Cake mix cookies are a fun and easy way to make delicious treats with just a few simple ingredients. The base of these cookies is a box of cake mix, which gives them a soft, fluffy texture and a burst of flavor depending on the cake mix you choose. They’re soft on the inside with a slight crisp around the edges, and you can add things like chocolate chips or nuts to make them even better.
I love how quickly these cookies come together — it’s perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time measuring and mixing. I usually grab my favorite cake mix flavor, stir in a couple of extras like white chocolate chips, and pop them in the oven. It’s almost like a little baking shortcut that still feels homemade and just right.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends or bringing to a potluck because everyone seems to enjoy their light texture and sweet flavor. I sometimes serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, and they always bring a smile. Cake mix cookies remind me that baking can be simple and fun, and you don’t always need a long recipe to create something tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The star of the show! Yellow or funfetti cake mix works best for these cookies, giving a soft, cake-like texture. You can swap for chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a different flavor twist.
Butter: Melted butter adds amazing richness and helps the cookies stay soft. If you need dairy-free, try melted coconut oil instead.
Eggs: Eggs bind the dough and add moisture. For an egg-free option, use flaxseed eggs (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit to thicken) per egg.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. If you don’t have vanilla, a little almond extract can be a fun substitute.
Sprinkles: These bring fun color and a festive look. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit if you want a different texture or flavor.
How Do I Make Sure Cake Mix Cookies Stay Soft and Don’t Spread Too Much?
The key is balancing the wet and dry ingredients and watching your baking time closely. Melted butter adds moisture but too much can make cookies spread too much.
- Use just half a cup of melted butter and mix well with cake mix and eggs for the right dough consistency.
- Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes if it feels too soft. This helps prevent spreading while baking.
- Place cookie dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Stop baking as soon as edges turn lightly golden, centers should still look soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet a few minutes before moving to a rack. They firm up while cooling.
Following these steps keeps your cookies soft, thick, and perfect for enjoying fresh or even the next day!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a flat surface for baking the cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – big enough for combining all your ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right amounts for perfect dough.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – shapes cookies evenly for uniform baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a new flavor twist.
- Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to add sweet, melty spots.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy, warm taste.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or funfetti cake mix for extra sprinkles)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips (for added chocolate flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 10 to 12 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling. Overall, you can enjoy fresh funfetti cookies in around 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until you have a soft, smooth dough.
3. Add the Fun Extras:
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and chocolate chips if you’re using them. Try to spread them evenly throughout the dough for colorful, tasty bites.
4. Shape Your Cookies:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to place dough portions onto your prepared baking sheet. Keep them spaced about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Feel free to press a few extra sprinkles on top for a nice, colorful finish.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until their edges turn light golden but the centers still look soft. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool there for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your soft, chewy funfetti cake mix cookies with a glass of milk or share them at your next celebration. They’re a simple, colorful treat everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap the yellow or funfetti cake mix for chocolate, red velvet, or any other flavor you like. Just keep the same measurements for the other ingredients.
Can I Substitute Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil instead of melted butter. This may change the texture slightly, making cookies a bit softer and less rich.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your cookies. Just fold in about ½ cup of your chosen add-ins along with the sprinkles before baking.