Cake Mix Cookies 12 Ways – So many varieties, you’ll want to try them all! 4 ingredients, 20 minutes, and you can have soft, delicious cookies. Video Included.
I do love to cook from scratch, but sometimes you need a little help from the store to make something super easy! A cake mix is a great way to do that. So grab that cake mix and try these Cake Mix Cookies, then try my Funfetti Pancakes, Dump Cake Recipe, or Coconut and Pistachio Pudding Cake!
The Easiest Cookie Recipe
These Cake Mix Cookies have become one of those go-to recipes for years now for when I want/need cookies, but am feeling a bit lazy. Seriously – only 4 ingredients and 20 minutes, and you have your cookies. And let’s not lie – sometimes you just need a pink strawberry cookie.
I love these cookies because not only are they super easy and super fast, but when it comes to flavor combinations, the sky is the limit! You can use any flavor of cake mix that you want, then choose your add-in. Chocolate chips, candy pieces, nuts, coconut, toffee… go crazy!! After the recipe card below, I have included 12 different flavors you can turn these cookies into. This is really just a jumping off point, though – there are so many great combinations you could make!
What You’ll Need
This is the easiest cookie recipe ever – technically all you need are 3 ingredients, but I like to throw the 4th one in to add some variety.
Cake Mix – I have found that brand doesn’t matter here. You just need the dry cake mix – not the ingredients it calls for on the back.
Vegetable Oil – I like using vegetable oil for the softest cookies.
Eggs – You’ll need 2 eggs. I haven’t tried any substitutions, but others have used Greek yogurt or applesauce in place of the eggs.
Mix-Ins – This is where you can have fun! Use chocolate chips or sprinkles or nuts or candy pieces. It’s really fun to play around with different kinds of mix-ins to see what kind of flavor combinations you can come up with!
Tips and Tricks
- Different flavors of cake mixes act differently. The strawberry cake mix always makes thicker cookies for me, while yellow cake mixes will spread out more. I tried refrigerating dough to see if that would help with the cookies that spread more, but it didn’t make a huge difference. The mix in that you choose could make a difference, as well.
- I know that different brands of cake mixes are different sizes. I tried these with different sizes – from 15.25 oz to 18.25 oz and found that you don’t need to alter any ingredients for different brands of cake mixes.
- I always use vegetable oil, but I know others have had success using melted butter instead.
- These cookies stay soft for several days. Store in an airtight container.
- No mixer is needed! I used a hand mixer in the video, but you can easily make these with just a spoon or a spatula.
Check Out These Other Cake Mix Cookies
Banana Split Cake Mix Cookies
Watermelon Cake Mix Cookie Sandwiches
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Cake Mix Cookies
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cake Mix Cookies 12 Ways – So many varieties, you’ll want to try them all! 4 ingredients, 20 minutes, and you can have soft, delicious cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cake mix* (dry ingredients only)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup mix ins (such as chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Stir in the mix ins.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Bake just until the cookies are set in the middle, 10-12 minutes.
- Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack or a sheet of waxed paper.
Recipe Notes:
*I have used different cake mix sizes from 15.25 oz to 18.25 oz and they all seem to work just fine. You won’t need to adapt the other ingredients.
Mix ins can be whatever you want to mix into the cookies – coconut, chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information is for cookies prepared with strawberry cake mix and coconut as the mix in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 183
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 244 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 23 g
Keywords: Cake mix cookies, cake cookies, cake batter cookies, cake mix cookie recipe, how to make cookies from cake mix
12 Different Ways to Make Cake Mix Cookies
Here are some of my favorite flavor combinations!
Strawberry Cake Mix with Shredded Coconut
Butter Pecan Cake Mix with Butterscotch Chips
Chocolate Cake Mix with Andes Mints
Chocolate Cake Mix with Pecans and Coconut
Chocolate Cake Mix with Chopped Peanut Butter Cups
Lemon Cake Mix with White Chocolate Chips
Yellow Cake Mix with Toffee Chips
White Cake Mix with Mini M&Ms
Cherry Chip Cake Mix with Mini Chocolate Chips
Carrot Cake Mix with Coconut
Spice Cake Mix with Pecans
Red Velvet Cake Mix with White Chocolate Chips
Poonam says
Hi Deborah, I am here for the first time! I never thought of making cookies from a cake mix. I have a cake mix left unopened for a long time now…i will try your recipe on that mix…thanks for sharing!..Loved reading your posts..
Tart Reform says
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I was recently asked to list my 5 fave female bloggers, and I put you down. I just love reading about your latest successes and attempts. Thanks!
KJ says
Hi Deborah. I have never heard of cake mix cookies. What an interesting idea. I quite like the sound of strawberry biscuits.
Patricia Scarpin says
I have never tried making cookies with cake mixes, Deb – this is totally new to me!
I love the pink cookies. 🙂
Chris says
Yum!I love these! I have never made cookies with cake mix – just brownies. And then, I have made cookies with brownie mix. I will have to try these! Thanks!
