Cake Mix Cookies: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Cake mix cookies are the perfect solution for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. These cookies are incredibly simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer endless flavor variations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will help you whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any leftover cake mix in your pantry!
What Are Cake Mix Cookies?
Cake mix cookies are exactly what they sound like—cookies made from a boxed cake mix. The cake mix serves as the base, and with just a few additional ingredients like eggs and oil, you can turn it into soft, chewy cookies. The beauty of cake mix cookies is that they maintain the light and fluffy texture of cake while taking the form of cookies. And since you’re using a pre-made mix, there’s no need to measure out dry ingredients, making the process even easier.
Ingredients for Cake Mix Cookies
The best part about this recipe is how few ingredients are needed! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor you like)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- Optional mix-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, etc.)
That’s it—just four ingredients! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add your own spin with optional ingredients like chocolate chips, candy pieces, or dried fruit.
Instructions: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven enough time to heat up while you prepare the cookie dough.
2. Prepare the Cake Mix
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the entire box of cake mix. You can use any flavor you like—yellow, chocolate, red velvet, funfetti, or even lemon! The flavor of the cake mix will determine the flavor of your cookies, so choose your favorite.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack two large eggs into the bowl with the cake mix, followed by 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. If you prefer, you can substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer and more buttery taste. The butter will also make the cookies slightly denser.
4. Mix Everything Together
Using a wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil until a dough forms. The dough will be thicker than traditional cookie dough but should still be easy to work with.
Tip: If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or milk to help it come together. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up.
5. Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
Now comes the fun part! If you want to add some extra flair to your cookies, this is the time to fold in your chosen mix-ins. Here are some popular ideas:
- Chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture
- Sprinkles for a festive look
- M&Ms or candy pieces for a colorful and fun twist
- Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a bit of tartness
You can mix and match these as you like, or leave them out entirely for a simpler cookie.
6. Scoop the Dough onto a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. The dough will spread a bit as it bakes, so make sure there’s enough room for the cookies to expand.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the middle. If you like your cookies more on the chewy side, aim for the shorter baking time. For slightly crispier cookies, leave them in for the full 12 minutes.
Note: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies around the 9-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
8. Let the Cookies Cool
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about cake mix cookies is their versatility. You can create endless flavor combinations based on the cake mix you choose and the mix-ins you add. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Cake Mix + Peanut Butter Chips: A rich and indulgent combo.
- Funfetti Cake Mix + White Chocolate Chips: Perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix + Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle: For a decadent treat.
- Lemon Cake Mix + Fresh Zest: Light and refreshing, perfect for summer.
- Spice Cake Mix + Chopped Pecans: Great for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the wet ingredients are incorporated into the cake mix, stop mixing. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies are a quick and easy dessert that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute party dessert or a fun baking activity with kids, this recipe is a go-to. Plus, the flexibility of flavors and mix-ins means you can make a new variation every time!