Cake Mix Cookies Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
Cake mix cookies are the perfect recipe for when you want fresh, homemade cookies but don’t have much time. Using a pre-made cake mix as the base, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies in under 30 minutes. This recipe is so simple that it requires only a few additional ingredients, and it’s highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just a sweet treat at home, cake mix cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Cake Mix Cookies
Here’s a basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make these cookies. Depending on the flavor of cake mix you choose, the outcome will vary, but that’s what makes this recipe so fun! You can use yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even funfetti for a colorful twist.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor) – This is the star of the show. The cake mix already has flour, sugar, and leavening agents, making the recipe quick and straightforward. You can experiment with different flavors for variety.
- 2 large eggs – The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture to the cookies. You can substitute with a flax egg or applesauce if you’re looking for an egg-free version.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter) – Oil adds moisture and gives the cookies their chewy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, melted butter is a great alternative.
- Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles) – These are what make the cookies extra special. Chocolate chips or chunks are classic, but you can also add chopped nuts for crunch, sprinkles for a fun pop of color, or dried fruit for a bit of natural sweetness.
Instructions for Making Cake Mix Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to bake your cookies the moment you’re finished mixing the dough.
- Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil (or melted butter). Stir until the dough is fully combined and smooth. The consistency will be thicker than cake batter but softer than typical cookie dough.
- Add your mix-ins. Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins at this point. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. Around 1 cup of mix-ins should be enough, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Scoop out the dough. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls, about the size of a tablespoon, and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool the cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
- Don’t overbake: One of the biggest mistakes people make with cake mix cookies is overbaking. Since these cookies are softer than traditional ones, you want to take them out of the oven while they’re still a bit undercooked in the center. They’ll finish cooking as they cool, resulting in the perfect chewy texture.
- Chill the dough: If you want your cookies to be thicker and less spread out, chill the dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes before scooping. This will prevent the cookies from flattening too much during baking.
- Use different cake mix flavors: You’re not limited to just one kind of cake mix. Try red velvet, devil’s food, lemon, or spice cake for a different twist every time. You can also use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Add frosting: Want to take these cookies to the next level? Once they’re cool, top them with a layer of frosting. Cream cheese frosting goes well with red velvet cookies, while a simple chocolate glaze can make chocolate cake mix cookies even more decadent.
Variations of Cake Mix Cookies
1. Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies:
Use a funfetti cake mix and stir in additional rainbow sprinkles for an extra pop of color. These cookies are perfect for birthday parties or any festive occasion.
2. Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies:
A chocolate lover’s dream! Use a chocolate cake mix and add in white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a delicious contrast in flavor.
3. Lemon Cake Mix Cookies:
For a fresh and zesty treat, use a lemon cake mix and stir in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries. These are especially delightful in the spring and summer.
4. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies:
Use a red velvet cake mix and add cream cheese chips or chunks of dark chocolate. For an extra special touch, drizzle them with cream cheese frosting.
Pairings for Cake Mix Cookies
Pair your cookies with these delightful beverages and side treats for the ultimate dessert experience:
- Milk or Coffee: A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee makes the perfect companion for these soft cookies. The creamy texture of milk complements the richness of the cookies, while the bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an extra indulgent dessert, sandwich your cookies around a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or any other favorite ice cream flavor. This is especially fun with chocolate or funfetti cake mix cookies.
- Hot Cocoa: During the winter months, pair chocolate cake mix cookies with a cup of rich hot cocoa. Add whipped cream and marshmallows for an extra cozy treat.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I make cake mix cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with alternatives like flax eggs or applesauce. For flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Applesauce also works as a 1:1 substitute for eggs, adding moisture without altering the flavor too much.
2. How do I store cake mix cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes! Using melted butter instead of oil will give the cookies a richer flavor. It may also make the cookies slightly thicker, but they’ll still be soft and chewy.
4. Why is my cookie dough too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, it could be because the eggs or oil/butter were too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle. This will also prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Nutritional Insights
Cake mix cookies are undeniably a treat, but there are ways to make them slightly healthier. Using oil instead of butter can lower the amount of saturated fat in the cookies. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by choosing a reduced-sugar cake mix or adding fewer mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles. If you want to add a bit of fiber, use a whole grain cake mix or stir in oats. Keep in mind that the nutritional content will vary depending on the cake mix and mix-ins you choose.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies are a fun, fast, and versatile recipe that delivers delicious results every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a quick dessert fix, these cookies will hit the spot. The best part? You can personalize the recipe to suit your taste, making them truly your own. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of freshly baked cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!