Cool Whip Cookies Recipe: Let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a cookie recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious? That’s exactly what you get with Cool Whip cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and practically melt in your mouth. Even better? You only need four main ingredients and a few minutes of prep time to whip them up. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro looking for something fun and fast, Cool Whip cookies will be your new go-to treat.
They’re also incredibly customizable – want lemony cookies for summer? Done. Craving chocolate during the holidays? You got it. With different boxed cake mixes and fun add-ins, you can twist this base recipe into a hundred different variations. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get perfect results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a cookie that practically makes itself? These cookies hit the sweet spot (literally!) between convenience and homemade goodness. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Ridiculously easy – only a few ingredients, and no special skills required.
- Endlessly versatile – mix and match flavors and toppings.
- Perfect texture – light, fluffy, and slightly chewy.
- Great for any occasion – bake sales, holidays, or a cozy movie night.
Plus, these cookies are made without butter or oil, thanks to the magic of Cool Whip – which means fewer calories and less mess in the kitchen. It’s a win-win situation for lazy bakers and dessert lovers alike.
What Are Cool Whip Cookies?
Cool Whip cookies are fluffy, soft, cake-like cookies made by combining boxed cake mix, Cool Whip (a whipped topping), and eggs. Once the dough is mixed, it’s rolled in powdered sugar and baked into perfectly puffy cookies with crackly tops and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They’re often referred to as “crinkle cookies” because of their appearance, especially when coated in powdered sugar. When baked, the dough spreads slightly, and the surface cracks beautifully, giving them a charming homemade look without any effort.
The Cool Whip adds moisture, lightness, and structure in place of traditional fats like butter or oil. The result? A sweet, fluffy cookie that’s surprisingly addicting and a breeze to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the simple but essential ingredients that make these cookies so easy and delicious.
1. Cool Whip (Whipped Topping)
This is the star of the show! Cool Whip replaces oil and butter in this recipe. It gives the cookies their signature light and airy texture while keeping them moist. Use regular Cool Whip – not sugar-free or light – for the best results. Make sure it’s thawed before you start mixing.
2. Boxed Cake Mix (Various Flavors)
This is where the real fun begins. You can choose any cake mix flavor you like. Popular choices include:
- Chocolate fudge
- Strawberry
- Lemon
- Red velvet
- Funfetti
- Spice cake
The flavor of the cake mix determines the flavor of your cookies, so feel free to get creative or match the season. Each box (15.25 oz) will make about 20-24 cookies.
3. Eggs
Eggs help bind everything together and add structure to the cookie dough. You’ll only need 1 large egg per batch. Room temperature eggs work best since they blend more easily into the dough.
4. Powdered Sugar
You’ll roll each cookie dough ball in powdered sugar before baking. This gives them that lovely crinkle look and adds a touch of sweetness to the outside. Make sure the cookies are fully coated before placing them on the baking sheet.
Optional Add-ins
Want to get fancy? Try mixing in:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint
- Citrus zest
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
Just don’t overdo it – ¼ cup of mix-ins is usually enough to keep the cookies from getting too heavy.
Essential Tools & Equipment
You don’t need any complicated gear to make these cookies. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer (or a sturdy spatula if you’re going old-school)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
That’s it! Minimal tools = minimal cleanup.
Before You Start: Tips for the Best Cookies
To ensure your cookies come out just right, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Chill the dough if it’s too sticky to handle. About 15–30 minutes in the fridge works wonders.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. It helps them bake uniformly.
- Don’t overbake – they should be just set and slightly soft in the center.
- Line your baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
These little steps make a big difference when it comes to texture and appearance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cool Whip Cookies
Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need: one box of cake mix (any flavor you like), one container of Cool Whip, one egg, and powdered sugar for rolling. Having all ingredients ready makes the process quick and easy.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Mix, Cool Whip, and Egg
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Stir until fully blended and a sticky dough forms. The dough will be soft and thick—this is exactly how it should be.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the sticky dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 4: Scoop and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar. This creates the classic crinkle look as the cookies bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake until the cookies are set on the outside but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Step 6: Let Them Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up while staying soft inside.
