Cake mix cookies are a super simple and fun treat that come together quickly using just a box of cake mix and a few extra ingredients. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, with a texture that’s a perfect mix between a cookie and a cake. You can find all kinds of flavors, from classic chocolate to red velvet or funfetti, making these cookies a colorful and tasty snack.
I love making cake mix cookies when I want an easy dessert that still feels homemade. The best part is how customizable they are—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of frosting on top. I usually whip up a batch whenever I need something sweet but don’t want to fuss with a complicated recipe.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends or bringing to a casual get-together because they’re simple yet always a hit. I like to enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a quick and comforting treat. They remind me of those days when you want something sweet, quick, and satisfying all in one bite.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The base of these cookies is a white or vanilla cake mix, which gives them a soft, cake-like texture. Funfetti cake mix is my favorite for extra color and cheer. If you want a different flavor, chocolate or red velvet cake mix work well too.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture. If you’re vegan or allergic, try substituting with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce, but the texture might be a little different.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: Oil keeps the cookies soft and tender. I like using vegetable oil, but melted butter adds a richer flavor if you prefer. Coconut oil is a good swap for a mild coconut hint.
Sprinkles: Rainbow sprinkles are key for that classic funfetti look. Feel free to experiment with chocolate chips, nuts, or white chocolate chunks for different textures and tastes.
How Can I Make These Cookies Soft and Fluffy, Not Crispy?
The secret to soft cake mix cookies lies in the right balance of wet ingredients and careful baking time.
- Mix eggs and oil thoroughly with the cake mix until you have a thick dough—don’t overmix, just combine.
- Scoop cookie dough generously. The cookies will spread and puff during baking.
- Bake at 350°F for about 9 to 11 minutes—start checking at 9 minutes. You want the edges just set but the center still soft.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking. This helps them finish cooking without drying out.
Following these tips helps keep your cake mix cookies tender and moist with a lovely soft crumb.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking cookies evenly and gives a nice flat surface for spreading.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – a large bowl helps you combine cake mix, eggs, and oil without spilling.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – makes portioning the dough simple and keeps cookie sizes uniform.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – add classic sweetness and texture; great if you love a mix of soft and melty bites.
- Chopped nuts – walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with vanilla cake mix.
- Peanut butter – swirl in some peanut butter for a rich, creamy twist that’s always popular.
- Mini M&Ms – colorful and chocolatey, they blend perfectly with the funfetti vibe and add extra bite-sized bursts of flavor.
Cake Mix Funfetti Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix (funfetti flavored is great if you have it)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and just 9-11 minutes to bake. Add a few more minutes for cooling, and you’ll have delightful cookies ready to enjoy in about 20 minutes.
How To Make Cake Mix Funfetti Cookies:
1. Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — this helps cookies bake evenly and stops them from sticking.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, thick dough. This step comes together quickly, and you don’t need to overmix.
3. Add Some Fun Color:
Gently fold half a cup of rainbow sprinkles into the dough so they spread through every cookie bite.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet. Space each ball about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking. Optional: Press a few extra sprinkles on top for a colorful finish.
5. Bake Until Soft and Slightly Cracked:
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies are done when edges are set, and the tops have small cracks but still look soft. Don’t overbake — you want them soft and chewy.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy your soft, fluffy, festive funfetti cookies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap the vanilla or funfetti cake mix for chocolate, red velvet, or any flavor you like. Just remember that the flavor of the cake mix will directly impact the taste of your cookies.
Can I Substitute Butter for Vegetable Oil?
Yes, melted butter works well and adds a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s completely melted and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid affecting the dough texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or mini M&Ms along with the sprinkles to give your cookies extra flavor and texture. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1/2 cup to avoid changing the dough balance.