Kristen says
I love those pink cookies…my three year old would be all over those. I’m going to have to make these soon!
Oh – and what a cute dessert would this be to bring for someone who just had a baby girl? Love it!
Claire says
I have a recipe very similar to this but for some reason it adds a 1/4 cup sugar. I leave that out. My aunt used to make these chocolate chip cookies that I thought were divine…turns out they were just butter cake mix cookies with CC in them! I think this is best with lemon or strawberry mix.
Michelle says
Deb – Like I told you – These cookies looked so good I went to the store that and bought a strawberry cake mix and coconut. We went to our friends beach house for the weekend and the cookies were a hit! Damon also absolutely loved them!
Bonnye says
I made the strawberry cakemix cookies but substitute applesauce for the oil. I always do with any recipe. Yummy and no fat.
Karrisa says
How much applesauce? The same as the oil measurement?
belladane says
I just tried that as well, I like to use Applesauce instead of oil/butter as well. But the cookies came out looking like cupcake tops, not cookies. Do you get this same problem? I substituted 1:1 the applesause for the oil (so a half cup of applesauce.) I used the white cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup applescause, and 1/2 cup of M&M’s, but they don’t look like the other pics. What did I do wrong?
Elaine Lynn says
But how much applesauce do u use? And does it make the cookies to moist?
Leah says
Does anyone know how many cups are in a box of cake mix? I have some leftover cake mix from making cake batter rice krispee treats and I was thinking I could cut this recipe in half to use up my leftovers. But I’m not sure how many cups equals half a box of cake mix…
Deborah says
@Leah, I’m not sure how many cups there are, but if you have a kitchen scale, the weight should be on the box. That might be the easiest way to figure it out. Good luck!!
latayia says
@Leah, maybe about 41/2- 5 cups
Teri Pyles says
how do you make cake mix rice krispie treats?
melissa d campbell says
2 cups
Emily says
I definitely need to try this! About how many cookies does this make?
Deborah says
@Emily, It’s been awhile since I’ve made these, but I’m guessing it’s about 2 dozen.
Melissa D says
Yes I made some tonight it made 26 cookies so 2 dozen is right on point!
latayia says
@Emily, so far i am able to make 30 cookies each one being about a table spoon full of dough 🙂
Katie says
is the coconut coconut oil, shredded coconut, coconut milk etc??
Deborah says
@Katie, it is shredded coconut
shelly says
Can I make the strawberry ones without the coconut? Is there something I can substitute for it. I want to make these for Christmas, but I have a few guests that do not like coconut. I was going to make both the choc and the strawberry.
Deborah says
@shelly, you can add in any sort of addition – I think white chocolate chips would go well, or even regular chocolate chips!
maryanne says
my mom substitutes rice krispies for the coconut. Still has crunch, but keeps it light
Kasey says
I make a similar cookie, but instead of oil, I use one cube of butter, softened in the microwave to almost melting… yummy!
When I make the chocolate ones I add chocolate chips. Sometimes I don’t then I will make a thick cream cheese frosting and put 2 cookies together.
My kids love it when I do Funfetti cake cookies.
Mary Lou says
Try this one! White cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup chopped Candied cherries, 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1 1/2 cups of White chocolate morsels. Mix well, using a tablespoon drop on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I usually roll them in the palm of my hands. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes. My husband loves them. The guys that I work with really love them, too.
Lori says
I make something similiar as well. The recipe calls for Cool Whip and an egg added to the mix – then rolled in powered sugar! Yummy.
I have used a Cherry Chip mix and a Lemon Mix – we call them Snowflake cookies but love them anytime of the year!
Erin says
My family loves the Yellow cake mix with toffee pieces added. The cookies are so chewy and delicious!
chris says
Lori…I got the same receipe from a friend of mine that owned his own bakery. 1 cake mix, 1 egg, 2 cups of Cool Whip rolled into powdered sugar. I take different flavors and add things, like peppermint candies crushed into chocolate cake mix. The lemon ones are the ones my friends love…I add lemon zest and juice of the lemon for that extra punch!
Sandra says
I used this recipe for my lemon cookies, my family loves them.
Leslie says
So easy and delicious! I swapped the coconut for mini white chocolate chips and it added a different flavor. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Makyla Molina says
I’m wanting to make these for a babyshower in a couple weeks but thought about making them now and freezing them….can I do that?? Would it be better to freeze them made already or in the dough form??
Deborah says
@Makyla Molina, I haven’t tried freezing these before, but they really only take 5 minutes to mix the ingredients together. It probably won’t save much time to freeze just the dough. If you do try freezing the cookies, let me know how it turns out!
Erika says
Just tied these cookies and they are very tasty. Added coconut like you said, but next time I think I’ll add some pecans too. Thanks for the great recipe.
