Easy Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies (Soft, Chewy and Only 4 Ingredients)
Some days call for a cookie that comes together fast, and these cake mix crinkle cookies are exactly that kind of cookie. A box of cake mix does most of the work, so you get that pretty cracked sugar top without measuring out a long list of ingredients.
They are soft and a little chewy in the middle, with a sweet powdered sugar shell that cracks open as they bake. You can swap the cake mix flavor and get a totally different cookie every time, which makes this one recipe feel like five.
This cake mix crinkle cookies recipe only needs a handful of pantry staples plus your favorite box mix. Mix, chill, roll, and bake. That is really all there is to it, and the cookie jar will be empty before you know it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Just 5 ingredients, no fancy pantry items needed
- One bowl, no mixer required
- Ready in under 30 minutes of hands-on time
- Endlessly customizable with any cake mix flavor
- Freezer-friendly dough for baking on demand
- Makes about 24 cookies, perfect for a crowd
Ingredients
- Boxed cake mix: 1 box (15.25 oz), any flavor
- Vegetable oil: ⅓ cup
- Large eggs: 2, room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, for rolling
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for rolling
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cake mix flavor: Chocolate, yellow, red velvet, funfetti, and lemon all work well. The flavor of the box becomes the flavor of the cookie.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil both work and keep the cookies soft. Butter can make the dough spread more, so stick with oil for the best crinkle shape.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix into the batter more evenly than cold eggs.
- Powdered sugar: Do not skimp here. A thick coating is what gives the deep white cracks on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Step 3: Roll the Dough Balls
Scoop the chilled dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops have cracked. The centers will look slightly underdone, which keeps them soft.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Tips for the Best Results
- Chill the dough for the full 30 minutes, or the cookies will spread too thin.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
- Roll in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar, so the coating holds up in the oven.
- Do not overbake. Pull the cookies while the centers still look a little soft.
- Store extra dough balls in the freezer and bake a few fresh whenever the craving hits.
Variations and Add-ins
- Chocolate lovers: Use a chocolate cake mix and fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Funfetti fun: Use a funfetti cake mix for a birthday-party version with built-in sprinkles.
- Citrus twist: Use a lemon cake mix and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough.
- Cream cheese swap: Replace the oil with 4 oz softened cream cheese for an extra tender cookie.
What to Serve With It
- A tall glass of cold milk
- A mug of hot cocoa on a chilly afternoon
- A holiday cookie tray with gingerbread crinkle cookies
- Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies
- A cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Roll each in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the tops have cracked and the edges are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Notes
- Any flavor of boxed cake mix works, so feel free to experiment.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Freeze the rolled, unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag so you can bake just a few at a time.
These cake mix crinkle cookies prove that a shortcut recipe can still feel like a homemade treat. With a cracked sugar top and a soft chewy center, nobody will guess the secret starts with a box.
The best part is how easy it is to make this recipe your own. Grab whatever cake mix flavor is in the pantry and you have a brand new cookie every time you bake a batch of cake mix crinkle cookies recipe favorites.
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