Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, foolproof treat that’s bursting with flavor, I absolutely love sharing this Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe. It’s one of those go-to recipes I lean on when I want a crowd-pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that these cookies come out soft, chewy, and perfectly golden every single time. Plus, customizing with your favorite add-ins means you can make it your own with zero hassle.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients team up beautifully for a super simple dough that’s easy to handle and bake. Using a pre-made cake mix saves so much time without sacrificing flavor or texture — I always recommend picking your favorite cake mix flavor to set the tone. The oil keeps the cookies soft and moist, but I’ve shared a quick note below if you use a different size box.

• Cake mix: Choose classic vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or anything you love to build your cookie’s base flavor.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and add richness; make sure they’re room temperature for best results.
• Vegetable oil: I use this for moisture and chewiness — avoid olive oil as the flavor can be too strong.
• Add-ins (chocolate chips, M&M’s, nuts): These add texture and bursts of flavor. You can mix and match or keep it simple.

Variations

I love to keep this basic framework and mix in different flavors depending on the season or mood. The fun part about this Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe is that it’s a blank canvas — feel free to experiment with your favorite combos to surprise your family and friends.

• Chocolate Lovers: When I used chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips, my family went absolutely crazy. It’s like peanut butter chocolate magic!
• Nutty Twist: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans in a carrot cake mix for a slightly earthy, sweet nutty bite — perfect for fall vibes.
• Colorful & Fun: Vanilla cake mix with M&M’s brings out the kid in everyone. I even add sprinkles sometimes for birthday cookie perks.
• Dairy-Free Option: Using oil instead of butter means these cookies are naturally dairy-free — just double-check your add-ins!

How to Make Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial because it prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. I always make sure my oven rack is placed in the middle for the best circulation.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. At first, I use a rubber spatula to stir, but sometimes I break out my hand mixer on low speed for a few seconds just to get the batter perfectly smooth and lump-free. It’s a good trick I learned when the dough felt too dry or clumpy — mixing well here sets you up for soft cookies later.

Step 3: Fold in Your Favorite Add-Ins

Now, gently fold in your add-ins like chocolate chips, M&M’s, or chopped nuts, but save about a quarter cup to press on top of cookies before baking. This small detail not only gives the cookies a gorgeous look but also adds bursts of flavor in every bite. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop dough balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared pan. Cookies spread a bit but maintain their shape nicely — spacing them well means they bake without merging into each other, keeping clean edges and soft centers.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. A good tip I discovered is not to overbake — the cookies will look slightly underdone in the center but will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step lets them finish baking gently and cool without breaking.

How to Serve Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple — pressing those leftover chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking looks great. If I’m feeling fancy for a party, I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle flaky sea salt after baking to add a hint of extra flair and balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (classic for a reason!), or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade. During gatherings, I’ve served them alongside coffee or hot chocolate — they’re always a hit, and bonus points: easy to grab and snack on!

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped these cookies individually in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for bake sales or gift exchanges — it adds a personal, homemade touch. Another idea I love is stacking them on a pretty platter with colorful sprinkles or fresh berries around the edges for an inviting dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake mix cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay soft and tasty for up to four days. If making for a party, this is perfect because you can bake the day before without worries about freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing the raw dough balls first on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits, and they take just a few extra minutes in the oven.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes — this keeps them soft and melty without drying out. Reheating is especially fantastic with chocolate chip or peanut butter add-ins.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cake Mix Cookies with Add-Ins Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my baking rotation because it’s simple, versatile, and consistently a hit with everyone who tries it. I remember the first time I made it — the ease of a cake mix combined with my favorite chocolate chips totally blew me away. Whether you need a last-minute treat, a batch for your kids’ lunchboxes, or a sweet surprise for friends, this recipe will never let you down. I’m excited for you to make it your own and enjoy those warm, chewy bites that make life just a little sweeter.

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