How do you make cookies from cake mixes? Did you realize you could make cookies from cake mixes? Here's everything you need to know about making cookies from cake mix.
I knew it was possible to make make great cakes from cakes mixes thanks to The Cake Mix Doctor. But I didn't really know how to make cookies from cake mixes until relatively recently, when I was doing research for my website, Best-Ever-Cookie-Collection.com.
I've been making cookies and collecting homemade cookie recipes since I was a kid. But somehow the world of cake mix cookies had escaped my attention. Now, everywhere I turn I'm seeing recipes for homemade cookies from cake mixes.
I even bought the book Cake Mix Cookies by Camilla Saulsbury, which is packed with 175 recipes for all kinds of creative cookies that begin with boxed cake mixes.
When I mentioned to my Mom and Nana that I was having fun trying out cookies with cake mixes, Nana revealed that one of her neighbors makes all her cookies from a cake mix and it was hard to tell them from scratch!
Mom, who has never tasted cake mix cookies (that she's aware of) wrinkled up her nose at the idea and will take some convincing. Because that's how it works with Mom.
Why Make Cookies from Cake Mixes?
- They're quick & convenient
- They're virtually foolproof
- They require just a few common ingredients
- They're kid friendly
If you are a dyed-in-the-wool from scratch baker, it goes without saying that cake mix cookies probably aren't for you! There was a time I would have turned up my nose at anything not made from scratch. I'm my mother's daughter, after all. But the older I get, the more willing I am to lighten up and see the possibility and advantages in shortcuts.
Life can be difficult but baking cookies doesn't have to be.
How Do You Make Cookies from Cake Mixes?
While all similar, recipes for making cookies from cake mixes vary. Some recipes use oil and others suggest butter. Some add water and some don't. Most use 2 eggs while some use only 1. Some recipes are plain and simple, others a bit more fancy.
I guarantee you, now that you are on the lookout for cookies from cake mixes, you'll begin to see them everywhere.
Here's a great template recipe for cake mix cookies from Camilla's book that you can customize in lots of different ways from...
Easy Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
1 (18.25-ounce) package of cake mix, your choice of flavors
¼ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
⅔ cup quick cooking oats (not instant)
1 cup total of any of the following optional additions:
- Chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet, milk, white, etc.)
- Baking chips (butterscotch, peanut butter, cinnamon, etc.)
- Candy coated chocolate candies (m&ms)
- Toffee baking bits
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, etc.)
- Dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
- Sweetened flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper for best results. (Alternatively lightly spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.)
In a large bowl beat half the dry cake mix, butter, applesauce, and eggs with an electric mixer (affiliate link) on medium speed until well-blended and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining cake mix, oats, and optional additions of your choice (1 cup total) with a wooden spoon (affiliate link), just until combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Flatten the cookie dough balls slightly with the back of a fork or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for 2 - 3 minutes and then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes about 3 dozen easy Cake Mix Cookies
More Great Recipes for Cake Mix Cookies
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Tami
We love cake mix cookies in our house because they are quick and easy to whip up after dinner and you can throw in "a little of this" and "a little of that" of whatever you have on hand. My kids love to help make them, too. We've made several different kinds.