I still remember the first time I made these Cake Mix Cookies. It was a hectic weeknight, and I needed something quick, comforting, and foolproof. The pantry held a box of cake mix, and that sparked an idea. From that moment, Cake Mix Cookies became my go-to solution whenever I wanted a soft, chewy treat without fussing over a long recipe.
Cake Mix Cookies fit perfectly into the realities of home cooking. They’re an easy cookie recipe that doesn’t demand fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Whether you’ve had a busy day or are craving something sweet to share with family, this recipe comes through. It uses the magic of cake mix combined with just a few other simple ingredients, making it one of the most reliable cake mix desserts you can make.
What I love most is how versatile these homemade cake mix cookies are. You can easily swap add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles, making them truly your own. And because they bake quickly, they’re ideal for quick cookie baking sessions when time is tight.
If you’re a home cook looking for a recipe that delivers dependable flavor with soft, chewy cookies every time, I warmly invite you to try these Cake Mix Cookies. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe box, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor you like—yellow, chocolate, or red velvet work great)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended for extra sweetness)
No worries if you don’t have vegetable oil—I often use melted butter in my Cake Mix Cookies for a richer flavor. You’ll find cake mix and basic baking staples in your regular grocery aisle, which keeps this recipe wallet-friendly. This recipe is budget-friendly because it relies mostly on pantry staples many cooks already have.
If you want to prep ahead, mix everything together except the chocolate chips and stir them in just before baking. Extras store well in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze the dough balls for later quick cookie baking.
One little preference I have is to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, but that’s totally optional. This Cake Mix Cookies recipe is so forgiving, you can tweak it to your taste without worry.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting the right soft, chewy texture in your Cake Mix Cookies.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together with no dry spots. It will look thick and a little sticky—this is exactly what you want.
- Fold in chocolate chips if you choose to add them. Feel free to substitute with nuts or even dried fruit for a different spin on your cake mix desserts.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This quick cookie baking setup ensures they don’t spread too much.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing as these Cake Mix Cookies bake. Look for edges that are set but centers that still look soft—that’s your cue to take them out.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time helps keep the soft chewy cookies tender and prevents them from breaking.
From start to finish, this Cake Mix Cookies recipe takes about 25 minutes. While the cookies bake, it’s a perfect moment to tidy up your mixing bowls or set the table.
A quick kitchen tip: if you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. I used to rush this step, but giving the dough some rest really improves the texture of homemade cake mix cookies.
If you’re looking for shortcuts, there’s no need to grease your baking sheet when using a nonstick or parchment-lined surface—makes cleanup easier too.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This Cake Mix Cookies recipe is so flexible when it comes to serving. I usually enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert everyone loves.
For parties or casual get-togethers, these soft chewy cookies are crowd-pleasers that work well with easy sides like fresh fruit or even a cup of coffee. They’re great for lunchbox treats or an after-dinner nibble.
When I want to keep things fresh and seasonal, I mix in extras like cinnamon chips in fall or add peppermint during winter holidays. These little touches make this dessert feel just right for the moment.
Presentation doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple stack on a pretty plate or a basket lined with a kitchen towel is enough to invite compliments.
Leftover Cake Mix Cookies? No problem! Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a quick crunch, or pack them up for a kid-friendly snack on the go. Friends and family often tell me these cookies remind them of homemade comfort food, which honestly is the best compliment.
If you love this family favorite cookie, you might also enjoy similar easy cookie recipes like my Maryland crab cakes recipe, which is a little more savory but just as quick and satisfying.
Your Questions Answered:
Q: Can I make Cake Mix Cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.
Q: What’s a good substitute for vegetable oil in Cake Mix Cookies?
A: Melted butter is my go-to swap—it adds a rich flavor and keeps cookies soft. Applesauce is another option if you want to cut fat and add a bit of natural sweetness.
Q: How do I adjust this recipe for fewer or more people?
A: This recipe is simple to scale. For fewer cookies, halve the ingredients and bake smaller batches. Need more? Double it and bake in batches as your oven allows.
Q: Are Cake Mix Cookies gluten-free?
A: It depends on your cake mix choice. There are gluten-free cake mixes on the market that work well if you want to keep this dessert friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Q: Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
A: Definitely. Try nuts, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped candy bars. These homemade cake mix cookies invite creativity!
Q: How soft and chewy are these cookies?
A: Very! The cake mix base keeps them tender with a slightly cakey texture. Just watch your bake time closely to keep that softness.
Q: Can I use this method with other cake mix desserts?
A: Yes! The mix-and-bake idea works for quick muffins or cake bars. For inspiration, check out Cake Mix Cookies (3 Ingredients) – I Heart Naptime or the classic Cake Mix Cookies Recipe for variety.
For more ideas on quick desserts you can rely on, visit Simply Recipes’ cake mix cookies.
Final Thoughts:
This Cake Mix Cookies recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a guaranteed win. It’s the kind of recipe I pull out when I want a quick, delightful treat with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction. From load to load, it never fails me, making it a dependable favorite for family and friends.
My Best Cake Mix Cookies Tips:
- Don’t skip the resting time—chilling the dough slightly can make a big difference.
- Pay close attention to baking time to keep soft chewy cookies every time.
- Add your favorite mix-ins to keep this recipe from feeling boring.
I’ve tested versions with red velvet, yellow, and chocolate cake mixes. Each brings something a bit different, but the chocolate chip addition always gets the most requests. I also enjoy swapping vanilla for almond extract now and then for a subtle twist.
I encourage you to make this Cake Mix Cookies recipe your own. Play with add-ins, try different cake mix flavors, and be confident that these cookies will come out soft and delicious every time. What I hope you’ll love most is how effortless baking can still bring so much joy to your table.
If you’re looking for another comforting cake-inspired dish to try next, you might like my cozy Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake or the elegant Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake.
Happy baking, friend! Your kitchen will thank you for making these crowd-pleasing Cake Mix Cookies again and again.
Cake Mix Cookies
These Cake Mix Cookies are an easy, delicious treat combining the moistness of cake with the chewy texture of cookies, perfect for quick baking and satisfying your sweet tooth.
- 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)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For softer cookies, slightly underbake and store in an airtight container. You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors for variety.