If you’re craving a treat that blends rich chocolatey flavor with an unbelievably tender, chewy texture, this Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These cookies are fantastic because they turn a simple boxed cake mix into an irresistible cookie dough, with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. Whether you jazz them up with chocolate chips, nuts, or colorful candies, these cookies bring a delightful softness and a perfect balance of sweetness that’s guaranteed to win over everyone at your next gathering or just make your afternoon coffee break extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture and scrumptious flavor. Each one is straightforward but plays an essential role—from the chocolate cake mix that provides a rich cocoa base, to the eggs and oil that create the perfect chewy bite, and optional mix-ins that add fun pops of texture and taste.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This is the foundation of your cookies, delivering deep chocolate flavor and moisture.
- Large eggs (2): They bind the dough and help give the cookies structure.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Adds richness and ensures a soft, chewy texture without dryness.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Perfect for extra melty chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Chopped nuts (½ cup, optional): Adds a crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie.
- M&Ms or candy pieces (½ cup, optional): Bring bright colors and a fun, sweet surprise in each cookie.
- Sprinkles (¼ cup, optional): For adding a festive look and a hint of sugary crunch.
- White chocolate chunks (½ cup, optional): For those who love contrasting flavors and creamy pockets of sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This small prep step helps guarantee perfect cookies with minimal cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of chocolate cake mix with the two large eggs and half a cup of vegetable oil. Stir vigorously until a thick, sticky dough forms. Now’s the moment to fold in any of your favorite mix-ins—be it chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms, sprinkles, or white chocolate chunks—making the cookies your own special creation.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into equally sized balls. Space them about two inches apart on your baking sheet to allow for gentle spreading without merging. This step helps your cookies bake evenly and come out with a beautiful round shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set but soft centers that appear slightly underbaked. This ensures the cookies stay tender and chewy rather than dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye as ovens vary, so you don’t overbake these delightful treats.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting period lets them firm up a bit so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them. Then, move them onto a wire rack to cool completely, making them easier to handle and enhancing their texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cookies. These touches can elevate the flavor by balancing sweetness or adding an elegant finish. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate also makes for an eye-catching garnish and intensifies the chocolate experience.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe pairs spectacularly well with a cold glass of milk, a rich cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These classic combinations complement the cookie’s chocolatey richness and create an indulgent snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Serve your cookies stacked with a thin layer of marshmallow fluff or peanut butter between two cookies for a decadent sandwich. Another fun idea is to dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and then sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut flakes before it sets. These simple tricks turn everyday cookies into memorable bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They tend to stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or treat to grab whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie dough balls before baking for up to three months. Simply scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time. This is perfect for quick indulgence anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is ideal for that rich, fudgy flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like red velvet, spice, or vanilla to create unique cookie versions. Just expect a change in the base flavor and cookie color.
Do I have to use vegetable oil, or can I substitute it?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a slightly different taste and texture. Butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil lends a subtle coconut note—both still keep the cookies soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Many brands now offer great gluten-free blends that can be used just like the regular mix to achieve similar results without gluten.
What if I don’t want to add any mix-ins?
The cookies are delicious on their own without mix-ins thanks to the rich cake mix base. However, adding chocolate chips or nuts brings extra texture and flavor layers, but it’s completely up to your preference.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?
Dry cookies usually mean they were baked too long or the ratio of wet to dry ingredients was off. Make sure to follow the baking time carefully, and measure your oil and eggs accurately to maintain that perfect softness.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe truly is a gem for anyone who loves baking simple yet incredibly tasty treats. It’s fast, flexible, and always delivers a satisfying hug of chocolate in every bite. I hope you enjoy making these cookies as much as I do, sharing them with loved ones, and creating sweet memories around every batch. Give it a try, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings (cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are a quick and easy treat made from a simple chocolate cake mix dough. Perfect for when you want delicious, soft, and chewy cookies without the hassle of starting from scratch. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces add fun variety and extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Optional Mix-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup M&M’s or candy pieces
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- ½ cup white chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir thoroughly until a thick, uniform dough forms. Carefully fold in any optional mix-ins you desire, such as chocolate chips or nuts, to add texture and flavor.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into evenly sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft and chewy texture. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, helping them firm up while maintaining softness inside.
Notes
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Try different mix-ins or combinations to customize your cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