Kim says
I have been making these for years! Try: white cake mix, 1/2 box chopped pitted dates, pecans
Mitzie says
Just made these cookies in the strawberry flavor and the are DELICIOUS! Also tasted good with red velvet cake mix and white chocolate chips!!! Thanks for the great recipe perfect for a baby shower or luncheon!
Kina says
I bet these pink ones would be adorable with mini chocolate chips, they would look like watermelons. I think I’m going to make them into ice cream sanwiches and roll the sides in something green…Thanks for the idea!
maria says
Ooh, green food coloring in vanilla ice cream for the middle lol too cute
Shannon says
I have to use both Strawberry and chocolate cake mix? Will they still come out pink or which ever I choose?
Deborah says
@Shannon, if you want the strawberry cookies, just use the strawberry ingredients. If you want the chocolate cookies, just use the chocolate ingredients. The recipe is for 2 different flavors.
rava stortzum says
on the strawberry cookies, could i cancel the coconut cuz i am alleric to coconut
Deborah says
@rava stortzum, you can add in any add-in that you would like, or just leave them plain. I know a lot of people who have tried them with white chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips and who have loved them that way.
Laura says
These are fabulous! Thanks for the great recipe- I had to bake them for 18 minutes as opposed to 8-10, but they came out fantastic! Can’t wait to try the chocolate in the future 🙂
sarabeth says
another great twist on these cookies is: 1 box of cake mix and one full tub of cool whip. mix all together then drop one spoonful at a time in powdered sugar then lightly pat onto a lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-15 mins depending on how hot your oven gets. super chewy and delish! I have done strawberry, red velvet and butter pecan(butter cake mix with chopped pecans added) everyone loves them and super easy to make:)
Jodi says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I just made them today. I am going to put these delightful little strawberry cookies in a pink ribbon cellophane bag as thank you gifts for donations made to my 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk.
Deborah says
@Jodi, what a great idea!!
Lindsey Fleck says
Love this idea!
julie says
I make cake mix cookies often and they are always so moist and delicious! I love them
LeighAnn M. says
Just made Funfetti cake mix cookies and they were so good! Thanks!
Deborah says
@LeighAnn M., I’m so glad you liked them – and funfetti cookies sound so fun!
bobbie says
making these now as old man been asking for them
Gaby G. says
HELLO PEOPLES!!! Its so great these cookies turned out soo inredible. So i have another cookie recipe for you,your friends and family (that is if they get to try them 😉 ) to enjoy! (remember i’m posting this for the cookbooks giveaway.)
COOKIES!!!!!!!!!
Here is a cookie recipe for the working woman to enjoy-
http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/05/graham-cracker-smores-cookies/
rebecca says
Hello! I made the strawberry with coconut tonight. I also had to bake them about 18 minutes rather than 10. Although I love the flavor and texture I achieved, I thought they were way too sweet. Any ideas on what I can add to this recipe to cut down the sweetness? I bought 8 boxes of strawberry cake mix and planned to make tons of these!
Deborah says
@rebecca, these are sweet cookies. As far as cutting down on the sweetness, the only thing I can think of is using unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened coconut.
Cristina says
I want to make the Strawberry ones with chocolate chips! Thanks for the inspiration!
Emily says
Perfect Valentine’s Day cookies!
anne sheeler says
Just made an orange version this weekend. Used orange cake mix and added white chocolate chips. The cookies tasted like a creamsicle!! Everyone loved them!
Julie says
I tried these with an orange cake mix and scissor cut chunks of orange slices candy. Awesome.
Alanna says
These look amazing! I have an odd question though, I’m making a valentines day basket for someone with chrons disease and can only have sweets here and there. Can you give me the recipe for the strawberry ones that will only make two or three cookies? 🙂
Deborah says
@Alanna, I’m afraid this wouldn’t be easy to cut down to 2 or 3 cookies. I would suggest making the whole batch and giving the rest to someone else. 🙂
Elisa says
I froze TBSPs of dough overnight and then bagged them. When I want a few cookies, I set them out to thaw for an hour, and then bake as this blog describes.
Andrea @ pencils and pancakes says
How many will one box yield? I want to make them for my students so I will need about 80 lol
Deborah says
@Andrea @ pencils and pancakes, I’m guessing you should get 2-3 dozen from each batch, depending on how big you make them.
Joanne says
My grandson gave me a cake mix cookie recipe and he used a cup of M&Ms in the batter. Yummy!!!
Julianna says
Hey guys! I’m julianna (Julie-Anna) and I’m 11! I made cake batter cookies a while ago with my cousin.
Immediately, I was hooked!
I’ve been searching for the right cake mix to make the best cookies. I finally found that Betty Crocker Devils Chocolate is a GREAT mix. I used this recipe and I’m left with a DELICIOUS batch of cookies!
Thanks @Deborah for posting this AMAZING recipe!!
Lisa E. says
Here’s another one to try:
German Chocolate Cake Mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Chocolate Chips
Mix 1/2 the cake mix with the oil, eggs, and vanilla till smooth. Add the remaining cake mix. Dough will be EXTREMELY stiff! Add chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
These are DIVINE as long as you don’t bake them too long and they’re still chewey! Give them a try!
