3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
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Cake mix cookies are incredibly easy and delicious, calling for only 3 ingredients: cake mix, eggs, and oil. Customize with your favorite flavor of cake mix and mix-ins. Making cookies doesn’t get any easier!
Read on for how to make cake mix cookies along with tips for success and 15+ of the best cake mix cookie recipes.
From tart lemon cake mix cookies to creamy peanut butter cookies, easy cake mix cookies have endless flavor and mix-in combinations.
Why you’ll love cake mix cookies
- Simplicity: Just 3 basic ingredients make these recipes easy enough for everyone.
- Versatility: Customize with your favorite mix-ins for endless flavor options.
- Quick: Prepare and bake freshly-baked cookies in no time.
- Fun: Great for family baking and a hit at parties.
Here’s what you will need
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
The basic cake mix cookies recipe has just 3 ingredients:
- Cake Mix – Use your favorite flavor: chocolate, vanilla, funfetti, etc… I have tested and had success with Pillsbury, Duncan Hines, and Betty Crocker brand mixes.
- Vegetable Oil – canola oil works too.
- Eggs – bring your eggs to room temperature on the countertop before beginning.
Then you can customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins (ideas below).
Can I make cake mix cookies with 13.25 oz cake mix?
Certain brands of cake mix have changed their recipe and now weigh less. Cake mixes used to be 18 ounces, then dropped to 15.25 ounces, and now some cake mixes are just 13.25 ounces. I have tested this recipe using a 13.25 ounce box of cake mix and they still came out well. Their texture isn’t quite the same and the recipe will yield fewer cookies, but they are certainly still delicious.
How to Make Cookies from Cake Mix
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl bowl, combine dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and mix-ins.
Step 2: If you have time, chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Scoop dough onto lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool on sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
How to Store 3 Ingredient Cookies with Cake Mix
Countertop: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To freeze cookies: After letting the cookies cool fully, place in a freezer bag or airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper for up to 1 month.
To freeze dough: Scoop the cookie dough onto a sheet pan or plate. No need to space scoops out since you won’t be baking. Freeze for about an hour then transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, just add a few minutes to bake time.
Tips for the Best Cake Mix Cookies
- For best results chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This will make the sticky dough easier to work with and prevent the cookies from overspreading while baking.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Non-stick cooking spray or butter can cause the cookies to overspread.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough for evenly sized cookies and even baking.
- If using mix-ins such as chocolate chips, lightly press a few extra mix-ins the top of the each dough ball before baking for a beautiful finish.
Why are my cake mix cookies flat?
Flat cake mix cookies may result from not thoroughly chilling the dough, your oven running hot, or ingredient issues such as using a different size box of cake mix or too much oil.
How can I fix sticky cake mix cookie dough?
If your cookie dough is sticky and/or difficult to form into balls pop it back in the fridge to chill longer. If that doesn’t help enough you can mix in extra flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
Cake Mix Cookie Flavor Variations
More Flavor and Mix-in Combinations
- Chocolate cake mix and Reese’s pieces
- Yellow cake mix and toffee bits
- White cake mix and crushed oreo cookies
- Spice cake mix and chopped pecans
- Carrot cake mix and raisins
- Yellow cake mix and butterscotch chips
- Chocolate cake mix and dark chocolate chips
- Pumpkin spice cake mix and glaze
- Vanilla cake mix and crushed candy canes
3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce cake mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 cup mix-ins optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix well to combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and mix-ins.
- Optional, but recomennded: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. You don’t want the cookies to get golden. If you see them starting to get color on the edges, remove them from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool right on the sheet pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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