Ultimate Guide to Cake Mix Cookies: The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make
Cake mix cookies are a brilliant shortcut to homemade cookies that are both delicious and incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients—cake mix, oil, and eggs—you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies in no time. This recipe by Jamielyn Nye is perfect for those moments when you want a sweet treat without the hassle of measuring out multiple ingredients. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to get creative with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. Let’s dive into how you can make the perfect cake mix cookies and explore some fun variations.
Why Cake Mix Cookies?
Cake mix cookies are a lifesaver for busy bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert. Here’s why you should consider making these cookies:
- Simplicity: With only three ingredients required, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for beginners. There’s no need to measure out flour, sugar, or leavening agents—everything you need is in the cake mix.
- Versatility: The basic recipe is a blank canvas that can be customized in countless ways. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, red velvet, or even peanut butter, there’s a cake mix cookie variation for you.
- Quick Prep Time: From start to finish, these cookies can be ready in just 20 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute dessert needs or when you’re craving something sweet.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy cake mix cookies:
- Cake Mix (15.25-ounce box): The star of the recipe, cake mix provides all the dry ingredients you need, including flour, sugar, and leavening agents. You can use any flavor of cake mix, from classic yellow or chocolate to more unique options like red velvet or lemon.
- Vegetable Oil (½ scant cup) or Melted Butter (7 tablespoons): Oil or melted butter adds moisture to the cookies, making them soft and tender. Vegetable oil is a bit lighter, while butter gives a richer flavor.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
Optional Mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips, M&M’s, Rolo’s, nuts, or sprinkles can be added to customize your cookies. These mix-ins add texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making cake mix cookies couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil (or melted butter), and eggs. Stir until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is normal.
- If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and scoop, as it reduces the stickiness.
3. Scoop and Shape:
- Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- If you’re adding any toppings like chocolate chips or M&M’s, press them into the tops of the cookies before baking.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they are set. The cookies should be firm to the touch but not browned. They may appear slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
5. Serve and Store:
- Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in a covered container at room temperature for up to three days.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about cake mix cookies is how versatile they are. Here are some fun variations you can try:
1. Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Use a red velvet cake mix and stir in 1 cup of white chocolate chips. The vibrant red color combined with the sweet, creamy white chocolate makes these cookies a standout treat.
2. M&M Cookies:
- For a classic twist, use a white or yellow cake mix and mix in 1 cup of M&M’s. The colorful candies add a fun, festive look to the cookies, making them perfect for parties or holidays.
3. Devil’s Food Rolo Cookies:
- Chocolate lovers will adore this variation. Use a devil’s food cake mix and press a Rolo candy into the center of each cookie before baking. The result is a rich, chocolatey cookie with a gooey caramel center.
4. Lemon Blueberry Cookies:
- For a fresh and fruity option, use a lemon cake mix and fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries. The tartness of the lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy blueberries.
5. Funfetti Cookies:
- For a birthday-inspired treat, use a funfetti cake mix and add extra sprinkles to the dough. These colorful cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Dipping and Decorating
If you want to take your cake mix cookies to the next level, try dipping them in chocolate or adding extra decorations:
1. Chocolate-Dipped Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, melt some chocolate (either milk, dark, or white) and dip half of each cookie into the chocolate. Lay the dipped cookies on wax paper and add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. Let them set until the chocolate is firm.
2. Sandwich Cookies:
- Use two cookies to create a sandwich with your favorite filling in the middle. You can use frosting, Nutella, peanut butter, or even ice cream for a delicious treat.
3. Drizzled Icing:
- Mix up a simple icing with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice. Drizzle it over the tops of the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, perfect for occasional treats. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one cookie (based on the recipe making 24 cookies):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Cholesterol: 13mg
- Sodium: 136mg
- Potassium: 13mg
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 20 IU
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific cake mix and add-ins you use.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your cake mix cookies turn out perfectly every time:
1. Don’t Overbake:
- Cake mix cookies should be soft and chewy, so be careful not to overbake them. They’re done when the edges are set, but the centers may still look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Use a Cookie Scoop:
- For evenly sized cookies that bake consistently, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This also helps keep your hands clean and makes the process faster.
3. Refrigerate the Dough:
- If your dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
4. Experiment with Mix-ins:
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins. Nuts, dried fruit, and candy pieces all make great additions to cake mix cookies.
5. Store Properly:
- To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to three days.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. With endless possibilities for customization, you can create a variety of cookies that cater to your taste preferences and satisfy your sweet tooth. So, the next time you’re in the mood for cookies but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, reach for a box of cake mix and get baking!
