If you're looking for a quick way to whip up a batch of cookies without starting from scratch, these Classic Cake Mix Cookies are your go-to. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have warm, gooey cookies ready in no time. Perfect for impromptu gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth on a lazy afternoon.
The base of our cookies is a box of yellow cake mix, which provides all the dry ingredients you need, like flour and sugar, already measured and balanced. The unsalted butter, melted, adds richness and helps bind everything together. Using vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and gives the cookies a warm, aromatic flavor. Eggs are crucial for structure and moisture, helping the cookies rise and achieve that perfect, chewy texture. Finally, the semisweet chocolate chips offer pockets of melty goodness in every bite.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for an extra special treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. You could also crumble them over your favorite ice cream for a homemade cookie sundae. For a warm, comforting twist, serve alongside a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won't stick. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until you have a smooth, thick mixture.
Now, it's time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the dough, which is key for a consistent texture. Once your dough is smooth and well-mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so each cookie gets its fair share of chocolate.
Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This is where the magic happens — keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit while still remaining soft in the center. Finally, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, if you can wait that long before diving in!