Soft, crinkly, and incredibly easy—Cool Whip cookies are a no-fuss treat everyone loves 🍪✨
Tips to Perfect Your Cool Whip Cookies
Want bakery-style cookies every single time? Keep these extra tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your egg and Cool Whip sit out for 10–15 minutes before mixing. It helps everything blend smoothly.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Uniform sizes mean even baking.
- Rotate the Pan: Halfway through baking, rotate your cookie sheet for an even bake, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Try a Test Cookie: Bake one cookie first. If it spreads too much, chill the dough longer. If it doesn’t spread enough, gently flatten the dough ball before baking.
- Double the Batch: These cookies go fast. You might as well make a double batch and freeze some for later.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the coolest things about this recipe? You can customize it in endless ways. Here are some of our favorite variations:
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Use a devil’s food cake mix and add mini chocolate chips.
- Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Use lemon cake mix, add lemon zest for extra zing.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Use strawberry cake mix and white chocolate chips.
- Red Velvet Surprise: Red velvet mix + a hidden cream cheese center.
- Holiday Peppermint: Chocolate cake mix with crushed candy canes.
- Birthday Cake Funfetti: Use funfetti cake mix, and roll in rainbow sprinkles and powdered sugar.
Pro Tip: Keep your add-ins under ¼ cup so the dough doesn’t get too heavy.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Cookies this good deserve to be saved for later – if you can resist eating them all!
How to Store Cookies
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
They’ll stay soft and chewy if stored correctly. If you find they’ve dried out slightly, pop them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to revive them.
How to Freeze Dough and Baked Cookies
Want to make cookies in advance? Freezing is a great option.
To freeze dough:
- Scoop and roll the dough into balls.
- Flash freeze on a tray until firm (about 30 minutes).
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar straight from the freezer and bake a minute or two longer.
To freeze baked cookies:
- Cool completely.
- Place in a single layer in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go sideways. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using frozen Cool Whip – it won’t mix properly and can ruin the dough texture.
- Skipping the powdered sugar coating – the crinkle look and light crunch come from this.
- Overmixing the dough – leads to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Overbaking – these cookies are soft and delicate. Pull them out while they’re still a bit underdone.
- Not chilling the dough if it’s sticky – sticky dough is hard to work with and results in flat cookies.
Keep these in mind, and you’ll be golden.
Serving Suggestions
Cool Whip cookies are so good, they don’t need much dressing up – but if you want to make a presentation, here are some ideas:
- Cookie Sandwiches: Fill two cookies with whipped cream or frosting.
- Holiday Gift Bags: Wrap cooled cookies in clear bags and tie with ribbon.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- With Hot Cocoa or Coffee: Perfect for cozy nights in.
- Cookie Platter: Combine different flavors for a colorful, festive dessert tray.
FAQs about Cool Whip Cookies Recipe
Q1: Can I use a sugar-free cake mix or light Cool Whip?
You can, but the texture may not be the same. Regular versions yield the fluffiest cookies.
Q2: Why is my dough too sticky to roll?
That’s normal. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix, and make sure the Cool Whip and powdered sugar are also gluten-free.
Q4: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They’re best within 3–5 days but can last up to a week if stored properly.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure you have enough space to store or freeze the extras!
Conclusion
Cool Whip cookies are one of those magical treats that feel like they should be much harder to make than they are. With just a few ingredients, minimal prep time, and endless flavor possibilities, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves cookies but doesn’t love complicated baking.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the mixer-heavy recipes and grab a box of cake mix and a tub of Cool Whip. You’ll have soft, chewy, crinkle-coated cookies in no time — and your kitchen will still be clean.
Go ahead, whip up a batch and see what all the fuss is about. Don’t be surprised if these become a regular feature in your dessert rotation!
