Cake mix cookies are a fun, quick treat that bring together the soft, chewy texture of cake with the convenience of cookies. Made from just a box of cake mix and a few extra ingredients, these cookies come out tender, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of fuss. The great thing is that the cake mix gives them a unique softness and taste that’s a little different from regular cookies.
I love making cake mix cookies when I want something easy but still a bit special. They’re super flexible—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing if you want, and they still bake up beautifully. It feels like a little kitchen hack that makes cookie baking almost effortless, which is a lifesaver on busy days or when you’re craving something homemade but short on time.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy cake mix cookies is with a tall glass of milk or alongside a cup of tea. They’re great for sharing at gatherings or packing in lunchboxes because they stay soft and tasty for days. Every time I make these, they disappear quickly, which just shows how much everyone loves them. If you need a simple and satisfying sweet, I think cake mix cookies are the way to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base of the recipe and gives the cookies their light, soft texture. You can swap vanilla for chocolate or funfetti cake mix to change the flavor and add a fun twist.
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter helps create a tender, rich cookie. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut oil or vegan butter, but the texture might be slightly different.
Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together and add moisture. If you need an egg substitute, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan option.
Mini Chocolate Chips & Sprinkles: These add sweetness and color. You can swap chips for nuts, raisins, or white chocolate chips. Sprinkles can be left out or replaced with colored sugar for a similar effect.
How Do You Get Soft, Chewy Cake Mix Cookies Every Time?
The key to soft cake mix cookies is baking them just right and preparing the dough correctly:
- Use softened butter, not melted, for a good texture.
- Mix the dough until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Scoop even-sized dough balls spaced apart so cookies bake evenly and spread nicely.
- Bake until edges are set but centers still look soft, usually 8-10 minutes, then cool on the baking sheet. This lets them finish baking without getting dry.
- Adding extra sprinkles on top before baking gives a fun, colorful look that stays bright after baking.
Following these tips will help your cookies stay soft, chewy, and full of flavor every time you bake!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all your ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes blending butter, eggs, and cake mix quick and smooth.
- Baking sheets – use sturdy ones for even baking and easy cleanup with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately for the best cookie texture.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps you portion dough evenly, so cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool down evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap vanilla cake mix for chocolate or funfetti to match any occasion or craving.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Stir in white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips if you want a different sweet bite.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist that’s great for holiday cookies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – to combine all ingredients
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – for easy blending of dough
- Baking sheets – for baking the cookies
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – to prevent sticking and easy cleanup
- Cookie scoop or spoon – to portion the dough evenly
- Wire cooling rack – to cool the cookies after baking
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate or funfetti cake mix instead of vanilla for a different base flavor
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch
- Mix in white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips for varied sweetness
- Try dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity touch
- Top cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter instead of sprinkles for a different look
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap the vanilla cake mix for chocolate, funfetti, or any other flavor you like. Just keep the other ingredients the same for delicious results.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag, then thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What If I Don’t Have Sprinkles?
No worries! You can skip the sprinkles or use colored sugar, chopped nuts, or extra chocolate chips as toppings or mix-ins instead.