If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s as simple as it is scrumptious, you’re about to fall head over heels for 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe. This delightful treat takes just three everyday ingredients and transforms them into soft, chewy cookies bursting with flavor and charm. Perfect for when time is tight but the craving for a homemade cookie is non-negotiable, this recipe guarantees a fuss-free baking experience with results so good, you’ll find yourself reaching for the spoon before they even cool down. Get ready to embrace the ultimate combination of ease and deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three key ingredients are the magic behind these cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and overall cookie perfection without any complexity.
- 1 box boxed cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g): This is your base, packed with sweetness and flavor—vanilla or yellow work beautifully to keep things classic.
- 2 large eggs: Not only do they bind the dough, but eggs also help the cookies bake up tender and soft; using room-temperature eggs ensures a smooth mix.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil): This keeps your cookies moist and delivers that irresistible chewy texture; if you want a richer taste, swapping in melted butter is a decadent option.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by dumping the entire box of cake mix into a large mixing bowl, then add the two eggs and the half cup of oil. The simplicity here is breathtaking: no need for a mixer, no chilling time, just your basic bowl and spoon. Mix everything until a smooth, thick dough forms. You’ll notice the texture is sticky but pliable, which is exactly what you want.
Step 2: (Perfect Your Dough)
Once your dough has come together, take a moment to ensure it’s consistent throughout. This is the time to mix in any extras like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. These additions make each batch unique and personalized—plus, they add bursts of texture and flavor.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a little space—about two inches apart—since they’ll spread slightly but should keep their thick, soft shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake these beauties in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 9 to 11 minutes. Remember, the key to the ultimate batch cookie is not to overbake. The edges will be just set while the centers stay soft to the touch, creating that dreamy, chewy texture you’re after.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After pulling them from the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely without losing their softness.
Step 6: Store or Serve
Whether you’re serving immediately or saving for later, these cookies hold onto their freshness fantastically. Keep reading to learn the best ways to store and share your delicious batch!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top before baking can beautifully balance the sweetness, creating a sophisticated twist. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking to add visual appeal and flavor flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee for a classic combination. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies into a dessert platter by alternating cookies with fresh berries and mint leaves for a pop of color. Another fun idea is sandwiching two cookies together with your favorite frosting or nut butter for a decadent cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture and prolongs that just-baked feel.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and are perfect for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and lets you savor them as if made moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla or yellow cake mixes are classics, chocolate, funfetti, or even spice cake mixes work wonderfully and give your cookies unique flavors every time.
Is it okay to substitute butter for oil in the recipe?
Yes, swapping oil for melted butter adds richness and makes cookies slightly denser but equally delicious. Just be sure to melt the butter before mixing for a smooth dough.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in up to a cup of your favorite mix-ins to personalize your batch. It’s an easy way to vary texture and flavor while sticking to the simple core recipe.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required here—one of the reasons why these cookies are such a breeze. You can scoop and bake the dough straight after mixing, saving you precious time.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best friend, preserving their flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something beautifully satisfying about a recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort and ingredients, and that’s exactly what you get with 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe. Whether you’re a busy baker or just love a quick and tasty treat, these cookies are bound to become a go-to favorite. So gather your cake mix, eggs, and oil, and enjoy the joyful simplicity of homemade cookies perfected.
Print
3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies are the ultimate easy and delicious treat you can whip up in minutes. Made with just a boxed cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil, they come out soft, chewy, and irresistibly tasty. Perfect for a quick dessert fix or an impressive batch to share, they’re highly customizable with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your cravings.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 box boxed cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g) – any flavor works (vanilla or yellow recommended)
- 2 large eggs (room-temperature preferred)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
Optional Mix-ins (up to 1 cup total)
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white)
- Sprinkles (for funfetti vibes)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos)
- Peanut butter chips or M&M’s
Optional Substitution
- 1/2 cup melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor and denser cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Gather your cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. If you plan to add any mix-ins, have them handy and ready to incorporate.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms. If using, fold in up to 1 cup of your chosen mix-ins now.
- Form the cookies: Scoop the dough using a spoon or cookie scoop to form roughly 1.5-inch balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets to allow spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 11 minutes. The cookies should look set but still soft in the center to ensure a chewy texture—avoid overbaking.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cool, enjoy your soft, chewy cake mix cookies as a quick snack or dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs to ensure smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
- Substituting melted butter for oil creates a richer flavor and slightly denser cookie.
- Feel free to add up to 1 cup of mix-ins to make the cookies your own, but avoid overloading the dough to maintain proper texture.
- Do not overmix the dough; combine ingredients just until blended to keep cookies tender.
- Watch baking time carefully; overbaking results in dry cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- These cookies do not require chilling and bake quickly, making them perfect for quick fixes.
