3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies

These cake mix cookies are the ultimate quick and easy treat. Made with just three simple ingredients, they come together in minutes and can be customized with your favorite flavors and mix-ins. Soft, fluffy, and totally foolproof, they’re the perfect dessert to make with kids or when you’re short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 pantry-friendly ingredients

• Incredibly versatile with endless flavor options

• Ready in just 20 minutes

• Great for baking with kids

• Perfect for holidays, parties, or last-minute cravings

• Soft, chewy texture every time

• Customizable with mix-ins like M&M’s, Rolos, or chocolate chips

• No mixer required

• Freezer-friendly

• Guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box cake mix (any flavor)

• ½ scant cup vegetable oil or 7 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, M&M’s, Rolos, nuts, sprinkles, etc.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, oil, and eggs until a smooth dough forms.

3. (Optional) Refrigerate the dough for 15–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

4. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a medium cookie scoop or spoon.

5. Add desired toppings or mix-ins.

6. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until cookies are just set. Do not overbake.

7. Let cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip: Use red velvet cake mix with 1 cup white chocolate chips.

• M&M: Use yellow or vanilla cake mix and stir in 1 cup of M&M’s.

• Devil’s Food with Rolos: Use devil’s food cake mix and press a Rolo into the center before baking.

• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry: Use strawberry cake mix and dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

• Gooey Butter Cookies: Use vanilla cake mix with butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese.

• Funfetti: Use funfetti cake mix or add sprinkles to a vanilla base.

• Spice Cookies: Use spice cake mix and add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip: Use pumpkin cake mix and stir in chocolate chips.

• Snickerdoodle: Use yellow cake mix, roll dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.

• Chocolate Chip: Add any type of chocolate chips to yellow or chocolate cake mix.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Flash freeze cookies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to soften.

FAQs

How can I keep cake mix cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking helps reduce spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can be substituted for vegetable oil. Use 7 tablespoons of melted butter in place of ½ cup of oil.

Do I need to use a mixer?

No, you can simply mix the ingredients by hand with a spoon or spatula. The dough is easy to stir.

What brands of cake mix work best?

Most boxed cake mixes work well, including Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, and Pillsbury. Just ensure the mix is about 15.25 ounces.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute a gluten-free cake mix of the same size. You may need to slightly adjust the moisture depending on the mix.

Why do my cookies come out too brown?

Avoid overbaking. These cookies should not brown on top. Bake just until they are set and still soft in the center.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I make the cookies chewy instead of cakey?

Use less oil or butter and slightly underbake the cookies. Using melted butter instead of oil can also add chewiness.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch, and bake in multiple batches if needed.

What’s the best way to dip them in chocolate?

Once cooled, dip half the cookie into melted chocolate, then place on wax paper. Add sprinkles if desired and let set.

Conclusion

Cake mix cookies are the ultimate no-fuss treat that anyone can whip up with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore creative variations, these cookies never disappoint. Perfect for beginners, busy parents, or spontaneous cravings, this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.