Cake mix cookies are a simple and fun treat that combines the ease of cake mix with the chewy, soft texture of cookies. These cookies often have a slightly cakey inside with a bit of crisp around the edges, making them perfect for anyone who loves a soft cookie with just the right amount of bite. Plus, you can mix in your favorite extras like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to switch things up.
I love making cake mix cookies because they’re so fast to put together—no measuring flour or worrying about complicated steps. I usually keep a box of cake mix on hand for those times when I want a quick sweet fix without a long baking session. One of my favorite things is how flexible these cookies are; you can turn almost any cake mix flavor into cookies, and they always come out tasting great.
When I serve these cookies, I like to pair them with a cold glass of milk or even a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or bringing to potlucks because everyone seems to love the soft and tender texture. If you want a fun little twist, try adding your favorite mix-ins or frosting on top for extra sweetness—it’s a great way to make this simple treat feel special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Using white or vanilla cake mix gives these cookies a sweet, soft base. You can swap with any flavor you like—chocolate, lemon, or funfetti work great too. Just pick your favorite for a quick cookie twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture. If you need an egg substitute, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for each egg, or a commercial egg replacer.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cookies moist and soft. You can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor—or use coconut oil for a hint of tropical taste.
Sprinkles: They add fun color and a slight crunch. Use your favorite kind or leave them out for a simpler cookie. Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts also make wonderful add-ins.
How Do You Keep Cake Mix Cookies Soft and Not Dry?
These cookies are soft because of the right mix of wet ingredients and careful baking. Here’s the trick to get them just right:
- Mix the ingredients until well combined but don’t overmix; overworking the dough can make cookies tough.
- Use the correct amount of oil and eggs to keep moisture in the dough.
- Don’t bake them too long. Cookies should look set but still slightly soft in the middle when you pull them out.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to finish cooking gently and to keep that soft texture.
Following these tips will help you enjoy tender, soft cake mix cookies every time. I love these fresh but also stored in an airtight container—they stay soft for days!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the ingredients easily without spilling.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps combine the batter smoothly and fast.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – makes evenly sized cookies for even baking.
- Baking sheets – use non-stick or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate cake mix with mini chocolate chips adds extra chocolatey goodness for chocoholics.
- Lemon cake mix plus a handful of chopped dried cranberries for a bright, tangy twist.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch and flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty note.
Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Add a few extra minutes for cooling. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and colorful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until you get a uniform, thick batter. Then gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles to spread the fun color all through your dough.
3. Form and Decorate the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your lined baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Press some extra sprinkles on top of each cookie dough ball for a festive touch.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. Let them cool right on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they finish setting up without breaking, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoy!
Now your soft, sweet, and colorful cake mix cookies are ready to enjoy. Grab a glass of milk or your favorite drink and dig in!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate, funfetti, lemon, or any other flavor you love. Just keep the same basic ratios of eggs and oil to cake mix.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake Mix Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil?
Yes! You can swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor or use coconut oil if you prefer. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins Besides Sprinkles?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit all work great. Just fold about 1/2 cup of your favorite add-in into the dough before baking.
