Cake Cookies Recipe: If you love soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’re in for a treat. Cake cookies are the ultimate dessert hack—combining the best parts of a cookie and a cake in one delightful bite. These are the kind of treats you whip up when you want something fast, delicious, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you’ll love how simple and versatile this recipe is. No need for fancy techniques or professional skills—just grab your favorite box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, and you’re already halfway there.
So, what makes cake cookies special? They’re incredibly soft and cakey in texture (hence the name), often requiring fewer ingredients than traditional cookies. You get that rich, full-bodied flavor from the cake mix, and they bake up into thick, tender cookies every single time. Best part? You can customize them endlessly—chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, frosting—you name it.
If you’re in the mood for baking but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your shortcut to cookie heaven. So let’s get into the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step process to make the best cake cookies of your life.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple. That’s the beauty of cake cookies—you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe:
Basic Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix (15.25 oz) – Any flavor (chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, etc.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
That’s it! Just four ingredients to make magic happen. But if you want to take things up a notch, read on.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- 1 cup chocolate chips – semisweet, white chocolate, or milk chocolate
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts – walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- 1/2 cup sprinkles – great for parties or birthdays
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg – for a spiced twist
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange – to brighten up the flavor
You can get creative here. Cake cookies are a blank canvas, and you can make them your own with whatever you have in the pantry.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk tools. Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy equipment.
- Mixing bowls – at least one medium-sized
- Whisk or hand mixer – for blending the ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon – for shaping dough balls evenly
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack – optional, but helpful
These basic tools will make the whole process smooth and mess-free.
How to Choose the Right Cake Mix
All cake mixes are not created equal, especially when turning them into cookies. So let’s talk flavor, brand, and texture.
Best Cake Mix Brands
- Duncan Hines
- Betty Crocker
- Pillsbury
- King Arthur Baking Company (for organic options)
These brands consistently deliver great results. The texture is reliable, and the flavor is rich.
Flavor Pairing Tips
- Chocolate cake mix – pairs well with peanut butter chips, mint chips, or dark chocolate chunks.
- Vanilla or yellow cake mix – great with rainbow sprinkles or dried fruits.
- Red velvet cake mix – perfect with white chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting.
- Spice cake mix – add cinnamon chips or chopped pecans for a fall-inspired cookie.
Choose the mix that matches your cravings or the occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cake Cookies
Now for the fun part—baking! Let’s walk through this step-by-step, and I promise you’ll end up with cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven enough time to reach the perfect temperature while you prep the dough.
Tip: If you have an oven thermometer, use it. Most ovens run a little hot or cold, and this affects cookie texture big time.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, and oil. Add the vanilla extract if using. You can mix by hand with a whisk or use a hand mixer on low speed.
The dough will be thicker than cake batter, but softer than traditional cookie dough—kind of like thick brownie batter. Don’t worry if it looks a little sticky; that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Add Optional Mix-ins
Now’s the time to fold in your extras. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or whatever your heart desires. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon so you don’t overmix.
Remember: Less is more. Stick to about 1 cup of add-ins total so the dough holds together well.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out even balls of dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can roll them in your hands if you want them perfectly round.
Optional: Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes in the fridge before baking. This helps prevent spreading and makes the cookies extra thick and soft.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9–12 minutes, depending on your oven and cookie size. They’re ready when the edges are set and the tops look slightly glossy and soft in the center.
Tip: Don’t overbake! The cookies continue to cook as they cool. Take them out while the center still looks a bit underdone for that perfectly soft texture.
Step 6: Let Them Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up a little as they cool but stay wonderfully soft and cakey on the inside.
Tips for Perfect Cake Cookies
Making cake cookies is a breeze, but a few insider tips can make them bakery-quality good. These aren’t just little tricks—they’re game-changers if you want your cookies to be consistently soft, flavorful, and picture-perfect.
1. Don’t Overmix the Dough
This is the golden rule. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the mix (yes, even with cake mix), which results in dense, tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined and smooth—no more, no less.
2. Chill the Dough (Even if Just for 10 Minutes)
This step is often skipped, but it’s a total cookie hack. Chilling the dough, even for a short time, helps:
- Prevent spreading during baking
- Concentrate the flavors
- Make the dough easier to handle
Pop your dough in the fridge while the oven preheats, and you’ll notice the difference.
3. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
These prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. Dark-colored metal pans can sometimes brown the bottoms too quickly—stick to light-colored, heavy-duty baking sheets for best results.
4. Keep an Eye on the Oven
Every oven has its quirks. Start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark. They should look just set at the edges and slightly underbaked in the center. Trust the process—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
5. Store Properly to Keep Them Soft
Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside. The bread helps keep them soft for days without drying out. Genius, right?
