3 Ingredient Cake Cookies That’ll Blow Your Mind in Minutes

Have you ever craved fresh, homemade cookies but dreaded the thought of pulling out measuring cups, softening butter, and hunting down a dozen ingredients? You’re not alone. That’s exactly why 3 ingredient cake cookies have taken the baking world by storm. These incredibly simple treats combine the convenience of boxed cake mix with minimal additional ingredients to create soft, chewy cookies in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick after-school snack, a college student with limited pantry space, or simply someone who wants delicious results without the fuss, these cookies are your new best friend. Similar to the viral 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies that swept social media, cake mix cookies prove that sometimes less really is more in the kitchen.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master these effortless cookies, from perfecting the technique to customizing flavors and avoiding common pitfalls.

Irresistible 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies

These pillowy-soft cookies deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. The secret lies in the cake mix, which already contains all the leavening agents, flavoring, and dry ingredients you need for perfectly balanced cookies every single time.

Ingredients

– 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor – chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, lemon, funfetti)
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of cake mix with the eggs and oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. The mixture will seem dry at first, but keep mixing – it comes together beautifully. This is exactly what makes 3 ingredient cake cookies so appealing to busy home bakers.

Step 3: Portion the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For uniform cookies, aim for approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool. Just like 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, these are best when slightly soft in the middle.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Tips & Variations

– Flavor Boosters: Add ½ cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough
– Stuffed Cookies: Press a piece of candy or caramel into the center of each cookie ball before baking
– Crinkle Effect: Roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a beautiful crackled appearance
– Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for the same delicious results
– Healthier Swap: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version (cookies will be slightly denser)

Serving & Storage

Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cookies warm with a cold glass of milk, alongside vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert, or package them in cellophane bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Storage Tips:
– Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
– Freezing Baked Cookies: Place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature
– Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time

Meal Prep Hack: Make a double batch of dough and freeze half for instant fresh cookies anytime!

Nutritional Benefits / Advantages

While these cookies are certainly a treat rather than health food, they offer some advantages:

– Portion Control: Easy to make small batches, reducing temptation
– Customizable: Easily adapted to include nutritious add-ins like oats or nuts
– Lower Ingredient Risk: Fewer ingredients means fewer potential allergens to worry about
– Mental Health Boost: Quick baking wins provide stress relief and sense of accomplishment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: This is the number one mistake! Remove cookies when centers look slightly underdone – they continue cooking on the hot pan.

Using Cold Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better, creating a smoother dough and more consistent texture.

Overmixing: Unlike traditional cookies, cake mix dough doesn’t need extensive mixing. Stop once ingredients are just combined.

Skipping the Rest: Letting cookies cool on the pan is essential. Moving them too soon results in broken, crumbly cookies.

Wrong Oil Amount: Resist the urge to add more oil for a “richer” cookie – this creates greasy, flat results.

Conclusion for This Recipe

These 3 ingredient cake cookies prove that extraordinary doesn’t have to mean complicated. With endless flavor possibilities from chocolate to strawberry to spice cake, you can create a new cookie experience every time you bake. They’re just as satisfying as 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies but offer even more variety thanks to the rainbow of cake mix flavors available. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these foolproof cookies deliver every time.

Final Conclusion

Baking shouldn’t feel like a chore, and these 3 ingredient cake cookies embody everything wonderful about simple, accessible home baking. You’ve now learned that with just a box of cake mix, two eggs, and some oil, you can create bakery-worthy cookies that’ll impress family and friends alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different cake mix flavors, add your favorite mix-ins, and make these cookies your own. From birthday party funfetti to cozy autumn spice, there’s a combination for every occasion and craving.

Remember the key takeaways: don’t overbake, let them rest, and have fun customizing. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you might also want to explore other minimalist baking recipes like 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies to expand your easy-baking repertoire.

Now it’s your turn! Grab a box of cake mix and start baking. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us – we love seeing your cookie successes!

—

FAQs

Q: Can I use sugar-free or diet cake mix for these cookies?
A: Yes! Sugar-free cake mixes work well, though the texture may be slightly different. The cookies might spread less and have a denser consistency, but they’re still delicious.

Q: Why are my cake mix cookies flat?
A: Flat cookies usually result from too much oil, overmixing the dough, or baking at too low a temperature. Make sure to measure oil accurately and preheat your oven fully before baking.

Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Absolutely! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, one mashed banana, or a commercial egg replacer. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Q: How do I make my cake mix cookies thicker and chewier?
A: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking, use slightly less oil (about ⅓ cup), and underbake by 1-2 minutes. You can also add 2 tablespoons of flour to the mix.

Q: What’s the best cake mix brand for making cookies?
A: Most standard brands like Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury work wonderfully. Avoid “super moist” varieties as they can make cookies too soft. Store brands are equally effective and budget-friendly!