Easy cake mix cookies

Cookies made with cake mix? Yep, you read that right—and no, it’s not cheating. Cake mix cookies are one of the fastest, tastiest ways to get bakery-style cookies with barely any effort. Whether you’re short on time, new to baking, or just want a no-fuss treat, these cookies have your back.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what makes cake mix cookies special to how you can customize them for holidays, birthdays, or midnight cravings. You’ll find the best add-ins, expert tips, storage ideas, and even solutions to common cookie fails. Oh, and did we mention you’ll only need a few ingredients and a single bowl?

By the time you finish this article, you’ll be a total pro at making cookies from a box of cake mix—fluffy, chewy, golden-brown goodness guaranteed.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Basic Ingredients Needed

One of the best parts about cake mix cookies is how few ingredients you actually need. Seriously—you can whip up a batch with as few as three items! The base always starts with a boxed cake mix. You can choose classic yellow, rich chocolate, confetti, or even red velvet. The flavour options are endless, so pick what you love.

To turn that mix into cookie dough, you’ll usually add:

• 2 large eggs (room temp is best)
• 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola works great)

That’s it for the base! From there, the sky’s the limit. Want gooey chocolate chip cookies? Add a cup of chips. Need a birthday vibe? Toss in some rainbow sprinkles.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

Now, let’s talk tools. You don’t need fancy equipment, but a few basics help a ton.

• Mixing bowl & spatula – because no one wants to do extra dishes
• Cookie scoop – for even-sized cookies that bake evenly
• Baking sheet & parchment paper – keeps things neat and cleanup easy

If you have those on hand, you’re good to go. These easy cake mix cookies really are as beginner-friendly as baking gets!

How to Make Cake Mix Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cake Mix

First things first—grab your cake mix. You can use nearly any brand: Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Duncan Hines… they all work well. Choose a flavour that pairs well with your add-ins. Chocolate cake mix cookies go great with peanut butter chips, while lemon cake mix cookies shine with white chocolate chunks. Yum.

Stick to the standard 15.25 oz box size. Smaller or larger boxes can throw off the texture, so check the label.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, pour in your cake mix. Crack in 2 eggs and add 1/2 cup of oil. Mix it all together until it forms a thick dough. It’ll be sticky—totally normal!

Now’s the time to add your extras:

• Chocolate chips
• M&Ms
• Chopped nuts
• Crushed Oreos

Once everything’s mixed in, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between. These cookies spread a bit as they bake.

Step 3: Baking & Cooling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your cookies for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Don’t wait until the tops are firm—they’ll continue to bake as they cool.

Once out of the oven, let them sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. And there you have it: perfectly soft cake mix cookies that look like you bought them from a bakery (but didn’t).

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Best Cake Mix Cookie Recipes to Try

Classic Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

If you’re just starting out, classic chocolate cake mix cookies are the way to go. They’re rich, chewy, and incredibly simple. All you need is a box of chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil, and chocolate chips. Mix, scoop, bake—and try not to eat them all at once!

The deep cocoa flavour pairs beautifully with add-ins like:

• Peanut butter chips
• Crushed pretzels
• Mini marshmallows

Want to impress your friends with almost no effort? This is the recipe.

Funfetti, Red Velvet, and Beyond

Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not try something bold? Funfetti cake mix cookies are perfect for birthdays and baby showers—bright, colourful, and downright festive. Just use a box of confetti cake mix and toss in a few more rainbow sprinkles before baking.

Red velvet cake mix cookies, on the other hand, are all about that smooth, cocoa-vanilla vibe. Add white chocolate chunks or a drizzle of cream cheese icing, and they’ll be party-ready.

Looking for more ideas to expand your cookie collection? Check out this crowd-favourite chocolate chip cheesecake cookie recipe—it’s rich, creamy, and the perfect follow-up to your cake mix creations.

Tips for Customizing Your Cake Mix Cookies

Add-ins and Flavor Twists

One of the coolest things about cake mix cookies is how endlessly customizable they are. Seriously, once you’ve got your base dough, you can make it your own in a dozen different ways.

