Are you in the mood for a batch of warm, fresh cookies but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Or maybe you’re craving a homemade treat but don’t want to deal with the mess of multiple ingredients? Cookies recipes using cake mixes are the answer to your sweet tooth and time constraints! They’re simple, quick, and versatile, allowing you to create cookies in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. All you need is a box of your favorite cake mix, and you’re halfway to the softest, most delicious cookies you’ve ever tasted.
In this article, we will explore how to make the perfect cake mix cookies. You’ll discover different flavor combinations, how to add personal touches to your cookies, and tips for making them even better. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this guide will make baking cookies from cake mix as easy as pie (or should we say, cake!).
Why We Love Cookies Made from Cake Mix
If you’ve never tried baking cookies using cake mixes, you might wonder why it’s such a popular shortcut. Let’s dive into the benefits of this time-saving method:
- Less Prep Time: Making cookies from scratch can be a bit time-consuming. From measuring flour to mixing the dough, the process can take up to an hour. When using cake mixes, the batter comes together in minutes, giving you more time to relax or prepare other treats.
- Minimal Ingredients: Most cake mix cookie recipes require only a few additional ingredients like eggs, oil, and possibly some mix-ins. No need to stock your pantry with various dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, or cornstarch.
- Fluffier Cookies: Cake mixes are designed to produce moist, light, and airy cakes, which translates perfectly into soft, fluffy cookies. The result? Bakery-style cookies every time.
- Flavor Versatility: Cake mixes come in a variety of flavors, allowing you to experiment with endless cookie combinations. From chocolate and vanilla to lemon and red velvet, the flavor possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
What You Need to Make Cake Mix Cookies
Before we jump into the details of the cookie recipe, let’s cover the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Basic Cake Mix Cookie Dough:
- 1 box of cake mix: Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla, chocolate, lemon, red velvet, or any other cake mix flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup oil: Vegetable or canola oil works best, but you can also use melted butter for a richer flavor.
Optional Mix-ins:
You can customize the flavor of your cookies by adding in a variety of ingredients such as:
- Chocolate chips
- M&Ms
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
- Peanut butter chips
- Chopped dried fruit
- Sprinkles (especially fun for holidays or birthday cookies!)
How to Make the Best Cake Mix Cookies
The process of making cookies from cake mix is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the best batch:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until smooth. If you are adding any mix-ins (like chocolate chips or sprinkles), fold them into the dough at this point.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of cake mix used.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the cookies set and prevents them from falling apart.
- If you’re adding frosting, let the cookies cool completely before applying it.
Flavor Combinations for Cake Mix Cookies
The beauty of cake mix cookies is their versatility. Here are some of the best flavor combinations you can try:
- Strawberry White Chocolate Chip: Use a strawberry cake mix and add white chocolate chips for a delightful strawberries-and-cream flavor.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Combine chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips for a flavor combination similar to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
- Birthday Cake: Use a white cake mix and add colorful sprinkles for a festive, fun treat.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: For a refreshing, zesty twist, use a lemon cake mix and add poppy seeds. These cookies are perfect for a spring or summer dessert.
- Chocolate M&M: For a chocolate overload, use a chocolate cake mix and add M&Ms. The crunch of the candy coating adds a delightful texture to each bite.
How to Store Cake Mix Cookie Dough
If you don’t want to bake all of your cake mix cookie dough right away, here are a few storage tips:
Refrigerating Cookie Dough:
- Store the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. This allows you to bake fresh cookies as needed.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Freeze the dough for longer storage. Divide the dough into cookie-sized portions and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last?
Once you’ve made a batch of delicious cake mix cookies, the next thing you’ll want to know is how long they’ll last. Proper storage is key to ensuring your cookies stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last at Room Temperature?
- Room temperature: If stored properly in an airtight container, cake mix cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. To prevent the cookies from getting stale or drying out, be sure to keep them tightly sealed in a container or wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Serving tip: If you’re preparing cookies for a party or an event, be sure to set out only what will be eaten within the day and store the rest.
How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last in the Refrigerator?
- Refrigerated: If you want to store your cookies for a longer period, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 7 days. The cold environment will help preserve the freshness of the frosting (if applied) and keep the cookies moist.
How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last in the Freezer?
- Frozen: To keep your cookies for a longer period, freeze them. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake mix cookies will last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To thaw, place the frozen cookies in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If you want to warm them up slightly, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to soften them.