Pat says
With German chocolate, I think I’d try also adding a little shredded coconut and minced pecans similar to a German Chocolate cake frosting.
Maggie says
What brand of cake mix did you use for the strawberry cookies?
Deborah says
@Maggie, it was quite awhile ago, but I’m pretty sure I used Betty Crocker. I’ve done cake mix cookies with Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and Duncan Hines before and they’ve all worked out.
Maddy says
I made this recipe and the cookies came out way too oily. I would recommend using less oil. I had to add about a half cup more flour.
★★★
anne says
I like puffy soft cookies, the picture of these looked thin so I added 1/3 cup of flour and 1 tsp baking powder and baked at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. I also added white chocolate chips instead of coconut. delish! great idea using a cake mix for cookies, never would have thought, now I am gonna try tons of flavors!! thanks!
Melissa D says
Anne- the trick to getting really fluffy cookies when ever you are baking is to add a tsp of cream of tartar to the mix!
Lisa E. says
I have used both strawberry and orange cake mixes, both with white chocolate chips instead of coconut, and they are gone in minutes! Just an added note – I too have to bake them at least 18 minutes with my oven, but they come out perfect every time. Just wished they made more flavors of cake mixes! Thanks for the recipe!
Casey says
I made cake mix cookies this weekend….but I used 5T melted butter and 5T melted shortening instead. I thought the shortening would help hold its shape but the cookies spread out SUPER thin. I see you used oil. Is there something about the oil that helps them hold? Should I try SOFTENED fat instead??
Deborah says
I know that some people do use softened butter for cake mix cookies, so I’m guessing it would work with softened butter. I’m not sure why the melted fat didn’t work.
Maggie P says
I accidentally used 1/2c Crisco vegetable shortening instead of the oil. I thought I ruined the recipe oh well what’s done is done and proceeded with the recipe anyways. but that was a happy accident they came out fluffy and chewy and didn’t spread too much. I just creamed the shortening and the room temperature eggs before adding the cake mix. You may have to bake them a little longer but they came out perfectly delish. They didnt stick to the pan and didn’t spread too much. I used a parchment paper lightly sprayed with Pam. Give it that a try it may work better for you.
Deborah says
I’m so happy they worked out! And I will have to try that next time!
Harriet says
I’ve made these thru the years.The 1st time I saw the recipe was in my late Mother’s old 1970’s church cookbook she had gotten from a friend in SC.I’ve made the lemon,choc and orange ones and last week I made ones from a Spice cake mix.I added pecans to that one,it came out well.I’d like to make the strawberry or cherry ones for potluck sometime.
sue says
I got pink lemonaid cakemix and icing. Gonna try tonight
sharon white says
My great granddaughter and l made the strawberry cookies . She is 3 and I am still under 80.
What a great afternoon we had ! We served cookies and milk to her great grandfather and father on the patio. Such a easy beginning to baking and fun for all.
Thank you.
Deborah says
How fun!! I’m so glad that you were able to have such a special time together!
linda says
you be surprised what you can put in cake mix cookies
my favoret is a plain white cake and add your favoret like almond or orange extract
so good
Trishfields says
Has anyone done the Funfetti banana split cookies? They are great!! Can I freeze them after baking? Trying to get Christmas baking done in advance
Deborah says
I haven’t tried freezing them myself, but I would guess that they would freeze well.
Linda & Kendall says
My grand-daughter Kendall and I like to make this version; Cherry Chip cake mix with dark chocolate chips. Everyone in the family loves these! I don’t see this particular version listed by anyone else. Definitely worth trying.. Yummy
Deborah says
I love cherry chip cake, so I’m definitely going to have to try this version!!
Pat says
As someone else said, this idea of cake mix cookies has been around a very long time, I know I used it as a “new bride” back in the early 1960s. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve introduced it to a whole new generation of cooks. I have yet to find a flavor of cake mix that does NOT lend itself to yummy cookies, the fun/challenge is to decide what “add in” to pair with what cake mix. My personal favorite “go to” pairing is a yellow cake with semi-sweet chocolate chips and pecans …. but I guess that’s because it was my first and I’m a “traditionalist”. Different holidays call for a different add in too, e.g., crushed peppermint sticks at Christmas, diced candied cherries for Valentine’s day, green candied cherries and a little green food coloring for St. Patrick’s day., etc.
Cathy says
Love these cookies…I made some using an Orange mix, 1/2 cup of oil, 1 egg, 2 tbsp of fresh squeezed orange and the grated zest from the orange…
Also did the same with a lemon cake mix and lemon juice and the zest… Delicious !
Julie E. says
Try adding 3 cups of cocoa rice cereal to yellow cake min. Yum!!!!!
Deborah says
Definitely trying that!!
Roberta says
what does the “ins.” mean?
