the comforting warmth of your favorite drink, making snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board or in delicate paper liners for a charming homemade touch. They also make an excellent addition to dessert platters, boxed gifts, or even as a non-cake birthday treat that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them chilled ensures they maintain their perfect chewy and crunchy texture without becoming too soft or losing their rich flavor.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
Because this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer a softer bite, you can gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, or they may become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use cookies other than chocolate wafers?
Absolutely! While chocolate wafer cookies give the best classic taste, you can substitute with graham crackers or plain tea biscuits. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor but the recipe still works beautifully.
Do I need to bake these cookies?
No baking required! That is one of the best things about this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe. It’s a no-bake treat, perfect for when you want something delicious without heating up the kitchen or waiting for oven time.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or mixing in dried fruits, is a tasty way to personalize the cookies and add some extra crunch or chewiness.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for about a week. Just keep them airtight to preserve their texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Yes! Kids will love crushing the cookies and rolling the mixture into balls, making this Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe a fun and easy treat for the whole family to prepare together.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe is truly one of those wonderful easy desserts that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. It’s simple, quick, and indulgent — a charming reminder that sometimes the best things in life come with little effort but lots of love. Give it a try and prepare for it to become a treasured favorite for your family and friends.
Print
Lazy Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Description
Lazy Cake Cookies are a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert combining crushed chocolate wafer cookies with a rich chocolate mixture made from cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla. These treats set in the refrigerator, making them perfect for a quick, no-cook dessert that’s deliciously fudgy and ready in just a couple of hours.
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: Start by crushing the cookies into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a large resealable bag and using a rolling pin or a food processor for finer crumbs. Set aside the crushed cookies.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Add the crushed cookies to the cocoa mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure all cookie pieces are coated evenly with the chocolate mixture. The mixture will be thick.
- Form the cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls, or press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined dish to form bars about 1-inch thick.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies or bars for 1-2 hours, or until they are firm and set.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator. If you made bars, cut them into squares. Enjoy your fudgy, no-bake lazy cake cookies!
Notes
- For a finer texture, pulse the cookies in a food processor instead of crushing by hand.
- You can substitute chocolate wafer cookies with graham crackers or any plain cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- These cookies do not require baking and are great for hot days or when you want a quick dessert.