Tips for Making Perfect Cookies Recipes Using Cake Mixes
Making cake mix cookies is incredibly easy, but there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your cookies are absolutely perfect every time.
1. Measure Ingredients Correctly
Even though you’re using a cake mix, the way you measure your ingredients still matters. For the best texture, be sure to measure your oil, eggs, and any additional ingredients like chocolate chips or sprinkles properly.
2. Use the Right Cake Mix
Different cake mixes yield different results. Choose a cake mix that suits the flavor you’re craving. For instance, if you want a rich, indulgent cookie, a chocolate cake mix will work wonders. If you want a lighter, fluffier cookie, go for a vanilla or lemon cake mix.
3. Chill the Dough Before Baking
If you find your dough too sticky to handle or scoop, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to scoop.
4. Do Not Overmix
When mixing the dough, only stir until everything is well combined. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough, so mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
5. Check the Cookies Frequently
Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from overcooking. The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden but the center is still soft.
6. Use Parchment Paper or a Silpat Mat
To ensure your cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet, use parchment paper or a Silpat mat. This makes for easier cleanup and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
7. Let the Cookies Cool
Once your cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 4 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will allow them to firm up and prevent them from falling apart.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Cookies Recipes Using Cake Mixes
Cake mix cookies are incredibly versatile. If you’re looking to get creative, there are plenty of ways to customize the flavors and textures. Here are some fun ideas:
1. Add More Texture with Mix-ins
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- Coconut: For a tropical twist, stir in some shredded coconut. This pairs particularly well with a lemon or vanilla cake mix.
- Candy: Add chopped candy bars, mini M&Ms, or peanut butter cups to make your cookies even more indulgent.
2. Frosting Variations
If you’re looking to frost your cookies, here are some frosting ideas:
- Buttercream Frosting: Smooth and rich, this classic frosting can be tinted any color and flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or other extracts.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a tangy flavor to your cake mix cookies with cream cheese frosting, especially for flavors like red velvet or carrot cake.
- Whipped Cream Frosting: Lighter and fluffier than buttercream, whipped cream frosting can add a delicate touch to your cookies.
3. Mix Cake Mix Flavors for New Creations
Try combining two cake mixes for an entirely new flavor profile. For example, blend a chocolate cake mix with a strawberry cake mix for a fun twist on a classic chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
4. Add a Touch of Spice
For a spiced-up version of your cookies, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger. These spices add depth and complexity to cookies made with a vanilla or yellow cake mix.
Nutritional Facts for Cookies Recipes Using Cake Mixes
While cake mix cookies are a delicious and easy treat, it’s always good to know the nutritional breakdown. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content of a single cookie (based on a typical batch):
Per Cookie (based on a 15-cookie yield):
- Calories: 217
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 269mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 2g
These cake mix cookies are relatively high in calories due to the sugar and fat content, so enjoy them as an occasional treat. You can always adjust the recipe by using a lower-fat cake mix or reducing sugar to make them slightly healthier.
Summary: Cookies Recipes Using Cake Mixes
Cake mix cookies provide a quick and easy solution for anyone craving a homemade treat without the hassle of traditional cookie recipes. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, these cookies come together in a snap, offering a soft and chewy texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The versatility of cake mix cookies means you can customize them with a variety of flavors and mix-ins to suit your taste, whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or something more exotic.
From making dough in minutes to creating flavor-packed cookies in less than 30 minutes, cake mix cookies are the perfect solution for busy bakers or anyone looking for a shortcut to a homemade dessert. Whether you’re baking for a party, an after-school snack, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit every time!
Recipe Card: Cookies Recipes Using Cake Mixes
Ingredients
For the Cake Mix Cookies:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- M&Ms
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans)
- Coconut flakes
- Peanut butter chips
- Sprinkles
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until the dough is smooth.
- If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or chopped nuts, fold them in now.
- Scoop the Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing the dough about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting:
- If you want to frost your cookies, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until you achieve the desired frosting consistency.
- Frost the cooled cookies and add sprinkles or extra mix-ins as garnish.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Frosting: You can use store-bought frosting if you prefer a quicker option.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins such as coconut flakes, peanut butter chips, or candy pieces.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, assuming a yield of 15 cookies)
- Calories: 217
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 269mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 2g
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15 cookies
Calories: 217 per cookie
Yield: 15 cookies