Oh, honey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of baking, it’s that the simplest ingredients often yield the most magical results. These Cake Mix Cookies are a testament to that truth, offering a delightful chewiness with crispy edges, all wrapped up in a flavor that tastes like pure joy. They’re the kind of treat that brings a smile to your face with every single bite.
I remember countless afternoons in Grandma Rose’s kitchen, flour dusting every surface as we’d whip up something sweet. She always said, “Sara, baking isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about the love you stir in.” These cookies remind me of those precious moments, of simple pleasures and shared laughter.
This recipe is a true gem, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but are short on time, or for a spontaneous bake sale with the kids. My best advice? Always use room temperature eggs; it makes all the difference in achieving that wonderfully soft texture we all adore.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful crinkle cookies requires just a handful of simple pantry staples that transform into a truly special treat. We’re talking about the magic of a good cake mix, large eggs for that perfect binding, and vegetable oil to give these Cake Mix Cookies their lovely, tender crumb. You’ll find all the precise measurements and the full list of ingredients in the recipe card just below!
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies
Whipping up these delightful Cake Mix Cookies is wonderfully straightforward, truly a baker’s dream! You’ll start by simply mixing the cake mix, eggs, and oil together to form a soft, pliable dough. Then, it’s all about rolling that dough in powdered sugar before baking until they’re golden and crinkly. Finally, let them cool, and get ready to enjoy pure homemade bliss!
Easy Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the eggs and vegetable oil until they are well combined and slightly frothy.
- Gradually add the dry cake mix to the wet ingredients. Start mixing on a low speed to incorporate the cake mix, then increase to medium speed until a thick, uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- If you’re using optional add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles, gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the powdered sugar into a small, shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the cookie dough.
- Using a 1.5-2 tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into uniform balls. Generously roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it is completely coated. This heavy coating is key to achieving the signature crinkle effect.
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The cookies will puff up in the oven and then flatten slightly as they cool, revealing beautiful crinkles.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before handling. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Cake Mix Cookies
Over the years, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that make these Cake Mix Cookies truly shine. Think of these as a warm hug from my kitchen to yours, ensuring your baking adventure is filled with success and smiles.
My Secret Trick: I always chill my dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This isn’t just for ease of handling; it truly helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, giving you those perfectly crinkled edges and a lovely, soft center.
When you’re rolling your cookie dough in powdered sugar, don’t be shy! A generous coating ensures those beautiful crinkles really pop during baking. I sometimes even double-dip for extra snow-kissed magic.
For that ideal soft chew, keep a close eye on your oven. These cookies bake quickly, and overbaking can lead to a drier texture. I usually pull mine out just when the edges are lightly set but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
To make clean-up a breeze, I always line my baking sheets with parchment paper. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also helps the cookies bake more evenly. Plus, it makes transferring them to a cooling rack so much easier!
Fun Variations for Cake Mix Cookies
One of the things I adore most about baking is the endless possibility for creativity, and these cookies are no exception! You can truly make these Cake Mix Cookies your own with just a few simple twists. My sister, for instance, adores a touch of citrus, so sometimes I’ll add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty zing.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: If you’re using a vanilla or yellow cake mix, stir in a cup of chocolate chips or even some chopped nuts for added texture and richness. My friend always requests extra chocolate when I make them!
- Seasonal Swirls: For a festive touch, use a spice cake mix around the holidays and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Or, for spring, a strawberry cake mix with a few white chocolate chips is absolutely divine.
- Drizzle of Delight: Once cooled, a simple drizzle of melted white chocolate or a quick powdered sugar glaze can elevate these cookies beautifully. It’s a lovely way to add extra sweetness and visual appeal!
What to Serve With Cake Mix Cookies
These delightful Cake Mix Cookies are so wonderfully versatile, they truly complement almost anything! For me, there’s nothing quite like a warm cookie with a tall glass of cold milk – it instantly transports me back to childhood afternoons. My mom, however, always pairs them with a steaming cup of her favorite Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated yet comforting treat.
You could also serve these with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a simple, deconstructed cookie sundae that’s always a crowd-pleaser. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top is simply irresistible. Or, for a light and fresh pairing, a bowl of mixed berries provides a lovely contrast to their sweetness.
How to Store Cake Mix Cookies
Keeping your homemade treats fresh is key to enjoying them for days, and these Cake Mix Cookies are no different! Proper storage helps preserve their wonderful softness and flavor.
Storing at Room Temperature
Once completely cooled, I like to store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies can sometimes help keep them extra soft, a little trick my grandma taught me!
Freezing for Later
If you’re planning ahead or have extras, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Nutritional Benefits
While these Cake Mix Cookies are certainly a treat for the soul, they can also be part of a balanced approach to indulgence. When you bake at home, you have control over the ingredients, often incorporating real eggs and sometimes even a touch of fruit or whole grains if you choose. It’s about creating a satisfying dessert that brings joy, knowing it’s made with love.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of these Cake Mix Cookies is their versatility. Feel free to use any cake mix flavor your heart desires—chocolate, strawberry, lemon, or even a fun seasonal flavor—to create your unique batch.
Faq 2
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
While not strictly necessary, I always recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. It makes the dough much easier to handle, helps prevent excessive spreading, and results in those perfectly crinkled Cake Mix Cookies we all love.
Faq 3
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Yes, please do! This is where you can truly make these cookies your own. Chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or even dried fruit are wonderful additions to these Cake Mix Cookies. Just stir them into the dough before rolling.
Faq 4
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from disappearing during baking?
For that iconic crinkle, a generous roll in powdered sugar is key. I often give them a second quick roll just before they go into the oven. This helps ensure those lovely white peaks remain visible on your Cake Mix Cookies.
Conclusion
Baking these Cake Mix Cookies truly is an invitation to bring a little extra sweetness and warmth into your home. It’s about more than just flour and sugar; it’s about the joy of creating, the delight of sharing, and the memories stirred with every bite. So go on, my dear baker, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and let’s make some magic together. You’ll be so glad you did!