Cake mix cookies are the easiest and most fun cookies to make, especially when you want a sweet treat without a lot of fuss. These cookies start with a box of cake mix, which gives them a soft, cakey texture that’s different from traditional cookies. You can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to mix things up, and they bake up into little colorful, fluffy delights.
I love making cake mix cookies because you don’t have to measure out a bunch of ingredients — just a few simple add-ins like eggs and oil, and you’re good to go. They come together so quickly, and you can get creative by using different flavors of cake mix. My personal favorite is the classic yellow cake with chocolate chips; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Whenever I bring these cookies to a get-together or pack them for a snack, everyone always asks for the recipe. They’re soft, sweet, and have just the right amount of chewiness, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re great warm from the oven or later with a glass of milk. I always keep a couple of cake mix boxes in my pantry just in case I need a quick and tasty cookie fix!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The base of these cookies is a boxed yellow or white cake mix. I like yellow for a richer flavor, but white works just as well. If you want a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free cake mix.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the mix and add moisture. You can replace them with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) if you prefer a vegan version.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps cookies soft and moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lower-fat option, but texture might change slightly.
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles make these cookies fun and colorful. If you want to avoid artificial colors, try natural sprinkle brands or swap with mini chocolate chips.
How Can I Keep Cake Mix Cookies Soft and Chewy?
These cookies can easily turn dry if overbaked. Here’s how to keep them soft and moist:
- Watch the baking time closely—8 to 10 minutes is usually perfect. The cookies will look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
- Don’t overmix the dough; folding in sprinkles gently helps keep texture light.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them firm up without becoming hard.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep freshness. A slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – choose sturdy ones for even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – they stop cookies from sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Mixing bowl – a large bowl helps you mix ingredients without spills.
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula – great for gentle mixing without overworking the batter.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – makes evenly sized cookies so they bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool quickly and keeps bottoms crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sprinkles for mini chocolate chips for a classic chocolate twist everyone loves.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut to give a tropical hint and soft bite.
- Stir in 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to warm up the flavor, especially in fall.
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 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 8 to 10 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you can enjoy your fresh, colorful cookies in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then gently fold in 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles, taking care not to overmix so your sprinkles stay bright.
3. Form and Decorate Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure they’re spaced about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Press a few extra sprinkles on top of each ball to add a little festive pop!
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set and tops that are just firm but still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoy!
Now the fun part: bite into your soft, cakey, and bright sprinkle-packed cookies. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or any time you want a quick sweet treat!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can try chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mixes to create different cookie flavors. Just keep the same ratios for eggs and oil.
Can I Freeze Cake Mix Cookie Dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Oil with Butter?
You can substitute melted butter for oil to add a richer flavor. Use the same amount, but note the cookies may be slightly less soft.
