I still remember the first time I made Cake Mix Cookies. A close friend brought a plate over on a hectic weeknight, saying she’d found a no-fuss cookie recipe that was both quick and delicious. I was skeptical—cookies that start with cake mix? But one bite, and I was hooked. That slightly cakey, moist cookie texture felt like an instant win in my busy kitchen. From then on, Cake Mix Cookies became my go-to for when I needed something sweet, reliable, and satisfying without a mountain of prep.
What makes Cake Mix Cookies special is how they fit perfectly into real-life cooking. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients or an hour of free time. With just a box of cake mix and a few simple add-ins, you get soft cookies bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a last-minute dessert or a treat to pack in lunchboxes, these cookies bring everyone together. I’ve shared them at family get-togethers, neighborhood potlucks, and quiet coffee breaks.
If you’re looking for easy cookie recipes that deliver big on taste without the stress, Cake Mix Cookies should be on your radar. They’re a little different from the usual cookie hustle, offering a moist cookie texture that’s downright addictive. And the best part? There are tons of cake mix cookie variations to try—from chocolate chip to funfetti to seasonal twists.
I’m excited to walk you through the simple cookie ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions to get them just right, plus serving tips and answers to questions I get all the time from fellow home cooks. Let’s make Cake Mix Cookies a regular in your kitchen too. You’re going to love how quick baking cookies turn into an enjoyable, stress-free experience.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll gather for your batch of Cake Mix Cookies:
- 1 box of cake mix (about 15.25 oz) – I usually go for yellow or chocolate, but feel free to experiment with whatever flavor you have on hand. No problem if you don’t have classic vanilla; I’ve used funfetti and red velvet with great results.
- 2 large eggs – The glue that holds these simple cookie ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – You can swap this for melted butter or even coconut oil if you want a richer taste.
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit – These extras bring texture and flavor without complicating the process.
You’ll find cake mix right on the baking aisle next to the flours and sugars. It’s affordable and saves a lot of time since it already contains flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavoring—making your Cake Mix Cookies budget-friendly and stress-free.
A kitchen pointer: if you’re short on eggs or oil, some home cooks have tried using applesauce or Greek yogurt as substitutes. The moist cookie texture may differ slightly but can still be lovely.
For prep, having your eggs and oil ready before you start mixing will save a step. If you have leftovers, store any unused cake mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to six months.
My secret touch when making Cake Mix Cookies? I often add a pinch of salt—even if the cake mix is sweet—to balance the flavors and keep those cookies from tasting flat.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Ready to get those Cake Mix Cookies in the oven? Here’s how I do it step-by-step — from mixing bowl to delicious finished treat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until just combined. Your batter will be thick but smooth. Don’t overmix—this part is key to keeping the moist cookie texture.
- If using add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now. This is where the cake mix cookie variations really come to life, so feel free to get creative.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I like using a cookie scoop for even sizes, but a tablespoon works just fine.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes. Your kitchen should smell incredible as the cookies bake. When edges are set but the centers still look soft, pull them out. That’s the sweet spot for moist Cake Mix Cookies.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes—resisting temptation here helps them firm up and prevents crumbling.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
From start to finish, this Cake Mix Cookies recipe takes me about 25-30 minutes total. While the cookies are baking, I usually use that time to clean up the mixing mess or prep a quick cup of tea.
If your Cake Mix Cookies spread too thin or come out flat, don’t worry. It might be the oil amount or oven temperature—next time, you can try chilling the dough briefly before baking or adjusting oven settings.
One lesson I learned after many batches: temperature matters. Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Rushing the heat often means underbaked cookies without that moist texture I love.
For a twist and handy shortcut, I found a popular version of Cake Mix Cookies with just 3 ingredients over at Cake Mix Cookies (3 Ingredients) – I Heart Naptime. It’s a great quick baking cookie recipe if you want to whip up something even faster.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Cake Mix Cookies recipe shines on any occasion. I often serve these when friends drop by unexpectedly or for casual family dessert nights. They’re sweet but not overwhelming, which means they please both kids and adults alike.
Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee to complement the moist cookie texture. For a special treat, try them alongside simple vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. These pairings keep things simple but tasty.
The beauty of Cake Mix Cookies is their flexibility. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes, sharing at potlucks, or just nibbling on during a busy afternoon break. I’ve even wrapped a few in cellophane with a ribbon as a quick, thoughtful gift.
Presentation tip: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate to add a little extra flair without extra fuss.
Leftover Cake Mix Cookies? No problem. I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for up to 5 days and freeze well if you want to keep some for later.
Seasonal variations include swapping the cake mix for pumpkin spice or gingerbread flavors during fall and winter holidays. It’s a simple way to celebrate the season with ingredients you likely have on hand.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy varieties like the Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake or even this crowd-pleaser Maryland Crab Cakes recipe for a savory change.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Cake Mix Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly covered. When you’re ready, just bake as usual. Baked cookies also keep well at room temperature for several days, or freeze for later.
What’s the best substitute for oil in this Cake Mix Cookies?
You can use melted butter or coconut oil—a swap I do often. For a lighter option, applesauce works to maintain the moist cookie texture, though it changes the flavor slightly.
Can I use gluten-free cake mix?
Yes! Gluten-free cake mixes work well and produce tasty Cake Mix Cookies. Just check your add-ins are gluten free too for a safe treat.
How do I make more or fewer cookies?
The recipe scales easily. For fewer, halve all ingredients. To make a bigger batch, simply double the amounts and bake in batches.
Can I add mix-ins like candy or dried fruits?
Definitely. Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cherries add great texture and flavor. I’ve also tried adding coconut flakes or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
Why do my Cake Mix Cookies sometimes turn out dry?
Watch your baking time carefully; overbaking dries them out. The key is removing them while centers look soft. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye during the last minutes.
What if the dough is too sticky or runny?
Cake mixes vary slightly, so if your dough seems too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes. If too runny, add a small splash more cake mix to balance.
For even more easy cookie recipes and videos, check out the wonderful recipe at Easy Cookie Recipe Using Any Cake Mix Flavor {Video} – TidyMom®. You might also find inspiration in other popular Cake Mix Cookies recipes like the classic version on Allrecipes.
Final Thoughts
Cake Mix Cookies holds a special place in my recipe collection because it takes the stress out of baking without skimping on flavor. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that you can count on every time. The combination of simple cookie ingredients and quick baking cookies means you can satisfy sweet cravings anytime.
My Best Cake Mix Cookies Tips:
- Use high-quality cake mix for best results—that flavor really shines through.
- Don’t skip the rest after baking; it perfects the moist cookie texture.
- Experiment with cake mix cookie variations to keep things interesting and fun.
Some favorites I’ve tested are:
- Chocolate chip with peanut butter swirl
- Funfetti with white chocolate chips for celebrations
- Pumpkin spice cake mix cookies for fall gatherings
The peanut butter swirl batch gets requested most often in my house—a true family hit!
I hope you’ll love how easy, dependable, and tasty Cake Mix Cookies can be. This recipe welcomes any home cook, no fancy skills required. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy those moments when a simple cookie brings everyone to the table.
If you want a sweet follow-up dessert that’s just as delicious, try the Italian Love Cake. For savory pairings at your next gathering, Maryland Crab Cakes are always a win.
Happy baking, friends! Your next batch of Cake Mix Cookies awaits.
Cake Mix Cookies
Delicious and easy-to-make Cake Mix Cookies that combine the convenience of cake mix with the classic comfort of cookies. Perfect for a quick sweet treat any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Mix until a thick dough forms; fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra softness, you can slightly underbake the cookies and store them in an airtight container to keep fresh longer.