If you’re craving warm, homemade cookies but don’t want to spend hours measuring and mixing, cake mix cookies are your dream come true. These soft, chewy cookies come together in minutes using just a few pantry staples and a box of cake mix. Whether you’re baking for a party, a last-minute dessert, or a quick weeknight treat, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture with minimal effort. The best part? They’re incredibly customizable—from chocolate chips to sprinkles, you can create endless variations to suit your taste.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of cake mix – This is the base of the recipe. It contains the flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings all in one. Choose your favorite flavor: yellow, chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti all work beautifully.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping the cookies bind together and achieve that chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Oil replaces butter in this recipe, giving the cookies a soft, moist crumb and a longer shelf life.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances the flavor of the cookies, especially in lighter cake mix varieties like vanilla or lemon.
- 1 cup mix-ins (optional) – Add-ins like chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, M&Ms, chopped nuts, or sprinkles take your cookies to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir with a spatula or hand mixer until a thick dough forms. The dough will be denser than traditional cookie dough—this is normal.
Step 3: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold in your choice of mix-ins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Portion the Cookies
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear slightly glossy but not wet. Do not overbake—they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps set their chewy texture.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
These cake mix cookies are a hit for several reasons:
- Ridiculously easy – With only three base ingredients, anyone can make them, even novice bakers.
- Ultra soft and chewy – The oil and eggs work with the cake mix to create a texture that’s irresistible.
- Endlessly customizable – Switch up flavors and add-ins to match any season, holiday, or craving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if it feels too sticky. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
- For bakery-style cookies, press a few extra chocolate chips or M&Ms into the tops before baking.
- Don’t overmix once the dough comes together—gentle stirring preserves that soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, crumble them over ice cream, or sandwich them around a scoop of vanilla or chocolate buttercream for an indulgent treat. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, birthday parties, or after-school snacks.
Final Thoughts
With their irresistible chew, quick prep time, and endless flavor possibilities, these cake mix cookies are a must-have in any baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a fun twist on classic cookies, this recipe offers a foolproof way to bake up something truly delicious. So grab your favorite cake mix and start baking—you’re only 15 minutes away from cookie perfection.
Related Article: The Ultimate Icebox Cake Recipe: A No-Bake Classic Everyone Loves
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Cookies
1. Can I use any flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can use virtually any flavor of cake mix, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, red velvet, or spice cake. Each type creates a unique cookie flavor. Choose based on your taste or the occasion—funfetti for birthdays or pumpkin spice in the fall, for example.
2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it may be due to:
Overmixing the dough, which adds air and softens it.
Warm dough, which melts quickly in the oven. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to firm it up.
Too much oil—make sure to measure your oil accurately.
3. Can I substitute butter for oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for oil using the same measurement (1/2 cup). This will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture. However, oil yields a softer, more cake-like cookie that stays moist longer.
4. How should I store cake mix cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the bread will absorb moisture and help maintain that chewy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
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