Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Whip up delicious Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with ease! This keyword recipe is quick, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil 120ml
Optional Add-Ins (Customize Your Cookies)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks For extra gooey chocolate in every bite.
- ½ cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows For a fun, gooey twist that kids will love.
- Sprinkles or candy pieces Perfect for themed or festive cookies.
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Consistent heat is crucial for evenly baked cookies.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone baking mat (find a great one here). These make cleanup easier and help prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl (check this durable one), pour the chocolate cake mix. Add 2 large eggs and ½ cup of vegetable oil.
- Stir the ingredients together using a spoon, spatula, or a hand mixer (this one works wonders). The dough will be thick, so take your time to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for extra texture and flavor. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to distribute the add-ins evenly throughout the dough.
- Pro Tip: For gooey bites of chocolate, consider using dark chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips. Here’s a great option for chocolate lovers.
Step 4: Scoop and Arrange
- Use a cookie scoop (this one is perfect for even portions) or a tablespoon to scoop out dough balls. This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Bake and Monitor
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the edges should be set while the centers remain soft.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy and tender. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack (this one is versatile and easy to store).
- Serve warm for the ultimate indulgence, or let them cool completely for perfectly shaped cookies.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky salt added right after baking enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Double the Batch: These cookies disappear fast! Prepare two batches and store some in the freezer.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Chill the Dough (Optional)
- While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, popping the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- Measure Your Oil Precisely
- Too much oil can make the cookies spread too much during baking. Use a liquid measuring cup for accuracy and stick to the recommended amount.
- Don’t Overbake
- The key to soft, chewy cookies is pulling them out of the oven when the edges are just set, but the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.
- Use a Cookie Scoop
- A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate. It’s also a time-saver and keeps your hands clean.
- Add Mix-Ins Last
- Fold in extras like chocolate chips or nuts after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This helps distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.
Creative Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Delight
- Fold in dark chocolate chunks and a handful of white chocolate chips for a rich, layered chocolate flavor.
- Holiday-Inspired Cookies
- Add colorful sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist. These are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl
- Mix in peanut butter chips or drizzle melted peanut butter on the cookies after baking for a nutty upgrade.
- Nutty Crunch
- Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. A pinch of sea salt on top enhances the nutty notes.
- Marshmallow Surprise
- Press a mini marshmallow into the center of each cookie before baking. They’ll melt slightly, creating a gooey, s’mores-like effect.
- Fruity Bliss
- Dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped candied orange peel add a tangy contrast to the rich chocolate base.
Bonus Tips for Customization
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and you’ll have a treat everyone can enjoy.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based cake mix.