Delicious, easy-to-make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies — you won’t believe how wonderful they taste.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
I recently discovered the possibilities of using boxed cake mixes for more than just cake. After browsing a cookbook full of creative ideas, I decided to try cookies made from a cake mix — and they were amazing. My husband happily volunteered as taste tester and brought some to work because they were that good. These cookies are simple and almost easier than making cookies from a packaged cookie mix.
I adapted a Chunky Chocolate Pecan cookie recipe to use what I had on hand and created these Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for customizing.
Ingredients
Simple pantry ingredients make these cookies a breeze. The printable card below contains exact measurements and full instructions.
- White cake mix (one box)
- Butter (melted)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips
Optional mix-ins: sprinkles, walnuts, pecans, peanut butter chips, white chocolate, or your favorite additions.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or two spoons
- Baking sheets (I prefer ones with sides)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies
Below is a concise version of the method; full details are in the recipe card further down.
- Combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed for about a minute or until just smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for a couple of hours; this helps the cookies hold their shape and gives a soft, chewy texture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop) onto parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–15 minutes, depending on your oven — mine took about 12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
Storage: Store baked cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days for best freshness.
Freezing: Cookie dough or baked cookies freeze well. Store dough or baked cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature before reheating or serving.
Reheating: Thawed baked cookies can be refreshed in a warm oven for a few minutes if desired.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions: Use yellow, vanilla, or another flavored cake mix to change the base flavor. A chocolate devil’s food mix makes rich chocolate cookies.
These cookies are a blank canvas — add nuts, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter chips, coconut, pretzels, or any mix-ins you prefer. Choose any brand of cake mix that you like.
Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written.
Vegan: For a vegan version, use a vegan cake mix (if available) and replace eggs, butter, and chocolate chips with plant-based alternatives. Check the cake mix label for dairy ingredients.
Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free chocolate chips.
Scale: One box of cake mix yields about 32 cookies. Adjust the recipe up or down to make the desired quantity.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for Mexican chocolate-style cookies.
Sugar-Free: Swap for sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce sugar content; final nutrition depends on chosen ingredients.
Tips for the Best Cookies
- Chilling the dough produces softer, chewier cookies.
- Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for consistent-sized cookies.
- Line baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- An electric mixer makes combining ingredients quicker, but a whisk and spatula work fine too.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for even results.
- Cool cookies completely on a wire rack to set texture.
These are family-friendly cookies that are easy to customize and always popular.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies are a versatile dessert or snack. Serve them with milk, coffee, or milkshakes. They also pair well with casual meals and potluck spreads.
When to Serve
- Snack time
- Lunch or dinner dessert
- Family gatherings and potlucks
- Tailgating and parties
- Kids’ birthday parties
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for a minute or until just smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate dough for a couple of hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–15 minutes (about 12 minutes is typical).
- Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie sheets
- Large mixing bowl
Notes
Variations: Try adding peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, nuts, or other favorite mix-ins.
Nutrition
Recipe originally shared November 27, 2012. Updated September 2020 and September 2023.
I first found this idea in a cake mix recipe collection and have enjoyed adapting it at home.