Deborah says
The mix in are whatever you choose to add to your cookies. If you look below the recipe card, there are lots of different options – coconut, m&ms, chocolate chips, nuts. It is just referring to that extra item you add.
Jennifer says
Add cream cheese….yum!!
Nicole says
I was reading through, and how much flour do you use.
Deborah says
No flour – the dry ingredients all come from the cake mix.
Jackie says
So I tried making thees tonight and OMG they are the best cookies i have ever made, i did have to substitute the oil for spread but i blended up blueberries and added choc chips, my 2yr old is trying to take them off the counter
Deborah says
Sounds delicious – I’m so glad you liked the recipe!
Margret says
I was wondering what you can substitute the Eggs in the recipe with?
Deborah says
I’m afraid I’m not sure, as I don’t usually do any substitutions for the eggs. I did a quick Google search, and there was a suggestion to use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. But I have’t tested it with this recipe to see if that will work. Sorry!
Carol says
I used egg substitute and applesauce in place of the oil. Did yellow cake mix and Heath toffee bits….Delish!! Mine were not flat as shown though, I just assumed it was because I didn’t use oil.
★★★★★
Melissa D says
Greek yogurt (i use vanilla) can be subbed for the eggs, one cup per box of cookie mix. I have done it several times and it works well. It HAS To be greek, regular yogurt doesn’t bake right.
Alexa says
The cake mix box I bought says to use 3 eggs instead of 2. Should I follow the box instructions or use just 2 eggs as you mentioned in the directions?
Deborah says
You won’t be making the cake as directed on the box, you will just need the dry cake mix. So use the dry cake mix and follow the instructions as listed on this recipe.
Maryann says
Can I freeze them after they are baked?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried freezing them, but I’m guessing they would freeze well.
Melanee says
Yes!! Definitely freeze super well – put a layer of wax paper or plastic wrap between layers so they don’t stick to each other. I like to stack them in an ice cream bucket. I have made these since little (long time) and have a couple ideas. We make them with dark chocolate cake mix, add 2 tsp black cocoa into your recipe and we use stick of butter and not oil. Cook for the 9-11 min. Then they firm up as they cool some. We make a thick cream cheese icing (not too sweet – hold back some icing sugar), or we even have made the chocolate chip cookie edible dough without eggs — put between two of these. I love them frozen — the kids love them semi-frozen and room temp. They were called fake oreos when I was young. You could make a peanut butter icing and put between them. I use a small cookie scoop so they are all the same size for matching — holds about 1 1/2 tsp of the raw dough.
Deborah says
Love your ideas here!!
Marilyn Lund says
I’ve made cake mix cookies for years and here’s what I’ve found: The large size cake mix box makes great and chewy and not flat cookies. When the cake mixes started coming out much less weight the cookies spread out and were not as good as the “old” box size cake mix cookies. Because I have a kitchen scale, I measured out flour to make up the difference (it was 1/2 cup) between the old and new boxed mixes. Now I always add 1/2 cup flour to the new smaller box cake mix when making cake mix cookies and they are ALWAYS pump and chewy, and i don’t have to add anything else for the flavoring, just any add ins.
Gijs Vader says
Hi there,
The shops in my town have not that many cake mixes.
Can you also use pie-mixes?
Deborah says
I don’t think a pie mix will work the same. Sorry!
Britney says
Just made a dozen delicious, huge double chocolate cookies thanks to you! They were so soft, scrumptious, and ready in no time. My husband calls them “cakies.” Lol thank you so much for the great ideas!
Deborah says
Yay! And I love the name!
Elizabeth says
Made these tonight as a trial run for a potluck. I made strawberry and dark chocolate chips. Turned out great! I want to try all different kinds now. I had never heard of cake mix cookies before but so glad I know about it now!
Deborah says
They are so fun, aren’t they? So glad you are enjoying them!
Vicky says
What is ins?
Deborah says
Mix ins are just whatever you want to mix in for fun – chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, etc.
Melissa D says
I love cake mix cookies but have only ever done white or yellow cake mix with vanilla extract to make sugar cookies, then frost them and add sprinkles. I LOVE the idea of using all different kinds of combinations. I can’t wait to try lemon cake mix with white chocolate chips! Strawberry is a great idea as well. Tonight I made some as a trial run before Christmas cookie baking starts tomorrow, I did dark chocolate cake with half a bag of m&m’s and half a bag of white chocolate chips (as that was what I had in the house.) They turned out great, I think next time I would add almonds or another nut to them, I had intended to make mint ones by adding mint extract but I forgot about it. Thanks so much for all the great ideas!
Laua says
Hi! Love these recipes. My daughter and I will be baking these for Christmas. How far in advance can I bake before serving? And what would be the best containers to store them in?
Deborah says
These will stay soft for several days if they are kept in an airtight container. So I would just make sure you put them in one with a lid. Enjoy!
Melissa says
Do you think I could I sub coconut oil for the vegetable oil?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried coconut oil, but I’m guessing that it would work.
