Cookies are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages, and they come in countless varieties and flavors. However, not everyone has the time or expertise to bake cookies from scratch. That’s where the beauty of cake mix cookies comes in. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only three ingredients, and they offer endless customization possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, cake mix cookies provide a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a box of cake mix, some oil or butter, and a couple of eggs, you can whip up a batch of delicious, soft, and chewy cookies in no time.
The Appeal of Cake Mix Cookies
The convenience of cake mix cookies cannot be overstated. With minimal effort, you can have a batch of freshly baked cookies ready in about 20 minutes. The simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for last-minute baking, when you need a quick dessert or a snack for unexpected guests. Moreover, the versatility of cake mix cookies is a major draw. By changing the flavor of the cake mix and adding your favorite mix-ins, you can create a variety of cookies that cater to different tastes and preferences.
These cookies are also a great project for kids to help with in the kitchen. The simple, straightforward steps make it easy for little hands to get involved, and the fun of adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even Rolo candies makes the process enjoyable for everyone. The end result is a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging on your own.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essential Ingredients
- Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The star ingredient of this recipe, cake mix serves as the base for the cookies. The mix already contains flour, sugar, and leavening agents, so you don’t need to measure out multiple dry ingredients. Cake mix comes in a variety of flavors, allowing you to customize your cookies with ease.
- Vegetable Oil (½ scant cup) or Melted Butter (7 tablespoons): The oil or butter adds moisture to the cookie dough, resulting in soft and chewy cookies. Vegetable oil is a convenient option, but if you prefer a richer flavor, melted butter is a great alternative.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs provide structure to the cookies, helping to bind the ingredients together and giving the cookies a soft, tender texture.
Optional Mix-Ins
- Chocolate Chips: A classic addition, chocolate chips add a burst of chocolatey goodness to the cookies.
- M&Ms: For a colorful and fun twist, M&Ms can be mixed into the dough, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
- Rolos: For a gooey surprise, Rolos can be added to the dough, creating a chocolate caramel center in each cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs. Stir the ingredients together until they are fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is normal for cake mix cookies.
- Tip: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and less sticky, making it easier to scoop and shape the cookies.
Adding Mix-Ins
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or Rolos, gently fold them into the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the mix-ins to break or the dough to become tough.
- Customization Ideas:
- Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip: Use red velvet cake mix and mix in 1 cup of white chocolate chips for a festive and decadent treat.
- M&M Cookies: Use white or yellow cake mix and fold in 1 cup of M&Ms for colorful, fun cookies.
- Devil’s Food with Rolos: If you’re a chocolate lover, use devil’s food cake mix and add Rolos to the dough for a rich, chocolatey cookie with a gooey caramel center.
- Customization Ideas:
Baking the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking. If desired, press a few additional mix-ins on top of each dough ball for extra flavor and a more attractive appearance.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they are set. The cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. You don’t want them to brown, as this can make the cookies dry and less soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows the cookies to set and makes them easier to handle.
Serving and Storing
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies are completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a glass of milk, or package them up as a gift for friends and family. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday celebrations.
- Store the Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: One of the keys to making soft, chewy cookies is not overbaking them. The cookies should be just set and slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly soft texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, refrigerating it for 15 to 20 minutes can make it easier to handle. This step is especially helpful if you’re using melted butter instead of oil.
- Customize with Mix-Ins: The beauty of cake mix cookies is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors of cake mix and mix-ins. From chocolate chips to nuts, dried fruit, and candy, the possibilities are endless.
Variations and Customizations
- Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies: Use funfetti cake mix and add extra sprinkles to the dough for a colorful, festive cookie that’s perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: For a bright, citrusy treat, use lemon cake mix and add a bit of lemon zest to the dough. You can also dip the cooled cookies in a lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies: In the fall, use pumpkin spice cake mix and add white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough. These cookies are full of warm, cozy flavors that are perfect for autumn.
- Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies: Combine a peanut butter cake mix with chocolate chips for a classic flavor combination that everyone will love. For an extra treat, press a Reese’s peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie before baking.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy homemade cookies without the fuss of traditional baking. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a variety of cookies that are sure to please any crowd. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to get creative with different flavors and mix-ins, making it a fun project for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic chocolate chip cookies or want to experiment with new flavors like red velvet or lemon, cake mix cookies provide a quick and easy solution. The end result is always a batch of soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. So the next time you’re in need of a sweet treat, give cake mix cookies a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie recipe.