Introduction
Cake Mix Cookies are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert. The concept of using cake mix for cookies is genius, as it simplifies the process and allows for a variety of flavors and mix-ins. With just 3 ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, from chocolate chips to M&M’s.
Imagine the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from your oven, filling your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma. The texture of these cookies is perfect – soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crispy edge. And the taste? Absolutely divine, with a subtle sweetness and a burst of flavor from your chosen mix-ins.
In this recipe, we’ll explore the simplicity and versatility of Cake Mix Cookies. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dessert or a beginner baker wanting to try something new, this recipe is perfect for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because of its simplicity. With just 3 ingredients – cake mix, eggs, and oil – you can’t go wrong. The preparation and baking time are quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a last-minute party treat. Plus, the versatility of flavors and mix-ins means you can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for customizing. Want to add some peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor? Go for it! How about some mint chips for a refreshing twist? The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the recipe and start baking some delicious Cake Mix Cookies!
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup oil
- Mix-ins (varies, e.g.):
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1 cup Oreo pieces
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup crushed Oreos
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup mint chips
- 1 cup chopped Andes mints
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, the cake mix is the star of the show. You can use any type of cake mix you like, from vanilla to chocolate. Just be sure to choose a mix that complements your chosen mix-ins.
The eggs and oil are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture to the cookies. You can substitute the oil with butter if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Mix-ins are where you can get creative and add your own personal touch to the cookies. Some popular mix-ins include chocolate chips, M&M’s, and peanut butter chips. You can also try using dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture.
When choosing your mix-ins, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you’re using a chocolate cake mix, you may want to stick with chocolate chips or M&M’s. If you’re using a vanilla cake mix, you may want to try rainbow sprinkles or chopped pecans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix on low speed until a dough forms and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add mix-ins if using: Fold in your chosen mix-ins by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough: Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to scoop out the dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are just slightly browned, and the centers are no longer glossy.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you mix the dough, you’ll notice it come together in a cohesive ball. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more cake mix. If it’s too dry, you can add a little more oil.
When portioning the dough, make sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. You don’t want your cookies to be too close together, or they’ll merge into one big cookie!
As the cookies bake, you’ll notice them start to brown around the edges. This is a good sign! It means they’re cooking evenly and will be nice and crispy on the outside.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when baking Cake Mix Cookies is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough, dense cookies that are no fun to eat. To avoid this, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a cohesive ball.
If your dough is too sticky, you can try adding a little more cake mix. If it’s too dry, you can try adding a little more oil. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency for your cookies.
Another tip is to use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This will help you get uniform cookies that are all the same size. Plus, it’s just more fun to use a cookie scoop – it’s like a special tool just for baking!
What went wrong? If your cookies are too hard, it may be because you overbaked them. Try reducing the baking time by a minute or two to see if that helps. If your cookies are too soft, it may be because you underbaked them. Try increasing the baking time by a minute or two to see if that helps.
Some other common issues people encounter when baking Cake Mix Cookies include:
- Cookies spreading too much: This can be due to overmixing the dough or using too much oil. Try reducing the amount of oil you use or mixing the ingredients just until they come together.
- Cookies not spreading enough: This can be due to undermixing the dough or using too little oil. Try increasing the amount of oil you use or mixing the ingredients a little longer.
- Cookies being too dense: This can be due to overmixing the dough or using too much cake mix. Try reducing the amount of cake mix you use or mixing the ingredients just until they come together.
Storage & Freezing
Once your cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage or freeze them for up to 3 months.
When freezing, it’s best to place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
When you’re ready to eat your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them soft and chewy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people have when baking Cake Mix Cookies:
- Q: What if my dough is too sticky?
A: Try adding a little more cake mix to balance out the moisture. - Q: Can I use butter instead of oil?
A: Yes, you can use butter instead of oil, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. - Q: How do I keep my cookies soft?
A: To keep your cookies soft, make sure to not overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re lightly golden brown and still slightly soft to the touch. - Q: Can I customize the recipe with different mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins. Just be sure to choose mix-ins that complement the flavor of the cake mix you’re using. - Q: How long do the cookies last?
A: The cookies will last for up to 5 days at room temperature, longer in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer. - Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Cookies are a delicious and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just 3 ingredients and a variety of mix-ins to choose from, you can customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dessert or a beginner baker wanting to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
So, did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your favorite mix-ins. Happy baking, and don’t forget to have fun with it!
Cake Mix Cookie Recipe Any Kind You Want
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix on low speed until a dough forms and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add mix-ins if using: Fold in your chosen mix-ins by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough: Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to scoop out the dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are just slightly browned, and the centers are no longer glossy.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.