Cath says
I found a recipe for cake mix and I was wondering if I could use that instead of a box mix since I have no access to those. This is the recipe:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
Deborah says
I haven’t tried these with anything other than a cake mix so I’m not sure if it would work. Sorry!
Debi Sayer says
Fifty some odd years ago I remember my Grandmother making cookies from her own cake mix recipe. They were the softest, tastiest chocolate chip cookies ever. She would top them with her homemade cream cheese frosting. Still makes my mouth water. I’d say, “Go for it.” 😀
Celeste C. says
Hi Deborah! I’ve heard of cookies being made with cake mixes, just never had a recipe to follow…thanks. It makes me want to experiment while baking…I have a lot of ideas…
Margaret Keys says
i don’t want to sound dumb but what does is ½ cup mix ins???
Deborah says
The mix ins are whatever you want to add – chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, candy, etc.
Karianne says
Thank you for the recipe. So easy and fun to make them with all different mix-ins.
Here are some that I made:
Yellow mix with Fruity Pebbles cereal.
Yellow mix with Heath bar bits and butterscotch chips.
Devil’s Food mix with chopped Oreo pieces and choc chips.
Yellow mix with crushed potato chips (Ruffles) and choc chips (for that sweet and salty effect).
BunnyD1010 says
New to Pintrest but not to cake cookies♡ I have been making theae for ages with my daughter, who now makes them for her friends in college. We used a ‘cheater’ whoopie pie recipe and call these ‘cakies’! Box mix, a little extra flour and then pick your flavor more with instant pudding mix. Also, for the liquid we sometimes use our favorite sodas. Glad to see this here♡
Elisa says
I love this! For Valentine’s day, I used a Devil’s Food mix with pink, red, and white m&ms. They were fantastic!
So, I bought a orange cake mix and a strawberry cake mix. I’ toying with adding vanilla and toffee to the orangeand dried fruit to the strawberry. I’m looking forward to making your recipe often.
Also, I was telling my mil about it and got the “oh, honey! I made those when the kids were little!” Lol I enjoyed reading the comments that also talking about this not being a new idea.
Anj says
Mix ins mean you can add in chocolate chips, coconut, candies…anything you want to “mix in”
Samantha says
I want to make these but I have no idea what you mean by “mix ins.” What is this?
Joy says
Does this work for gluten free cake mixes??
Deb says
I just made these with white cake mix. about 18 oz. I added dried cherries, pecans, some fresh orange zest and a little vanilla. OMG these are amazing. I love this and thank you Deborah for sharing this.. it is wonderful
★★★★★
Cathy ONeill says
My husband is diabetic so I use Pillsbury’s Sugar-free cake mixes and sugar-free chips.
★★★★★
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
Hi Deborah! I love cake mix cookies! I’ve been making them for a long, long time. Sharing on my blog FB page tomorrow!
Cindy says
Just wondering if these cookies freeze well. Thank you,
Deborah says
I haven’t tried freezing them, but I am guessing they would freeze great!
TurkeyTime says
I tried the strawberry ones. They keep turning brown on top and are not getting done all the way. Maybe my cookies are too big? I’m getting about 16 cookies for one box 2 eggs and a half cup of flower. I’m using white cc for the mix in. How big should the scoop be? Also how do you get yours flat? Mine are puffy.
pamela says
Im thinking of trying spice cake and raisins.
Randah says
Mine spread super thin… any idea why? My eggs too big? Cake mix box too small?
Lauren says
Hey, I was wondering what the shelf life of the cookies are. I make huge batches of cookies and send them over seas to a couple of troops i have adopted in multiple branches, and i knpw even with the “priority” it can take up to 13-18 days to get there. Do you know if the cookies would still bee good after that long?
Thank you so much for your response. I am trying tj send as much variety as possible.
~lauren
Deborah says
I haven’t specifically tested how long they would stay fresh for, but I think these should make it ok. I would just make sure to wrap them well.
Cailey says
Did you try vacuum sealing the cookies?! That might help keeping them fresh longer?
laura says
Hi, going to make German choclate! Can I frost them?
Deborah says
Yep – you could!!
Suzanne says
I am so glad this post is still up. I made a batch of cake mix cookies using a recipe from the local grocery store. So simple, but not very good texture, so I googgled it, and found your site. Your recipe has different measurements,
What great ideas you posted! Hubby is German, so I am going to surprise him with that German chocolate cake recipe and use the coconut pecan frosting on them. It just May be his new favorite.
Many thanks.
Suzanne
Deborah says
I’m so glad you enjoyed these cookies! And I hope your husband enjoys the German Chocolate version!
judy says
can you make these as bar cookies?
Deborah says
I would guess so! I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
MaxS. says
I’ve made cake mix cookies regularly. I just snagged a box of pumpkin cake mix that I plan to make for Thanksgiving, with candied pecans!