6. Double Up on Flavor
Want deeper flavor? Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to chocolate cake mix for mocha vibes, or a teaspoon of lemon extract to white cake mix for a citrusy punch. A little extra flavor goes a long way.
With these tips, you’ll never bake a dry or boring cookie again. You’re practically a cookie whisperer now.
Best Cake Mix Flavors for Cookies
You’ve got a sea of cake mix options at your fingertips, but not all are created equal when it comes to cookies. Some flavors just work better in cookie form—and here are a few top contenders.
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Rich, decadent, and perfect for chocolate lovers. Use chocolate cake mix as a base, and try adding:
- Dark chocolate chunks
- Peanut butter chips
- A pinch of sea salt on top
You’ll get soft, fudgy cookies that almost taste like brownies. Seriously addictive.
Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
These are your blank canvas. Super versatile and pair well with just about anything:
- Rainbow sprinkles for funfetti-style cookies
- Dried cranberries and white chocolate chips
- Lemon zest and poppy seeds
Perfect for customizing based on your mood (or what’s in your pantry).
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
These scream elegance. That deep red color plus a rich cocoa flavor makes them perfect for special occasions. Add-ins to try:
- White chocolate chips
- Cream cheese drizzle or frosting
- Chopped walnuts for crunch
Make them heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day or sandwich-style with frosting in the middle for a DIY whoopie pie.
Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Autumn in a cookie. Warm spices already built-in, just begging for extras like:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Cinnamon chips
- A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar after baking
Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee on a chilly day.
Frosting & Toppings Suggestions
Want to take your cake cookies to the next level? Dress them up with frosting and toppings. This step is optional—but highly encouraged if you’re going for WOW factor.
Frosting Options:
Classic Buttercream
- Perfect for vanilla or funfetti cookies
- Add food coloring to match the season
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pairs beautifully with red velvet or spice cake cookies
- Try spreading it or piping it between two cookies for sandwich-style treats
Ganache or Chocolate Drizzle
- Easy to make with melted chocolate and heavy cream
- Ideal for chocolate or devil’s food cake cookies
Glaze Icing
- Made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice
- Great for sugar-style or lemon cookies
Topping Ideas:
- Sprinkles – Add on top of the frosting for birthdays or holidays
- Mini chocolate chips – Press into warm cookies
- Crushed candy – Peppermint for Christmas, candy canes, or toffee bits
- Drizzled caramel or peanut butter – Because why not?
Think of these as the accessories to your cookie outfit. They make everything pop!
How to Store Cake Cookies
You’ve baked up a batch of magic—now let’s keep them fresh. Whether you’re saving a few for later or prepping for a party, storage matters.
Room Temperature Storage:
- Keep cookies in an airtight container
- Store at room temp for up to 5 days
- Place a slice of bread inside the container to keep cookies soft (the bread absorbs the air)
Avoid storing them in the fridge—it can dry them out.
Freezer Tips:
Want to freeze them? You’ve got two options:
Freeze the Dough:
- Scoop dough into balls
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag
- Bake from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time
Freeze Baked Cookies:
- Let them cool completely
- Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap
- Store in a freezer bag or airtight container
- Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds
Perfect for make-ahead treats or last-minute cookie cravings.
How to Customize Your Cake Cookies
One of the best things about cake cookies is how ridiculously easy they are to personalize. Whether you’re trying to match a holiday theme, accommodate a dietary need, or simply shake things up, there are endless ways to make these cookies uniquely yours.
1. Add Your Favorite Mix-ins
This is where things get fun. Once your basic dough is mixed, fold in one (or more) of the following:
- Chocolate chips – milk, dark, white, or even peanut butter chips
- Chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for texture
- Dried fruits – cranberries, cherries, apricots for natural sweetness
- Crushed candies – like M&Ms, peppermint, or toffee bits
- Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom to enhance the flavor profile
Stick to about 1 cup of total mix-ins per batch to avoid overloading the dough.
2. Make It Dairy-Free
Cake mixes are generally dairy-free, but always check the label. To replace dairy in your mix-ins or toppings:
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips
- Swap butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil
- Use non-dairy milk for frosting or glaze
Easy swaps, same great taste.
3. Go Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free cake mix (like King Arthur or Pillsbury’s GF line). The texture might be slightly more delicate, but the cookies still turn out soft and chewy. Bonus points for being allergy-friendly.
4. Stuff Them!
Yes, you can stuff cake cookies. Place a small piece of chocolate, caramel, or even a spoonful of peanut butter inside the dough ball before baking.
It’s like a cookie surprise party in every bite.
Cake Cookies for Special Occasions
Need a quick dessert that looks festive and tastes amazing? Cake cookies have your back. You can easily adapt them for any holiday, celebration, or themed party.
