Easy Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

We’ve all been there—you want warm, gooey cookies fresh out of the oven, but you also want to put in approximately zero effort. This is where Cake Mix Cookies swoop in to save your day. They’re basically the culinary equivalent of wearing sweatpants to a fancy dinner—still delicious, just way less work.

And the best part? You only need three-ish ingredients. That’s right. You can whip these up faster than it takes Netflix to ask, “Are you still watching?.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

  • It’s idiot-proof. Even if your cooking experience peaks at microwaving instant noodles, you can nail this.
  • So fast. From “I want cookies” to “I’m eating cookies” in under 20 minutes.
  • Endlessly customizable. Add chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or just throw in whatever’s been hiding in the back of your pantry since last year.
  • Minimal cleanup. One bowl, one spoon, and your dignity intact.
  • Your house will smell like you actually tried. Instant domestic goddess/god vibes.

Ingredients

  • 1 box of cake mix (any flavor—chocolate, vanilla, red velvet… go wild)
  • 2 large eggs (preferably not the ones that have been in your fridge since last Easter)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter if you’re feeling fancy)
  • Optional add-ins:
    • Chocolate chips (classic)
    • M&Ms (for color and crunch)
    • Nuts (because you’re pretending to be healthy)
    • Sprinkles (instant joy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, you actually have to do this first.
  2. Mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. No need to overthink it—just stir until combined.
  3. If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, dump them in now and give it another quick stir.
  4. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized blobs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 9–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft.
  6. Cool for 2–3 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack (or straight to your mouth if you’re impatient).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the preheat. Your cookies will bake unevenly, and you’ll be sad.
  • Overbaking. These go from perfect to “edible hockey puck” fast—keep an eye on them.
  • Thinking you can make them without oil or eggs. This isn’t magic; it’s baking.
  • Dumping in too many add-ins. If the dough can’t hold together, your cookies will crumble like my willpower in a bakery.
  • Crowding the baking sheet. Cookies need personal space, too.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Butter instead of oil: Gives a richer flavor but makes the dough slightly stiffer.
  • Applesauce instead of oil: Lower fat, slightly chewier texture—bonus points for pretending it’s healthy.
  • Egg substitute: If you’re vegan or out of eggs, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
  • Different cake mixes: Lemon for summer vibes, spice cake for cozy autumn feels, funfetti for… well, fun.
  • Frost them: Because clearly we need more sugar.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yep. Scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two.

Q: Do they really taste like cookies and not cake?

A: Oh, they’re cookies. The texture is soft and chewy, not fluffy like cake.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. Just be prepared to “taste test” half of them before they cool.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?

A: Yes! Just grab a gluten-free cake mix. Your gluten-avoiding friends will thank you.

Q: Do I have to chill the dough?

A: Nope. This is a zero-patience recipe. Straight from mixing bowl to oven.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: Technically, yes… but why hurt your soul like that?

Q: What’s the best cake mix flavor for cookies?

A: IMO, red velvet + white chocolate chips is chef’s kiss. But chocolate fudge with peanut butter chips? Also elite.

Related Recipe:

Final Thoughts

That’s it—Cake Mix Cookies in all their lazy-baker glory. They’re quick, they’re delicious, and they make it look like you put in way more effort than you did. Perfect for last-minute guests, bake sales, or those “I need something sweet right now” moments.

Printable Recipe Card

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