But the recipe I’ve always used calls for a quarter cup each of oil and water, and just 1 egg. I’ve also never used mix-ins.
Do you think that will work even although mix-ins? Or I can just press a few pecan pieces into the top, before baking.
Deborah says
I think the mix ins should still work. And pressing the pecans into the top is a great solution, as well – I have done that before!
Kathy says
Have done this for 30 years. Curent favorites are orange cake mix and vanilla chips. I also add a little orange extract and drizzle the top with melted chips. Chocolate cake mix and mint chips, Lemon cake with 1.5 c. toasted almonds. I add lemon and almond extract and roll in powdered sugar while still hot…after they rest for about 2 minutes. Strawberry cake mix, adding 4oz. softened cream cheese. make a large thumbprint in the center and fill with strawberry preserves. Pineapple with 3/4 c. coconut, 1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries…patted dry and 1/2 c chopped pecans. Banana with 3/4 c. chopped walnuts, and coconut with 1 jar macadamias chopped, 1 c.
white choc. chips. I also replace the oil with butter flavored Crisco 1/2 heaping c. softened.
Deborah says
I love all of your combinations!
Cindy says
Can Canola oil be substituted for vegetable?
★★★★★
JUDY says
DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX WITH CHOPPED CANDIED CHERRIES AND CHOPPED PECANS….OH SO GOOD
Deborah says
That sounds like a fantastic combination!
Dawn says
I have made lemon cake mix cookies, no ad ins, I put lemon icing in the microwave and melted it and glazed them, delish!
Linda Wetch says
I doubles the recipe and baked it in a Jelly roll pan with parchment liner. baked the same length of time. I am too impatient to bake cookies I convert all my cookie to either 9×13 regular batch or jelly roll pan double batch. Wonderful I did white cake mix with coconut and almonds. thanks for the recipe.
Maruja Shelton says
Can I add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries? How do I make the dough not so wet?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried adding fresh berries – they might be too wet for these cookies. But if you do try, let me know if they work out!
Penny says
I have made these subbing in applesauce or greek yogurt for the oil/butter and replacing the eggs with flax/chia eggs. Have had great success. slightly different texture. Well worth experimenting with different add-ins! Took cake mixes with me to Mexico and they were my go to for cookies all winter. So easy and enjoyed by all
Shirley says
This is the second time I have made them. The first time I put a caramel M&M in the middle.
★★★★★
Kathy says
I wanted to leave a comment for all my fellow high altitude bakers who find it a challenge to find a cookie recipe that doesn’t come out flat as a fritter. ! I live at 4200 feet, so to the dry cake mix I added a generous tablespoon of all purpose flour. and used a lightly melted cube of margarine instead of oil .I also added as a mix in the coconut to give the batter substance, Baked as directed and these cookies turned out wonderfully ! Thank you for this wonderful recipe. I highly recommend for high altitudes !!!!!
★★★★★
Penny Studer says
I make muffins with a cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree. I am going to try cookies this way and add one cup oatmeal and raisins and pecans. Hope they turn out.
Silver says
Found this recipe and feel like I hit the mother lode! Make different mixes and everyone thinks I have worked so hard. All wanting the recipes. This is a 10+ recipe
Jean Roberts says
I made devil’s food cake with mini marshmallows added at the final minute of baking. …really good! I also made vanilla bean cake with crushed peppermint added at the final minute of baking. I may add fine sugar/sugar sand to make them more “holiday”. Family liked them both!
Barbara Dockery says
An easy make. Taste just like making from scratch.
★★★★★
Amy Sciortino says
Great recipe. I made lemon with white chocolate chips and chocolate fudge with coconut and butterscotch chips!
★★★★★
Wendy J. says
Hi Deborah, I make cake box cookies every year, different flavors and add ins. Last year I put the dough in the fridge for about 1/2 hr, they turned our way better.
Mary says
I used your recipe and added my own twist I made Mint chip cookies for Christmas I colored them Red and some Green ones.
★★★★★
Patricia Goodall says
Needed to make a batch of cookies in a hurry to take to a friend. Was surprised they were that good. I used a chocolate cake mix, substituted butter for oil, and added 3/4 cup of chocolate chips instead of the recommended 1/2 cup.
★★★★
Flora says
I love this quick and easy. I’ve made vanilla and chocolate ones. I’m going to try and make snickerdoodles with the yellow cake.
★★★★★
Cindy says
I Love your recipes ❤️❤️❤️
★★★★★
Patty says
Can I use 1/2 cup butter instead of oil for a buttery taste?
Deborah says
I’m sure that would work just fine!
Patty says
Tried the lemon but swapped butter for oil, delicious. Next time I’m trying applesauce that I didn’t have this time.
Cynthia says
I never heard of using cake mix to make cookies but I’m glad I found this recipe. I made chocolate chip cookies today, they tasted like a hybrid between brownies and cookies. Fast, easy and delicious recipe. Will definitely do it again.
