Cake Mix Cookie Recipe: If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying treat, cake mix cookies are your new best friend. These cookies are made using—you guessed it—a box of cake mix. It’s like baking with a cheat code. You don’t have to measure out flour, sugar, or baking soda. Just toss in a few simple ingredients, mix, scoop, and bake.
What makes cake mix cookies such a hit? For one, they’re versatile. Want double chocolate? Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate chips. Prefer fruity flavors? Try strawberry mix with white chocolate chunks. The combinations are endless, and the ease of preparation means anyone, even a complete baking newbie, can whip them up with confidence.
Also, let’s not ignore the time-saving benefit. Traditional cookie recipes can be a little demanding. But with cake mix cookies, you skip a ton of prep work and cleanup, which makes it ideal for last-minute dessert needs, surprise guests, or just an indulgent midnight craving.
Ingredients Needed for Cake Mix Cookies
Let’s talk about what you’ll need. The base recipe typically includes only three main ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor you like)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Sprinkles for color and fun
- Crushed candies like M&Ms, toffee bits, or peppermint
Substitutions:
- Want to make it dairy-free? Most cake mixes are already dairy-free, but double-check. Swap in a neutral oil like coconut or avocado oil.
- Watching your cholesterol? Replace eggs with 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana per egg.
- Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix—they work just as well!
The beauty of this recipe is flexibility. You can truly make it your own based on what you have on hand and what you’re in the mood for.
Tools You’ll Need
Before diving into the mixing, make sure your kitchen is set up. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools:
- Mixing bowl (medium to large)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Nice-to-Have Alternatives:
- If you don’t have a cookie scoop, use two spoons to shape the dough.
- No parchment paper? Grease the baking sheet lightly with oil or butter.
Prepping Your Workspace:
- Clear off your counter space.
- Line your baking sheets first so you can transition easily once the dough is ready.
- Preheat the oven early (usually to 350°F or 175°C) so it’s ready to go.
Having everything prepped and ready keeps the process smooth and stress-free, which is especially great if you’re baking with kids or entertaining guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cake Mix Cookies
Let’s walk through the cookie magic one step at a time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In your mixing bowl, pour in the full contents of the cake mix. Add the two eggs and the half cup of vegetable oil. Mix everything together until smooth and all the dry powder is fully incorporated. This should take about 2 minutes. If the dough feels too thick, that’s totally normal—cake mix cookie dough is denser than traditional cookie dough.
Step 3: Add Your Extras
Once the base dough is ready, gently fold in your mix-ins. This could be chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts—whatever your heart desires. Be generous! This is where your flavor and personality come into play.
Step 4: Scoop and Place
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out roughly 1.5-inch balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. These cookies spread slightly, so give them room.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be slightly golden and the centers to look set. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake! Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for the Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
Want your cookies to turn out just like the ones on Pinterest? Keep these tips in mind:
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until everything’s combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
Chill for Thickness: If you like your cookies thick and chewy, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps reduce spread.
Test a Batch: Bake 1-2 cookies first to see how they come out. Adjust baking time or add-ins if needed before baking the full batch.
Flavor Combos to Try:
- Devil’s Food Cake + Peanut Butter Chips
- Strawberry Cake + White Chocolate Chips
- Lemon Cake + Coconut Flakes
- Funfetti Cake + Extra Sprinkles
Storing Cookies: Keep your cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread adds moisture and keeps cookies chewy for days.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative. Think of cake mix cookies as a blank canvas—you can switch flavors, textures, and shapes easily.
1. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Use a box of red velvet cake mix, toss in some white chocolate chips, and you’ve got a bakery-style cookie that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
2. Lemon Zest Cookies
With lemon cake mix, add white chocolate chips and a touch of lemon zest. These turn out bright, tangy, and refreshingly different. Try rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking for a crinkle effect.
3. Birthday Cake Cookies
Grab a Funfetti cake mix and go crazy with sprinkles. Add in extra rainbow jimmies for that festive birthday cake flavor. These are a kid-favorite and ideal for parties.
4. Chocolate Mint Chip
Mix chocolate cake mix with Andes mint chips or peppermint extract. These cookies smell like heaven and are amazing for holiday cookie trays.
5. Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches
Use carrot cake mix and make sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting between two baked cookies. It’s like whoopie pies with a spicy twist!
You’re only limited by your imagination. You can even mix two types of cake mix (half and half) to create swirl or layered flavors.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Now that you’ve made a fresh batch of cookies, here’s how to make them last without losing their chewy, delicious texture.
Storing at Room Temperature
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 4–5 days. To keep them super soft, place a slice of sandwich bread in the container. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread, not the other way around.
Freezing Baked Cookies
You can freeze fully baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Freezing Dough Balls
Want cookies on demand? Scoop the dough into balls and freeze raw. When you’re craving cookies, bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time. This trick is great for portion control too.
Freezing lets you prep in advance for holidays, events, or even just late-night cravings without starting from scratch every time.
Healthier Alternatives and Modifications
Trying to make your treats a little healthier? Cake mix cookies can easily be adjusted without sacrificing taste.
Lower Sugar Options
Opt for sugar-free cake mixes available in most grocery stores. Add-ins like unsweetened coconut, nuts, or sugar-free chocolate chips can still provide flavor and texture.
Vegan Cake Mix Cookies
Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg). Choose oil instead of butter and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free (many already are). Use plant-based mix-ins like vegan chocolate chips.
Whole Grain Boost
Add 1-2 tablespoons of ground oats or whole wheat flour to increase fiber. This slightly changes the texture but offers a more wholesome treat.
Portion Control
Use a mini cookie scoop to create bite-sized versions. They bake faster, are easier to store, and help with moderation if you’re counting calories.
Even small swaps can lead to a better balance between indulgence and nutrition—without compromising on flavor or fun.
FAQs about Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
Q1: Can I use any flavor of cake mix for cookies?
Absolutely! From chocolate and vanilla to red velvet and lemon, you can get creative with any cake mix flavor you love. Just know that the flavor of your mix will dominate the cookie taste.
Q2: Do I need to chill the dough?
Not always. Most cake mix cookie recipes don’t require chilling, which is part of their charm—quick, no-fuss baking. But if your dough feels sticky, a 20-minute chill in the fridge can help.
Q3: Why are my cookies too soft or cakey?
Cake mix cookies are naturally soft, but if they’re too cakey, you might’ve added one too many eggs. For a chewier texture, try reducing the egg count by one or use a yolk instead of a whole egg.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes and yes! Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then store in a ziplock. For baked cookies, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Q5: What mix-ins go best with cake mix cookies?
Chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, sprinkles, M&Ms, white chocolate, dried fruits—you name it. Just don’t overload the dough (stick to about 1 cup of mix-ins).
Conclusion
There you have it—a full breakdown of how to whip up delicious cake mix cookies step by step. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just because your sweet tooth struck, this recipe is foolproof. It’s quick, customizable, and ridiculously easy.
From chocolate chunk to lemon zest, red velvet to mint chip, the possibilities are endless. The best part? No need to be a pro baker. All you need is a box of cake mix and a little creativity. And let’s be real—nothing beats the smell of fresh cookies wafting through the house.
So next time you’re in the mood for cookies but short on time, grab that cake mix from your pantry and give this recipe a whirl. Happy baking!
