Cake mix cookies are such a fun and easy way to whip up a batch of sweet treats without much fuss. They combine the light, fluffy texture of cake with the chewy, satisfying bite of a cookie. Using cake mix as the base makes them super soft and flavorful, and you can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to make them your own.
I love making cake mix cookies because they’re incredibly quick and forgiving. Sometimes I just grab a box of cake mix, mix in a couple of eggs and some oil, and boom—cookies! It’s a simple shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture, which is perfect for when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking.
My favorite way to serve these cookies is fresh out of the oven, still warm and slightly gooey in the center. They’re great with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Plus, they’re such a crowd-pleaser at parties or just as a little everyday treat. If you’ve never tried making cookies from cake mix, give it a go—you might find your new favorite quick dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of your cookies and gives them that soft texture. You can swap funfetti for plain vanilla if you want a less colorful cookie but still keep it sweet and tender.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add moisture. For a vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a substitute.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cookies moist and soft. You can use melted butter for a richer flavor or coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
Rainbow Sprinkles: These add fun color and a slight crunch. If sprinkles aren’t your thing, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts work great too.
How Do You Get Soft and Chewy Cake Mix Cookies Every Time?
Baking cake mix cookies right means watching the time and temperature closely. Here are some tips for perfect texture:
- Use a medium cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Don’t overbake — take them out when edges are set but centers still look soft and slightly cracked.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes so they firm up a bit before moving them to a rack.
- If you prefer fluffier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
Following these steps locks in moisture so the cookies stay tender without turning cakey or dry.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed tray helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents spills.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – a large bowl gives you space to stir the dough without making a mess.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they don’t get soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap rainbow sprinkles for mini chocolate chips to add a classic chocolate touch.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra aroma.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a sweet-tart combo.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (funfetti or vanilla)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for cooling before enjoying your delicious cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until you form a soft dough.
3. Add Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles, saving a few to sprinkle on top of the cookies before baking.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
5. Add Topping Sprinkles:
Lightly press a few of the reserved sprinkles on top of each cookie dough ball for a colorful finish.
6. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked but still soft.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft, chewy funfetti cake mix cookies fresh with a glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
Yes! You can use any flavor of cake mix you like. Chocolate, yellow, or even spice cake mix will work—just expect the cookie flavor to change accordingly.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?
Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a richer taste. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.
