Introduction & Inspiration: The Easiest, Most Delicious Cookies Ever!
These Cake Mix Cookies are a game-changer! I love how incredibly easy they are to make, with just a handful of ingredients. And how they deliver a soft, chewy, and flavorful cookie every time.
The inspiration for this recipe came from my desire for a quick and easy cookie recipe. That wouldn’t require a lot of time or effort. I wanted something that would be perfect.
I experimented with different cake mix flavors and add-ins. And I found that this combination of white cake mix, melted butter, cinnamon, eggs, and sprinkles created the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a last-minute dessert craving to a bake sale to a holiday cookie exchange. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And they’re so fun to make.
Nostalgic Appeal (with a Shortcut Twist)
Cookies, in general, evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. They remind me of childhood treats, after-school snacks, and the simple joy of a warm, freshly baked cookie.
These Cake Mix Cookies take that familiar concept. And add a convenient shortcut with the use of a cake mix. It’s a way to enjoy homemade cookies.
There’s something inherently satisfying about a cookie that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and homemade goodness. It’s a simple pleasure.
It’s the kind of cookie that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Or for enjoying all to yourself with a glass of milk. A moment of pure comfort and joy.
Homemade (with a Little Help) Focus
While these cookies utilize a cake mix, I still consider them to be “homemade-ish.” You’re taking a shortcut, yes, but you’re still putting in the effort to mix, bake, and create something delicious from scratch (mostly!).
Using a cake mix as a base for cookies is a brilliant way to save time and effort. Without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a great option for busy bakers.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious baked goods don’t always require hours in the kitchen. You can achieve amazing results with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
It’s a recipe that I encourage everyone to try, even if you’re not an experienced baker. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen. And to enjoy the satisfaction.
Flavor Goal
The flavor goal of these Cake Mix Cookies is to achieve a soft, chewy, and subtly sweet cookie. With a hint of cinnamon and the fun, colorful addition of sprinkles.
The white cake mix provides the base flavor, which is reminiscent of vanilla cake. It’s a classic and comforting flavor that appeals to everyone.
The melted butter adds richness and helps to create a chewy texture. The cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice.
The eggs add structure and help to bind the ingredients together. The colorful jimmy sprinkles add a fun, festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
A 15.25 oz box of white cake mix is the star of the show. You can use any brand of white cake mix that you prefer.
Melted butter, cooled, adds richness, moisture, and helps to create a chewy texture. I prefer to use salted butter.
Ground cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice that complements the vanilla flavor of the cake mix.
Large eggs add structure, richness, and help to bind the ingredients together.
Colorful jimmy sprinkles, plus more to top, add a fun, festive touch and a bit of extra sweetness and texture. You can use any type of sprinkles.
That’s it! Just five simple ingredients are all you need to create these delicious and easy cookies.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic baking tools:
Two baking sheets.
Parchment paper.
A large bowl: for mixing.
A mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer).
A cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for creating uniformly sized cookies).
A cooling rack.
That’s all! This recipe is incredibly simple in terms of equipment.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:
- 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter, cooled
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup colorful jimmy sprinkles, plus more to top
These are the quantities from the original recipe.
It’s important to use the correct measurements to ensure that the cookies turn out perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake some incredibly easy and delicious Cake Mix Cookies? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted and cooled butter, ground cinnamon, and eggs.
Beat with a mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) until well combined. The dough will be thick.
3. Stir in Sprinkles: Stir in the ¾ cup of colorful jimmy sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets:
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets.
Top with additional sprinkles, if desired.
5. Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottom edges of the cookies are lightly brown.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Troubleshooting
Here are a few potential issues, and solutions:
Problem: The cookies are too flat.
Solution: Make sure your butter is melted but cooled, not hot. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the dough. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Problem: The cookies are too dry.
Solution: Make sure you’re not overbaking the cookies. They should be lightly brown on the bottom edges but still soft in the center.
Problem: The cookies are sticking to the parchment paper.
Solution: Make sure you’re using good-quality parchment paper. You can also lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
Problem: Cookies are spreading too much.
Solution: Try chilling the dough.
Problem: Cookies are not brown enough.
Solution: Check oven temperature.
Tips and Variations
Here are tips and ideas:
Tip: For an even more intense flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
Tip: If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use a spoon or your hands to shape the dough into balls.
Tip: To make sure your cookies are evenly baked, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
Variation: Use a different flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate, yellow, or strawberry.
Variation: Add different types of sprinkles, such as nonpareils, sanding sugar, or chocolate sprinkles.
Variation: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough.
Variation: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate or frosting.
Variation: Add some lemon zest.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serving suggestions:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cookies at room temperature.
Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.
Serve them as a dessert for a party, a potluck, a bake sale, or any occasion.
They’re also perfect for a quick and easy snack.
Pairing Suggestions:
These cookies pair well with a variety of beverages.
A cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy).
A hot cup of coffee or tea.
A scoop of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor that complements the cake mix flavor).
Hot chocolate.
They are a simple treat that are perfect any time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 4-6 grams (mostly from the butter)
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Less than 1 gram
This is a general estimate. These Cake Mix Cookies are relatively low in protein and fiber.
They are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
You can reduce the fat.
Print
Cake Mix Cookies
Description
These Cake Mix Cookies are a game-changer! I love how incredibly easy they are to make, with just a handful of ingredients. And how they deliver a soft, chewy, and flavorful cookie every time
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter, cooled
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup colorful jimmy sprinkles, plus more to top
Instructions
1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, melted and cooled butter, ground cinnamon, and eggs.
Beat with a mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) until well combined. The dough will be thick.
3. Stir in Sprinkles: Stir in the ¾ cup of colorful jimmy sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets:
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets.
Top with additional sprinkles, if desired.
5. Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottom edges of the cookies are lightly brown.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap this easy and delicious Cake Mix Cookies baking adventure!
Summary: These Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly easy to make with just five ingredients: white cake mix, melted butter, cinnamon, eggs, and sprinkles. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: I don’t have sprinkles. Can I leave them out?
A: Yes, you can leave out the sprinkles, but they do add a fun and festive touch. You can substitute with other add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of butter? A: I would stick to butter.
Q: My cookies spread out too much. A: Try chilling the dough.