★★★★★
Shawna says
I’ve made three different batches already!! I love the simplicity and more so the flavoring. Thank you for sharing!!!
★★★★★
Julie says
Would this work with gluten free cake mix too?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried it, so I can’t say for sure. Sorry!
Bonnie Matthews says
It does work with gluten free cake mixes also. That is what I usually use because my granddaughter needs to eat gluten free.
Barb Alvarez says
If you use butter instead of oil, how much do you use?
Deborah says
You would use the same amount – 1/2 cup (which is 1 regular sized stick of butter).
Judy says
I love this idea, would strawberry jam folded in strawberry cake be a good mix! Maybe slivered almonds too?
★★★★★
Johnathan Stel says
This recipe deserves money.
★★★★★
Johnathan Stel says
This recipe is amazing for gatherings and parties!
★★★★★
Sandy K says
It’s impossible to find sugar-free cookies around here that don’t cost a fortune, so we used your recipe with a box of sugar-free cake mix. Success!! They were approved even by the non-diabetics in the house. Thanks so much!
Marybeth says
Leah and Deborah just found this wonderful site and saw the questions on how many cups are in a cake mix for cake mix cookies … I have not measured but if you dump cake mix into dry measuring cups you will have your answer !!! And thank you Deborah … I am so excited to have found site …. its absolutely fabulous !!!!
Margaret Cann says
Love all these cookies
Samnjan says
So nice and easy to make, especially for a rush.
★★★★★
Marilyn says
I’ve made this recipe for many years for my girls and now for my grands. Once I made a batch of Red Velvet cookies for my grands…they were coming to spend the day. I was letting them cool on the counter and when I came back to check them…our fur baby was able to reach the parchment paper…pulled them down on the floor and ate all but 6. Puppies like them too!
Dawn says
I use cake mix with the eggs,oil and add all purpose flour, chill it and then do cut outs. Pretty good results with little to no spreading of cookie.
Cynthia Diaz says
How many cups of flower do you use
Ash M says
This recipe works and I’m stealing it. I made red velvet/white chocolate chips, and lemon/coconut.
★★★★★
Ash MG says
This recipe is awesome I’m using it now made red velvet whit cocoa hips, lemon
★★★★★
Dianne Bilski says
I didn’t have an 18.25 oz but did have a 15.25oz I added 2tablespoons of selfrising flour only 1egg and 2 tablespoons of Applesauce with 1/2cup oil. Baked on parchment paper for 12 minutes. I think it was slightly too long because they were darker(donee) than I like but still looked great and tasted great. Next time only ten minutes on the bake😉
Linda Miller says
These are fantastic! Followed recipe and chilled for about 2 days. Shared with a friend who immediately called and asked for recipe, thank you Deborah
naira says
Today if someone asks me what you saw best then I would like to say that I saw your post best today and it is a very beautifully written post which I appreciate. And I also think that if you see someone’s post and it is beautiful and well written, that should be appreciated.
★★★★★
Micky says
How much of the add in are we supposed to put in?
Deborah says
1/2 cup
Katie says
I live at 3200 ft elevation, do you have recommendation for high altitude? I tried to make this with red velvet mix, the dough was so sticky/thick that my mixer wouldn’t turn it and hand kneading left my hands a disaster. I tried adding more flour, more liquid, nothing improved the situation. I ended up throwing the batch away. I’m afraid to try another batch.
Deborah says
I am at about 4500 ft elevation, but have not had problems before. Is the red velvet the only kind you tried? It is a thicker/stickier dough than normal cookies, but I haven’t had a problem mixing it with a hand mixer or even by hand with a spatula. I’d maybe try a different kind of cake mix, or even a different brand, to see if that helps.
Dawn says
Ermagerd! This! Cake mix cookies were so easy to make and the variations are endless! Doesn’t taste like cake! Cookies all the way. Great for cookie exchanges! Thanks!
★★★★★
CHARLOTTE says
I used this recipe to make cookies with a spice cake mix and added cinnamon candies was very good!
Deborah says
Sounds delicious!
Kimberly Erlenbach says
Can’t I add peanut butter to make peanut butter cookies
Deborah says
I have not personally tried adding peanut butter, but have seen other recipes that use a yellow cake mix, 1 cup of peanut butter, plus the eggs and oil. If you try, let me know how they turn out!
Kathysedai says
I made my own cake mix from a recipe book, using only the dry ingredients. It turned out to be 2 box mixes worth, but doubled the wet, voila. Perfect.
Mary Alice says
Loved this recipe, and had no idea that there were so many different flavors. Great cookie ideas!
James Tino says
Great way to use cake mix. I made the recipe using yellow cake mix then added 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup dried cherries, 1/4 cup almond paste and 2 tsp almond extract. Made 14 good sized cookies baked 14 mins. Better than a bakery!
Irma Louie says
Why do the peanut butter cookies get harder than the other flavors
Deborah says
I’m afraid I have never tried using peanut butter, so I’m not quite sure. Sorry!