Try tossing in:

• Chopped nuts for crunch
• Candy pieces like M&Ms or Reese’s
• A dash of cinnamon or peppermint extract for seasonal flair
• Crushed cereal or pretzels for sweet and salty combos

Want to go gourmet? Swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella before baking. Just don’t overmix—less is more here!

Changing Texture or Thickness

Sometimes, your cookies come out too puffy or too flat. Here’s how to fix that. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flour to stiffen the dough.

On the flip side, if your cookies are too cakey, reduce the eggs from two to one. That’ll give you a denser, more classic cookie feel.

Remember: every oven is different, so feel free to tweak and experiment. These cake mix cookies are super forgiving, which makes them perfect for playing around with flavours and textures!

Storage and Freezing Guide

How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last?

So you’ve baked a batch (or three) of cake mix cookies—now what? The good news is they store really well. In fact, when kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and chewy for up to five days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to help maintain freshness.

For even better results, place a slice of bread in the container with your cookies. It keeps the moisture in the cookies instead of escaping into the air. Weird? Maybe. But it works!

Freezer Tips for Dough and Baked Cookies

Want to get ahead? Freeze your cookie dough balls before baking. Just line them on a tray, freeze them until solid, and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there is no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Already-baked cookies freeze just as well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—great for parties, meal prep, or sudden cookie cravings.

With a little planning, your cake mix cookies can go from freezer to warm and gooey in no time.

Cake Mix Cookies for Every Occasion

Holidays, Birthdays, and Beyond

No matter the season, cake mix cookies bring the fun. They’re perfect for holidays like Christmas (try peppermint chips), Halloween (add orange and black M&Ms), or Easter (pastel sprinkles, anyone?). You can even make mini cookie sandwiches with frosting for a cute treat.

For birthdays, funfetti cake mix cookies always steal the show. They’re colourful, sweet, and totally customizable—just switch up the sprinkles to match the party theme!

Gifting and Party Ideas

These cookies aren’t just great for eating—they’re made for gifting, too. Wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon, or pack them in little tins or mason jars. Add a homemade label or handwrite the ingredients for a personal touch.

Hosting a bake sale or potluck? Make a variety pack of your favourite flavours—chocolate chip, red velvet, lemon, and peanut butter. It’s an easy way to impress without breaking a sweat.

Because they’re easy to make and so adaptable, cake mix cookies are perfect for pretty much any celebration. Whether it’s a last-minute get-together or a planned party, they’ll fit right in—and probably disappear first.

Cake Mix Cookies FAQs

Can I Use Any Cake Mix for Cookies?

Yes, you sure can! Most boxed cake mixes—yellow, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, even gluten-free—work beautifully. Just make sure the box is around 15.25 ounces, as that’s the standard size most cake mix cookie recipes are based on. Smaller or larger boxes might throw off the texture unless you adjust other ingredients.

Also, while most people stick to brands like Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, generic cake mixes often work just as well. Give it a try and see what you like best!

Why Are My Cake Mix Cookies Flat or Crumbly?

Great question! If your cookies turn out too flat, it usually means the dough is too warm or too wet. Next time, chill the dough before baking or reduce the oil slightly. On the other hand, if they’re crumbly, it could be a dry mix or not enough moisture—try adding one more tablespoon of oil or an extra egg yolk.

And here’s a pro tip: don’t overbake them! These cookies finish baking on the tray after coming out of the oven. A slightly soft centre is what makes cake mix cookies irresistibly chewy.

Bonus Tips for Cake Mix Cookie Beginners

Don’t Skip the Chill (Even If It’s Not in the Recipe)

Technically, you can bake cake mix cookies without chilling the dough. But here’s the deal—chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better and brings out the deeper flavour. Even 15–30 minutes in the fridge makes a difference. So, if you’ve got the time, chill that dough.

One Dough, Endless Flavors

New to baking? Start simple with one cake mix and then try different mix-ins each time. One batch could have chocolate chips; another could be filled with chopped pecans or swirled with peanut butter. Before you know it, you’ll have your own signature cookie!

Also, don’t stress about perfection. Cake mix cookies are super forgiving, which makes them ideal for beginners. Slightly misshapen? Still delicious. A little overbaked? Dip it in milk and carry on.

You’ve got this—just mix, bake, and enjoy the cookie magic.