Craving something sweet but short on time? These Cake Mix Cookies are your answer. Soft, chewy, and made with just three simple ingredients, they’re the ultimate quick dessert. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or an afternoon treat with kids, these cookies come together in minutes and taste unbelievably good.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Cookies
You’ll love these cookies because they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a box of cake mix, a couple of eggs, and some oil, you’ll have soft, chewy cookies ready in no time. There’s no mixer needed, and cleanup is a breeze. You can use any cake mix flavor—chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or lemon—so the possibilities are endless. They’re perfect for last-minute desserts, bake sales, or when you just need something sweet fast. The texture is soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, and every bite feels homemade. Plus, you can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts for even more fun. These cookies are perfect for busy bakers and anyone who loves a quick, foolproof recipe.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
All you need is one box of cake mix—any flavor you like. Chocolate makes rich, fudgy cookies, while lemon or Funfetti adds a sweet, cheerful twist. Next, add two eggs to help the cookies rise and stay soft. A half-cup of vegetable or canola oil keeps them moist and tender. If you want extra sweetness or texture, fold in half a cup of chocolate chips, M&Ms, or chopped nuts. You can even use sprinkles for colorful cookies that kids adore.
Kitchen Tools
You’ll only need a few basics: a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a spoon or spatula to stir, and a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy release. A cooling rack helps cool the cookies evenly and keeps them from getting soggy. That’s it—no fancy tools or electric mixer required.
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies Step-by-Step
Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until the dough is smooth and thick. If you’d like, fold in chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you love. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle. If it feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Portion and Shape
Next, use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a greased or lined baking sheet. Space each ball about two inches apart to prevent sticking. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough briefly before baking. This small step helps them hold their shape and keeps the centers soft.
Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 11 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the centers still look slightly soft. That’s your sign they’re ready. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. As they cool, they’ll firm up perfectly but stay chewy inside.
Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
For the best results, avoid overbaking. The cookies will look a bit underdone when they come out, but they finish cooking as they cool. Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even baking. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking. Try experimenting with different cake mix flavors—chocolate, lemon, or even red velvet are all delicious. Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days. You can also freeze them for later, and they’ll taste just as fresh once thawed. These tips make baking simple and stress-free every time.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
This recipe is so flexible you’ll never get bored. Try a chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips for a rich, nutty combo. Funfetti mix pairs beautifully with white chocolate chips for a colorful treat. Red velvet cookies are amazing with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style finish. For something refreshing, coat lemon mix cookies in powdered sugar before baking. You can also match flavors to the season—pumpkin spice in the fall or strawberry in summer. Have fun trying new combos and make each batch your own.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These cookies are great for every occasion—serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or sandwich them with ice cream for a quick frozen dessert. For storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to plan ahead, freeze the baked cookies or dough balls. Then, bake or reheat whenever you need a fresh batch of warm, chewy cookies.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- chewy chocolate chip cookie bars for a quick dessert
- fudgy peppermint brownies for the holidays
- sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and easy to make
- simple chocolate no-bake cookies for fast desserts
- rich chocolate mousse brownies for any dessert tray
Final Thoughts
Cake Mix Cookies are the ultimate quick dessert for anyone who loves baking without the fuss. They’re soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you use chocolate, vanilla, or lemon cake mix, the result is always delicious. Keep this recipe handy for busy days or sweet cravings. Don’t forget to check my Pinterest page for more easy baking ideas you’ll love.
Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor, such as chocolate)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together cake mix, eggs, and oil until a thick, smooth dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Chill 10–15 minutes for thicker cookies if dough is very soft.
- Bake 10–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft. Cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
