Cake mix cookies are a quick and fun way to whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies with minimal effort. Using a box of your favorite cake mix as the base means you get a ton of flavor and a wonderfully tender texture right from the start. Whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet, these cookies are bursting with sweet, cakey goodness.
I love how simple these cookies are to make—no complicated measuring or mixing of lots of ingredients. I usually keep a box of cake mix handy in my pantry so I can throw these together whenever the cookie craving hits. A little butter and an egg are all you need to bring the dough together, and then you can get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles!
These cookies are perfect for sharing at a last-minute get-together or as a simple treat after dinner. I find they taste best when they’re still a little warm and soft from the oven, with that slight chew that makes you want to have just one more. Everyone always asks how I made them because they’re a little lighter than traditional cookies but just as satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The cake mix is the heart of this recipe. Funfetti is perfect for color and sweetness, but you can swap it for any white, yellow, or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor. Just remember that flavors will vary accordingly.
Butter: I use unsalted butter melted for richness and moisture. If you need a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works well, though it may add a slight coconut taste.
Egg: The egg binds the dough together and gives structure. For an egg-free version, try flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
Sprinkles: Adding extra sprinkles boosts the fun factor and color! Use any rainbow or themed sprinkles you like. If you want, you can skip them or replace with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
How Do You Get Cake Mix Cookies Soft and Chewy Instead of Dry?
These cake mix cookies can become dry if overbaked. Here’s how to keep them soft and chewy:
- Bake at 350°F and check at 9 minutes.
- The edges should look set, but the centers still soft and slightly underdone.
- Remove cookies promptly and let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes; they firm up without drying out.
- Using melted butter, not solid butter, adds moisture to keep cookies tender.
With these tips, you’ll have cookies with that perfect soft, cake-like bite every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed sheet helps cookies bake evenly and prevents spills.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix the cake mix, butter, and egg comfortably.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for measuring even-sized cookie dough balls quickly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate cake mix and add mini chocolate chips for a rich, double chocolate treat.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in 1/4 cup cocoa powder to any vanilla cake mix for a custom chocolate twist.
- Swap sprinkles for M&Ms or chopped dried fruit to change up the texture and sweetness.
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) funfetti cake mix (or any white or vanilla cake mix with sprinkles)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional, for extra color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling. In total, you’ll have soft, funfetti-packed cookies ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Stir everything together until you have a soft dough. If you want extra sprinkles, gently fold them into your dough now for an extra pop of color and fun.
3. Portion and Bake:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers look soft – they will firm up as they cool.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. These cookies stay soft and delicious for up to a week.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you like—chocolate, red velvet, or lemon all work great. Just keep in mind the flavor will impact the final cookie taste.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free cake mix, these cookies will be gluten-free too. Just double-check that the sprinkles and other add-ins you use are also gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them extra fresh, you can add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