1. Birthday Parties
- Use funfetti or vanilla cake mix
- Mix in rainbow sprinkles
- Top with buttercream and more sprinkles
- Sandwich two cookies with frosting and roll in sprinkles
Guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Christmas and Winter Holidays
- Red velvet + white chocolate chips
- Spice cake + chopped walnuts + powdered sugar
- Drizzle with white chocolate and crushed peppermint
Wrap them in cellophane bags with a bow—perfect for edible gifts or cookie exchanges.
3. Valentine’s Day
- Use strawberry or chocolate cake mix
- Shape into hearts or add heart sprinkles
- Drizzle with pink glaze or melted chocolate
Bake your way into someone’s heart.
4. Halloween
- Chocolate cake mix with orange and black sprinkles
- Add candy eyeballs or spooky toppings
- Frost with tinted buttercream (orange, purple, green)
Great for trick-or-treat night or a Halloween party dessert table.
5. Baby Showers or Gender Reveals
- Use white or vanilla cake mix
- Color the dough pink or blue with food coloring
- Decorate with pastel sprinkles or edible pearls
Elegant and adorable, all in one bite.
Serving Suggestions
So your cookies are baked and beautiful—now what? Whether you’re serving at a party or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee, presentation and pairing can take things to the next level.
1. Pair with the Right Drinks
- Milk – A classic for a reason
- Hot cocoa – Perfect for chocolate-based cookies
- Coffee or espresso – Especially with spice or red velvet flavors
- Tea – Great with lemon or vanilla cake cookies
- Milkshakes or ice cream floats – Go all out with indulgence
2. Plating Like a Pro
- Stack cookies on a tiered tray for parties
- Serve on a wooden board with fruits, nuts, and chocolates (a dessert charcuterie!)
- Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving
- Use a piping bag to neatly add frosting or designs
- Add edible glitter or gold leaf for fancy vibes
Remember, we eat with our eyes first.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even simple recipes can go sideways sometimes. Here’s how to fix common cake cookie problems before they drive you nuts.
Problem: Cookies Are Too Dry
Why it happens:
- Overbaking
- Too little fat (oil or butter)
- Not enough moisture (especially if you added dry mix-ins)
Fix it:
- Bake for the minimum time
- Try replacing oil with melted butter for extra richness
- Add an extra egg yolk next time for a softer texture
Problem: Cookies Spread Too Much
Why it happens:
- Dough too warm
- Too much oil or butter
- No chill time
Fix it:
- Chill the dough for 10–30 minutes
- Use a cookie scoop to keep sizes consistent
- Add 1–2 tbsp of flour if dough feels too wet
Problem: Cookies Too Thick or Cake-Like
Why it happens:
- That’s kind of the nature of cake cookies—but…
- Too much flour or cake mix
- Too little fat or sugar
Fix it:
- Use a little less cake mix (reduce by 2 tbsp)
- Add an extra splash of vanilla or 1–2 tsp of milk to loosen the dough
Cake Cookies vs. Traditional Cookies
Let’s settle this cookie debate once and for all.
| Feature | Cake Cookies | Traditional Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, fluffy, cake-like | Chewy or crispy |
| Ingredients | Cake mix, oil, eggs | Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, etc. |
| Prep Time | 5–10 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Customization | Super easy with cake flavors and mix-ins | More traditional, takes more prep |
| Best For | Quick treats, parties, beginners | Classic desserts, pro bakers |
Both have their place in the cookie world, but cake cookies win when you need fast, fuss-free deliciousness.
FAQs about Cake Cookies Recipe
1. Can I Use Any Cake Mix for Cookies?
Yes! Most boxed cake mixes (15.25 oz) work perfectly. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the brand and ingredients.
2. How Long Do Cake Cookies Stay Fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay soft for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Freeze Cake Cookie Dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls, flash-freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I Add Fillings Inside the Cookies?
Yes! Try stuffing the dough with a square of chocolate, a teaspoon of peanut butter, or even a mini marshmallow for a surprise center.
5. What If I Don’t Have Eggs?
No eggs? No problem. Try these egg substitutes (use 1 for every egg in the recipe):
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup mashed banana
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes)
Conclusion
Cake cookies are the secret weapon every home baker should have in their back pocket. They’re quick, ridiculously easy, and wildly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because your sweet tooth demanded it, this recipe is your go-to. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up soft, fluffy cookies that taste like they came from a bakery.
From classic chocolate chip to red velvet stuffed with cream cheese, the options are endless—and you’re the chef. Play around with flavors, mix-ins, toppings, and themes. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your pantry).
So what are you waiting for? Grab that cake mix and let’s bake some joy.
