Cake mix sugar cookies are a quick and easy way to make soft, chewy, and delicious cookies with minimal effort. Using a box of cake mix as the base, these cookies come together in minutes and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or icing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Just a few minutes of prep and you’re ready to bake!
- Foolproof: Perfect for beginners or when you need a dessert in a pinch.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, food coloring, or toppings for any occasion.
- Soft and Chewy: The cake mix guarantees the perfect texture.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box of vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or icing for decorating
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Slightly: Gently press each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking for chewy cookies.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: If desired, drizzle with icing or top with more sprinkles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Funfetti Cookies: Use white or yellow cake mix and fold in colorful sprinkles for a festive treat.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Swap vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich chocolate version.
- Frosted Cookies: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting or royal icing for an extra touch.
- Seasonal Twist: Add food coloring to match holidays (red for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, etc.).
- Citrus Burst: Use lemon cake mix and add a little lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies or unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use any flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor you like, such as chocolate, strawberry, or lemon.
2. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
3. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or candy?
Absolutely! Fold in chopped nuts, candy pieces, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
4. Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, but you can refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle.
5. Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
Yes, adjust the size of the dough balls and baking time accordingly.
6. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter works well and adds a richer flavor.
7. What frosting pairs best with these cookies?
Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or a simple glaze all work wonderfully.
8. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cake mix and replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, and the centers slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
Cake mix sugar cookies are the ultimate shortcut for baking soft, delicious cookies with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just because, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite add-ins or decorations, and enjoy a batch of freshly baked cookies in no time!
PrintCake Mix Sugar Cookies
Soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make, these Cake Mix Sugar Cookies come together in minutes using just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for customizing with sprinkles, frosting, or your favorite decorations, they’re a versatile treat for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or frosting for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Once cooled, decorate with frosting, more sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate as desired.
Notes
- Use different flavors of cake mix (e.g., chocolate, funfetti, or strawberry) for variety.
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.