Cake mix cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the convenience of boxed cake mix with the joy of homemade cookies. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are a fantastic way to whip up something sweet in no time.

Okay, let me tell you about these cake mix cookies—I first discovered the recipe in a church cookbook (shoutout to my easy dump cake, which was also in there!) years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Seriously, I’ve made so many variations of these cookies that I’ve even ventured into cake mix brownies. Who knew a box of cake mix could be so versatile?

These cookies are my secret weapon when I need something quick and delicious but don’t feel like rummaging through my pantry for a million ingredients. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a box of cake mix, some oil, and a couple of eggs lying around? They’re soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. Plus, the flavor options are endless—chocolate chip, red velvet, lemon, you name it!

And here’s the best part: these cookies are so easy that even my kids can help make them without causing a kitchen disaster. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, whether I’m bringing them to a party or just satisfying a sweet tooth at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

In this article, we’ll explore how to make cookies from cake mix, share some baking tips, discuss various cake mix cookie variations, and answer frequently asked questions.

How To Make Cookies From Cake Mix

Making cookies from cake mix is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Ingredients:

• 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• Optional: mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a dough forms. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them into the dough at this stage.
3. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
4. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t overbake.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious cake mix cookies!

Baking Tips

While cake mix cookies are straightforward to make, a few tips can help you achieve the best results:

1. Choose the Right Cake Mix: The flavor of your cookies will depend on the cake mix you choose. Popular options include chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and lemon. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined to ensure a tender texture.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Monitor Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
5. Add Mix-Ins: Customize your cookies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or dried fruit. This can add extra flavor and texture to your cookies.
6. Store Properly: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies for longer storage.

Cake Mix Cookie Variations

One of the best things about cake mix cookies is their versatility. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a yellow or vanilla cake mix.
• Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Bake as directed and enjoy classic chocolate chip cookies with a cake mix twist.

2. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a red velvet cake mix.
• Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
• Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

3. Lemon Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a lemon cake mix.
• Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the dough for a tangy-sweet flavor.
• Top with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

4. Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a funfetti cake mix.
• Add extra sprinkles to the dough for a festive look.
• Perfect for birthdays or celebrations.

5. Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a yellow or chocolate cake mix.
• Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough.
• Mix in 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips for double the peanut butter flavor.

6. Oatmeal Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a spice or cinnamon cake mix.
• Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough.
• Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture.

7. Mint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a chocolate cake mix.
• Add 1/2 cup of mint chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints.
• Perfect for a refreshing treat.

8. Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies:

• Use a spice cake mix.
• Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the dough.
• Mix in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a seasonal delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any flavor of cake mix?

• Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix to make cookies. Popular choices include chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and lemon, but feel free to get creative with other flavors.

2. Can I make cake mix cookies without eggs?

• Yes, you can make cake mix cookies without eggs by using an egg substitute like applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I freeze cake mix cookie dough?

• Absolutely! You can freeze the dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. How do I store baked cake mix cookies?

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

5. Can I add frosting to cake mix cookies?

• Yes, you can add frosting to cake mix cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Consider using a simple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or store-bought frosting for convenience.

6. Why are my cake mix cookies flat?

• Flat cookies can result from several factors, including overmixing the dough, using too much oil or butter, or baking at too low a temperature. Ensure you follow the recipe closely and avoid overmixing to achieve the desired cookie texture.

7. Can I make cake mix cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, you can make gluten-free cake mix cookies by using a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients, including mix-ins, are also gluten-free.

8. Can I make cake mix cookies vegan?

• Yes, you can make vegan cake mix cookies by using a vegan cake mix and substituting the eggs with a vegan alternative like flax eggs or applesauce. Ensure the oil or butter you use is also vegan.

9. How can I make my cake mix cookies chewier?

• To achieve a chewier texture, try using melted butter instead of oil and slightly underbaking the cookies. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool, resulting in a chewier cookie.

10. Can I make cake mix cookies in different shapes?

• While cake mix cookies are typically dropped by the spoonful, you can experiment with shaping the dough into different forms. Keep in mind that the dough may spread during baking, so intricate shapes may not hold perfectly.

Conclusion

Cake mix cookies are a versatile and easy-to-make treat that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a box of cake mix, you can create delicious cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out one of the many variations, cake mix cookies are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Happy baking!