Cake Mix Cookies: The Easiest (and Most Fun!) Cookies Ever

Introduction & Inspiration

Sometimes, you just want a cookie fast. And that’s where cake mix cookies come in! This recipe is all about simplicity and fun. It’s the perfect baking project for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a delicious treat without a lot of fuss.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from a desire for a quick and easy dessert that’s also customizable. I love the versatility of cake mix cookies – you can change the flavor, add mix-ins, and create endless variations.

These cookies are perfect for bake sales, last-minute gatherings, or just a simple weeknight treat. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up again and again.

This recipe is foolproof. It is perfect for unexperienced baker.

Nostalgic Appeal

Cake mix cookies might not have the same long history as some classic desserts, but they definitely evoke a sense of fun and simplicity. They’re reminiscent of childhood baking projects, birthday parties, and easy, after-school treats.

There’s something inherently joyful about sprinkles and brightly colored cookies. They bring a smile to your face and a touch of whimsy to any occasion. This recipe is a great way to use leftover cake mix.

This recipe taps into that playful spirit. It’s a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious and rewarding.

This a a modern classic, easy and delightful.

Homemade Focus (with a Shortcut!)

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Cake mix? That’s not homemade!” And you’re right, technically. But I believe that even with a shortcut like cake mix, we can still add a homemade touch and create something special.

This recipe is about embracing convenience without sacrificing flavor or fun. We’re using a cake mix as a base, but we’re adding our own touches – melted butter, cinnamon, eggs, and plenty of sprinkles – to make these cookies our own.

It’s a semi-homemade approach that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dessert. It’s about finding a balance between convenience and that satisfying feeling of creating something yourself.

It is a perfect way to introduce baking to children. Simple and efficient.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal for these cake mix cookies is simple: sweet, buttery, and fun! The cake mix provides a basic vanilla flavor, which is enhanced by the addition of melted butter and cinnamon.

The sprinkles add a pop of color and a slight crunch, but they also contribute to the overall sweetness and festive feel of the cookies.

The texture is key: these cookies should be soft and chewy, with slightly crispy edges. They’re not meant to be fancy or sophisticated; they’re meant to be pure, simple, delicious cookies.

An easy recipe, but with a delicious taste.

Ingredient Insights

• White Cake Mix: The foundation of our cookies! A 15.25-ounce box of white cake mix provides the perfect base for these cookies. You can use any brand you like.
• Use a good quality cake mix.
• Melted Butter (Cooled): Adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the cookies. Melting the butter and letting it cool slightly prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the vanilla flavor of the cake mix.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ soft and chewy texture.
• Colorful Jimmy Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and a fun, festive touch. Jimmies are the long, thin sprinkles; they hold their shape better than nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles).

Essential Equipment

• Two Baking Sheets: You’ll need two baking sheets to bake all the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large Bowl: For mixing the cookie dough.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): For beating the ingredients together. You could mix by hand, but a mixer makes it much easier.
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the cookies completely after baking.

Ingredients

• 1 15.25 oz box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup colorful jimmy sprinkles, plus more to top

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted (and cooled) butter, cinnamon, and eggs.
• Beat with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, until well combined. The dough will be thick.

3. Stir in Sprinkles:

• Stir in the 3/4 cup of sprinkles until evenly distributed.

4. Scoop Dough:

• Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. A cookie scoop makes this easier and ensures uniform cookies.

5. Top with Sprinkles (Optional):

• Top the cookies with additional sprinkles, if desired.

6. Bake:

• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottom edges are lightly brown. The centers will still be soft.

7. Cool:

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. This allows them to set slightly.
• Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Troubleshooting

• Cookies Spread Too Much: This could be due to the butter being too warm, or too much liquid in the batter. Make sure the melted butter is cooled before adding it to the mix. You can also try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.
• Cookies are Too Dry: This could be due to overbaking or not enough liquid. Make sure to bake the cookies just until the edges are lightly brown; the centers should still be soft.
• Sprinkles Bleed Color: Some sprinkles may bleed color when baked. Jimmies tend to hold their color better than nonpareils.

Tips and Variations

• Use Different Cake Mix Flavors: Try using yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even funfetti cake mix!
• Add Extracts: Add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract for extra flavor.
• Mix-Ins: Instead of (or in addition to) sprinkles, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or mini M&Ms.
• Frosting: Once cooled, frost the cookies with your favorite frosting.
• Make Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich two cookies together with frosting or ice cream.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: These cookies are delicious both warm and at room temperature.
• With Milk, Coffee, or Tea: A classic pairing!
• As a Snack or Dessert: Perfect for any time of day.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumbled cookies on ice cream.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.) Per Serving (1 cookie, assuming the recipe makes about 24 cookies):

• Calories: Approximately 120-140
• Fat: 6-8g
• Saturated Fat: 3-4g
• Cholesterol: 20-25mg
• Sodium: 80-100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-18g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8-10g
• Protein: 1-2g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Summary: These Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly easy to make, using just a few ingredients: cake mix, melted butter, cinnamon, eggs, and sprinkles. They’re soft, chewy, and customizable with different flavors and mix-ins.

Q&A:

• Q: Can I use a different type of sprinkle?
  • A: Yes, but jimmies tend to hold their shape and color better than nonpareils.
• Q: Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
  • A: Yes, you can mix the dough by hand, but it will require more effort. The dough is quite thick.
• Q: How long can I store these cookies?
  • A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
• A: Yes you can, they will last few months.
• Q: Can I double this recipe?
  • A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled.