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Easy Recipes for the Best Cake Mix Cookies

Discover a world of sweet delights with our easy-to-follow recipes for cake mix cookies. Bake homemade cookies with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Buckeye Cookies

Cake Mix Cookie Recipes

Cake mix cookie recipes are not only quick and convenient but also incredibly versatile.

You can choose from a wide array of cake mix flavors, including classics like chocolate and vanilla, as well as more unique options like red velvet, lemon, or even confetti. This variety allows you to tailor your cookies to suit any occasion or personal preference.

Additionally, cake mix cookies are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced bakers, offering a reliable and foolproof way to create delightful treats that are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, easy dessert, or just a sweet snack, these easy cookie recipes are a go-to solution for satisfying your cookie cravings in a pinch.

cake mix lemon bars

What Are Cake Mix Cookies?

Cake mix cookies are cookies made using boxed cake mix, not cookie mix, as one of the primary ingredients.

Instead of using the cake mix to make a cake, you can use it as a base for cookie dough. This simplifies the cookie-making process, as the cake mix already contains many of the dry ingredients you need for cookies, like flour, sugar, and flavorings.

This gives the cookies a different flavor and texture than using a cookie mix. Using a cookie mix gives you a typical cookie while using a cake mix gives a softer, slightly cake-like cookie.

cake mix cookies

Tips and Tricks for Making Easy Cake Mix Cookies

  • Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Add flavor extracts: To enhance the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the cookie dough.
  • Flatten the cookies: Gently press down on each cookie with a fork or the palm of your hand to flatten them slightly before baking.
  • Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. Follow the recommended baking time on the cake mix box, but start checking a minute or two before it’s done.
  • Let them cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set and develop a nice texture.

Relevant Recipes 

vanilla crinkle cookies with cake mix

FAQs for a Batch of Cake Mix Cookies

Can I use any flavor of cake mix for cookies?

The best thing about making cake mix cookies is that you can use just about any flavor of cake mix. Typically, most people choose to use flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or lemon.

But some of the other popular ones are flavors like Funfetti or taking a basic flavor and adding in lots of other fun ingredients. 

What mix-ins work well with cake mix cookies?

You can get creative with your favorite mix-ins when making cake mix cookies to add extra flavor, texture, and variety to your cookies. This is a great way to take a basic recipe and create a new flavor combination.

Here are some mix-ins that work well with cake mix cookies:

  • Chocolate Chips: Whether it’s semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips, chocolate chips are a classic and delicious addition to cake mix cookies.
  • Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to your cookies.
  • Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the cookie’s texture.
  • Sprinkles: Colored sprinkles are a fun way to add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to your cookies, especially if you’re making them for special occasions.
  • M&M’s: Mini chocolate candies like M&M’s can add a burst of color and a chocolatey surprise inside each cookie.
  • Toffee Bits: Heath or Skor toffee bits can give your cookies a buttery, toffee-flavored twist.
  • Coconut: Shredded coconut, either sweetened or unsweetened, can provide a tropical flair to your cookies.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: If you love peanut butter, peanut butter chips can be a fantastic addition, especially when paired with chocolate.
  • Cinnamon: Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough can give your cookies a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: For a citrusy kick, try adding lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Butterscotch chips can add a sweet, caramel-like flavor to your cookies.

Remember, you can mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique combinations.

Just be mindful not to add too many mix-ins, as it can affect the cookie’s consistency and structure. Start with about 1/2 to 1 cup of mix-ins for a typical batch of cake mix cookie dough, and adjust to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

Do I have to follow the cake mix instructions on the box?

 No, you don’t want to make cake batter. You’ll typically use just the dry cake mix as a base ingredient. Just add eggs and oil as specified in the cookie recipe, not the cake mix instructions. Then the recipe will tell you if you are adding in any other add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, things like that. 

Does high altitudes affect baking cake mix cookies?

Yes, high altitudes can affect the baking of cake mix cookies. At higher altitudes, several factors come into play that can impact the outcome of your baked goods, including cookies made from cake mix.
To counter these effects, here are some adjustments you can make when baking cake mix cookies at high altitudes.

Increase Liquid: To compensate for the drier conditions, add a little extra liquid to your dough. This can be a couple of tablespoons of milk or water. This helps keep the cookies moist.
Chill the Dough: Before baking, you can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This can help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Adjust Temperature: You may need to slightly lower the baking temperature and increase the baking time. Experiment by lowering the temperature by about 25°F (14°C) and checking the cookies a few minutes earlier to prevent over-browning.
Experiment: High-altitude baking can be somewhat trial and error, as adjustments can vary based on your specific altitude. It may take a few attempts to find the perfect adjustments for your location.

Remember that exact adjustments can depend on your specific altitude, so it’s helpful to consult local resources or seek advice from bakers in your area who have experience with high-altitude baking.

Can I substitute butter for the oil in cake mix cookies?

Yes, you can often substitute melted butter for vegetable oil if you prefer a buttery flavor. It will change the texture of the cookie slightly, making slightly less chewy cookies, just like it does in making regular cookies.

Can I make cake mix cookies without eggs?

You can use egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt for a vegan or egg-free option. These are easy cookies so it is pretty easy to make substitutions to the cake mix cookies recipe. 

How do I prevent cake mix cookies from spreading too much?

If you are worried about the cookies spreading in the oven and becoming too thin, you can chill the dough. After mixing the dough together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then scoop the dough and bake. Alternatively, you can scoop the cookies onto the cookie sheet, and then place the cookie sheets in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. 

How should I store cake mix cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer bag or air-tight container and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Another option is to make the cookie dough ahead of time from when you need it, shape it into balls, and freeze them. Then, bake them as needed.

Why do my cake mix cookies turn out cakey?

Overmixing the dough or using too much cake mix can make the cookies cakey. Make sure the recipe you are using calls for a box of cake mix or measure the mix correctly. Also, make sure to mix until the ingredients are just together. It is important to not overmix the cookie dough. 

Can I make cake mix cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that any mix-ins you add are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get uniform cookie sizes?

Use a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to portion out the dough for even-sized cookies. 

How do you make cookies with box cake mix?

To make cookies using a box cake mix, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs in a mixing bowl until you have a thick cookie dough. You can also add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for additional flavor. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This easy method allows for a variety of cookie flavors using different cake mix flavors.

What kind of cookies can be made from a yellow cake mix?

You can make a variety of delicious cookies using a yellow cake mix as a base. These cookies are easy to prepare and versatile. By adding different ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, lemon zest, or peanut butter, you can customize the flavor to suit your preferences. Some popular options include lemon cake mix cookies for a zesty twist, butter pecan cake mix cookies for a rich and nutty flavor, and funfetti cake mix cookies for a colorful and festive treat. These cake mix cookies are a convenient and quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What is the difference between cookie and cake batter?

The main difference between cookie and cake batter lies in their consistency and intended use. Cookie batter is typically thicker and denser than cake batter. It needs to hold its shape when scooped onto a baking sheet, so it contains less liquid and more fat. This results in a chewy or crispy texture once baked. In contrast, cake batter is much thinner and pourable because it’s meant to rise and create a soft, tender crumb in a cake pan. It contains more liquid, like milk, to achieve this desired cake-like texture. While both batters share some common ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and leavening agents, the ratios and final consistency differ to suit their respective baked goods.

pumpkin cake mix cookies

Cookies Made From Cake Mix Recipes

Cookies Made From Cake Mix Recipes

Discover delightful and easy-to-make recipes for cake mix cookies. Elevate your baking game with these creative and delicious cookie variations using cake mix.

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