Cake mix cookies are a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty way to whip up a batch of homemade cookies without the hassle of gathering multiple ingredients. Whether you’re short on time, new to baking, or looking for a simple recipe to try with kids, these cookies provide an effortless path to delicious results. Made from just three main ingredients—cake mix, eggs, and oil—these cookies can be tailored to fit any flavor preference by changing the cake mix or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
In this expanded guide, we’ll dive into even more variations, explore additional tips for making perfect cookies, answer frequently asked questions, and provide more details about storage and related desserts.
What Are Cake Mix Cookies?
Cake mix cookies are essentially cookies made using boxed cake mix as the primary ingredient. The concept is simple: by combining the dry cake mix with a few wet ingredients, you transform the mix from cake batter to cookie dough. The result? Soft, chewy cookies that are ready in just 10-12 minutes
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The appeal of these cookies lies in their convenience, versatility, and the consistent results they deliver. With minimal ingredients, you get a homemade treat that can be customized with various flavors, add-ins, and toppings. The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy bakers, last-minute desserts, and baking projects with kids.
Basic Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
To make classic cake mix cookies, follow this simple recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely
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Popular Variations of Cake Mix Cookies
Here are even more ways to customize your cake mix cookies:
- Brownie Mix Cookies
- If you prefer a fudgy, chocolatey treat, try using brownie mix instead of cake mix. You’ll need to add a bit of extra flour (about 1/4 cup) to achieve the right consistency, as brownie batter tends to be runnier
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- If you prefer a fudgy, chocolatey treat, try using brownie mix instead of cake mix. You’ll need to add a bit of extra flour (about 1/4 cup) to achieve the right consistency, as brownie batter tends to be runnier
- Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
- Use a pumpkin spice cake mix, adding white chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. These cookies are perfect for fall and pair well with a cinnamon glaze or cream cheese frosting
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- Use a pumpkin spice cake mix, adding white chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. These cookies are perfect for fall and pair well with a cinnamon glaze or cream cheese frosting
- Oreo-Stuffed Cake Mix Cookies
- Make your cookies more indulgent by adding an Oreo in the center. Simply flatten the dough ball, place an Oreo in the middle, and wrap the dough around it. Bake as usual for a gooey surprise inside
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- Make your cookies more indulgent by adding an Oreo in the center. Simply flatten the dough ball, place an Oreo in the middle, and wrap the dough around it. Bake as usual for a gooey surprise inside
- Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies
- Use yellow or vanilla cake mix, adding 1 cup of peanut butter to the dough. You can also add chocolate chips or drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate for a classic peanut butter-chocolate combination
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- Use yellow or vanilla cake mix, adding 1 cup of peanut butter to the dough. You can also add chocolate chips or drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate for a classic peanut butter-chocolate combination
- Gluten-Free Cake Mix Cookies
- Use gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-friendly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour if the dough is too sticky, and bake as usual
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- Use gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-friendly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour if the dough is too sticky, and bake as usual
Tips for Making Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before mixing, as this helps the ingredients blend more evenly, creating a smoother dough.
- Add a Touch of Baking Powder:
- For fluffier cookies, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the dough. This gives the cookies more lift and a softer texture.
- Try a Mix of Oil and Butter:
- For a richer flavor and slightly crispier edges, try using 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of melted butter. This combination enhances both the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Add Salt for Balance:
- A pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) can help balance the sweetness of the cookies, especially if you’re adding sweet mix-ins like chocolate chips or M&Ms.
- Experiment with Egg Yolks:
- Using one whole egg and one extra egg yolk instead of two whole eggs can make your cookies even softer and chewier
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- Using one whole egg and one extra egg yolk instead of two whole eggs can make your cookies even softer and chewier
Storage and Freezing Methods
Proper storage can keep your cake mix cookies fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to store and freeze them effectively:
- Room Temperature Storage:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain the moisture of the cookies—this trick prevents them from becoming stale too quickly.
- Freezing Baked Cookies:
- To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes
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- To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes
- Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Store the dough balls in a freezer-safe bag, and bake straight from frozen when needed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time
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- Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Store the dough balls in a freezer-safe bag, and bake straight from frozen when needed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time
Additional FAQ
1. Can I use butter-flavored cake mix?
- Yes, using butter-flavored cake mix adds a richer, buttery taste to the cookies. Follow the same basic recipe, but use a mix labeled “butter recipe.”
2. Are there vegan alternatives for cake mix cookies?
- Yes! Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to thicken for 5 minutes). Use oil or vegan butter as the fat component
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3. Can I make cake mix cookies with high-protein add-ins?
- For a boost of protein, add ingredients like nuts, nut butter, or protein powder (1-2 tablespoons). Keep in mind that adding protein powder might slightly change the texture of the cookies, making them denser.
Other Desserts You Can Make With Cake Mix
Boxed cake mix is incredibly versatile and can be used to create other desserts like:
- Cake Mix Bars:
- Combine cake mix with melted butter and eggs to make thick, chewy dessert bars. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or a layer of frosting on top for an extra treat.
- Cake Mix Cupcakes:
- Use the cake mix as directed on the box, but add a bit of extra vanilla extract for a richer flavor. Top with frosting and sprinkles for a classic cupcake treat.
- Cake Pops:
- Mix crumbled cake mix cookies with frosting, form into balls, and insert lollipop sticks. Dip in melted chocolate for a fun and easy treat
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- Mix crumbled cake mix cookies with frosting, form into balls, and insert lollipop sticks. Dip in melted chocolate for a fun and easy treat
- Cake Mix Pancakes:
- Combine cake mix with eggs, milk, and a bit of flour to create fluffy, sweet pancakes. Add toppings like fruit, chocolate chips, or whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast or dessert.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity, speed, and sweetness. With just three main ingredients and countless variations, they offer a creative canvas for bakers of all skill levels. From classic chocolate chip to more adventurous options like pumpkin spice or Oreo-stuffed cookies, there’s a flavor for everyone. Experiment with different mix-ins, add-ins, and techniques to create a batch that’s uniquely yours.
Try these simple yet satisfying cookies, store them for future cravings, and even explore new ways to use cake mix beyond cookies. No matter how you bake them, cake mix cookies are sure to be a hit with friends, family, and even just yourself!