Vanilla Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Cookie cravings are a regular part of life for anyone with a sweet tooth. But sometimes, buying and measuring out the various ingredients required to make them can feel like more effort than you're inclined to put in. On the other hand, store-bought cookies just aren't the same as a warm pillowy batch straight out of the oven. Thankfully, Mashed recipe developer Catherine Brookes of Blue Sky Eating has created this delightfully easy and delicious cookie recipe. 

Using basic cake mix and some add-ins, you can whip up these cookies and have them ready to devour in less than half an hour. Indeed, Brookes confirms and says, "My favorite thing about this recipe is how quick and simple it is to make." The method is super straightforward, and only the most serious cookie connoisseur will notice these are made with cake mix. Brookes describes the texture as "slightly more soft and cakey than a regular cookie, but still with that chewy edge and crisp outside that distinguishes it as a cookie." That sounds like the perfect combination to us!

Gather the ingredients for this vanilla cake mix cookie recipe

You'll only need four ingredients for this vanilla cake mix cookie recipe. Pick up a box of vanilla cake mix, such as by Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines. You'll need ⅓ cup of vegetable oil and two eggs to turn it into cookie dough. Finally, 1 cup of M&M's adds chunky sweetness to every bite. If you're not a huge fan, Brookes says, "you could absolutely swap these out for chocolate chips/chopped nuts, etc."

If you're looking at the recommended add-ins on your cake mix box and noticing the discrepancy, Brookes explains, "It's the process of adding less oil/eggs and no water to the cake mix that results in a thicker, cookie-like batter rather than a fluffy cake."

Combine the batter ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set them aside for now. Next, pour the cake mix into the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add the vegetable oil, and crack in the eggs. 

Beat the mixture on medium speed until the ingredients are incorporated. Brookes notes that this step can be performed by hand or with an electric hand whisk too.

Fold in the M&M's

Next, fold in the M&M's to distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough. If you're using different add-ins, mix those in now too.

Roll the cookie dough into balls and bake

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place it on the parchment-paper lined baking sheet and continue with the remaining dough. Be sure to leave some space between the cookies because they will expand as they bake. 

When the oven has reached temperature, pop the trays onto a rack and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops start to turn golden brown. 

Allow the cookies to cool, then serve

Remove the trays from the oven and leave the cookies to rest for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like to eat your cookies warm, now's the time for a taste test!

Brookes comments that "these cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days," in case you want a sweet treat throughout the week.

Vanilla Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
5 from 43 ratings
These vanilla cake mix cookies come together in a breeze, and they feature chocolatey M&Ms for extra sweetness.
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
10
minutes
Servings
12
cookies
M&M's cookie with bite
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla cake mix
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup M&M's
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Add the cake mix, oil, and eggs to the bowl of an electric stand mixer and beat on medium speed until combined. (You can also do this by hand or with an electric hand whisk.)
  3. Add the M&M's and mix briefly to combine.
  4. Scoop approximately 3 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
  5. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough room between each to spread out in the oven.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to brown on top.
  7. Leave them on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 298
Total Fat 12.7 g
Saturated Fat 3.4 g
Trans Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 33.4 mg
Total Carbohydrates 42.7 g
Dietary Fiber 1.0 g
Total Sugars 11.1 g
Sodium 240.0 mg
Protein 3.5 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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