Cake mix cookies are one of those simple treats that bring both ease and deliciousness together. They start with a boxed cake mix—super soft and flavorful—and come out as chewy, moist cookies with just the right amount of sweetness. You can easily mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to give them a fun twist.
I love how quickly these cookies come together. When I want a homemade dessert but don’t have a lot of time or ingredients, cake mix cookies are my go-to. It feels like a little kitchen magic turning just a few ingredients into warm, freshly baked cookies that make the whole house smell amazing.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at a casual get-together or just enjoying with a glass of milk on a quiet evening. I like to try different cake mix flavors for different vibes—like chocolate for something rich or lemon for a bright, fresh taste. Either way, they never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The base of these cookies is a boxed cake mix—white or yellow works best for a light, sweet flavor. If you want a chocolatey twist, try chocolate cake mix instead!
Butter: Melting the butter helps create a chewy texture. You can swap unsalted butter for salted if that’s what you have; just skip adding extra salt later.
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles give these cookies their signature fun look. If you want to skip sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts also make great mix-ins.
How Can I Keep The Sprinkles Bright and the Cookies Soft?
Bright sprinkles are part of the fun, but if you stir them too much or bake too long, the colors can bleed and fade.
- Fold sprinkles in gently at the end to keep their color fresh.
- Press a few sprinkles on top of cookie dough balls before baking for extra pop.
- Bake just until cookie edges start to set (8-10 minutes). Don’t overbake—cookies should still feel soft inside for the best texture.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet a bit before moving to a rack; they firm up as they cool.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – for combining your cake mix and other ingredients easily.
- Whisk or spoon – to mix the dough smoothly without too much fuss.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps you make evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool down evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chip mix-ins – add mini chocolate chips for extra gooey, melty bites.
- Swap vanilla cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolaty cookie.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling, so altogether around 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the dough is well combined and smooth. Next, gently fold in the sprinkles, trying not to mix too much to keep their colors vibrant.
3. Shape and Bake:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each ball to give them room to spread. Press a few extra sprinkles gently on top for extra color.
Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set and start to turn light golden, but the centers will still look a little soft; don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to finish cooling. Now, your soft, chewy, and colorful funfetti cake mix cookies are ready to enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While white or yellow cake mix works best for bright colors and classic flavor, you can use chocolate, red velvet, or other flavors to mix things up. Just keep in mind the flavor will change accordingly.
Can I Freeze the Dough or Baked Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make These Cookies Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sprinkles or use a cake mix labeled “less sugar.” Adding a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder (if using chocolate cake mix) or a tablespoon of flour can also tone down the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them soft longer, adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture.
