Cake mix cookies are such a fun and easy treat to whip up when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. They start with a box of your favorite cake mix, which gives the cookies a soft and tender texture that’s a little different from your regular cookie. You can mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to make them even more exciting.
I love how simple these cookies are—I usually keep a cake mix on hand for those moments when I need a quick bake. Just add a couple of ingredients like eggs and oil, and you’ve got cookie dough ready to go in no time. Plus, the cake mix does a lot of the hard work for you, so even if you’re not an expert baker, these cookies turn out great every time.
My favorite way to enjoy cake mix cookies is fresh out of the oven, still a bit warm, maybe paired with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or packing up for a quick snack on the go. Whenever I bake these cookies, they always bring smiles and are gone in the blink of an eye!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The base of these cookies is a boxed cake mix, which gives them a soft, tender crumb. Vanilla or funfetti work best for a classic sweet flavor. You can try chocolate or spice mixes for a twist.
Eggs & Oil: Eggs bind the dough and help with texture, while oil keeps the cookies moist. If you prefer, substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or light olive oil for a different flavor.
Mix-Ins: Adding mini chocolate chips or sprinkles makes the cookies colorful and fun. Feel free to swap sprinkles for nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips depending on your taste.
Sugar Topping: Sprinkling coarse or colored sugar before baking adds a little crunch and sparkle. If you don’t have these, regular granulated sugar also works fine.
How Can I Make Sure Cake Mix Cookies Stay Soft and Tender?
The secret to perfect cake mix cookies is baking them just right to keep moisture inside. Here’s what I do:
- Mix ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make them tough.
- Don’t flatten the dough balls; leaving them rounded helps them stay soft inside.
- Bake for 8-10 min until edges are set but centers still look soft. They firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack to finish setting.
Following these tips will get you soft, chewy, and colorful cookies every time. Enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise amounts of oil, eggs, and mix-ins.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to mix the dough without overworking it.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps you make evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Baking sheets – flat pans that allow cookies to spread evenly as they bake.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap vanilla cake mix for chocolate or red velvet to change the cookie’s base flavor easily.
- Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty touch.
- Mix in 1 cup of mini peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a rich twist.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to add warmth during fall or winter.
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or funfetti cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkles (optional)
- Coarse sugar or colored sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling. In total, you’ll spend around 20-25 minutes making these sweet treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well until the dough is soft and fully combined. If you like, fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun and flavor.
3. Shape and Bake:
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each. Sprinkle a little coarse or colored sugar on top if you like. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges look set but the centers are a bit soft.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Now, enjoy your soft, colorful cake mix cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate, red velvet, or spice cake mixes to create different flavors. Just keep the same egg and oil ratios for best results.
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil, light olive oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Other Than Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Try adding nuts, dried fruit, butterscotch chips, or colorful sprinkles to customize your cookies. Just fold them in gently before baking.
