Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Craving soft, gooey cookies with deep chocolate flavor but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen? With this Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe, you need only four common ingredients and a handful of minutes to create rich, crowd-pleasing treats. Whether for a spontaneous weeknight snack or a last-minute party platter, these chocolate cookies deliver big on taste with minimal effort.

Why Make Cookies with Cake Mix?

Using cake mix shortcuts the process without sacrificing texture or indulgence. The base includes all the essentials—flour, sugar, cocoa, and leavening—which means you spend less time measuring and more time enjoying. You can easily vary the flavor and add-ins to match your mood or the season. This method results in chewy, tender cookies with a fudgy center, perfect for chocoholics of all ages.

Ingredients: The Core Four

You only need four ingredients for this chocolate cookie recipe:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Use any standard boxed mix (about 15.25 to 18.25 ounces). Devil’s Food and Double Fudge both work well.
• Butter: Softened, unsalted works best for a rich flavor and soft crumb. You can substitute with oil or a plant-based spread if preferred.
• Eggs: These add lift and structure. If you’re baking vegan, there are easy swaps.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chips melt into gooey pockets. Use milk, white chocolate, or a mix for variation, or omit for a classic look.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Prepare Ingredients. Soften butter and bring eggs to room temperature before starting to ensure even mixing and a soft cookie texture.
• Mix the Dough. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the butter and blend until smooth. Sift in the dry cake mix. Stir until just combined and thick. Fold in chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula.
• Chill. Cover the bowl with wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Preheat the Oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
• Scoop and Shape. Drop tablespoons of chilled dough onto the sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
• Bake. Place trays in the oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
• Cool. Leave cookies on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. They will firm up as they cool.

Customizing Your Cookies

This recipe is your starting point, but it’s easy to tailor to your taste or the occasion. Here are a few popular twists:

• Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix and stir in dark chocolate chunks for intense flavor.
• Loaded Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or peanut butter chips for texture.
• Mint Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or fold in chopped mint candies with the chips.
• Oreo Crunch: Stir in a handful of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies before baking.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth and depth.

If you want to use a different cake mix flavor, swap the base and match with nuts, dried fruit, or candy-coated chocolates. Vanilla mix with rainbow sprinkles is always a hit at birthdays, while lemon mix pairs well with white chocolate and blueberries for something bright and tangy.

Vegan and Allergy-Friendly Alternatives

Making these cookies dairy-free or egg-free is easy. Use a vegan-friendly cake mix and swap the butter and eggs:

• Butter Substitute: Try vegan butter, coconut oil, or a neutral vegetable oil.
• Egg Replacement:
  • 1/2 cup applesauce for 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt
• Chocolate Chips: Check for dairy-free options or use chopped dark chocolate.

Nut butters, seeds, or sunbutter can be mixed in for further allergy accommodations. If avoiding gluten, use a certified gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other additions are safe.

Tips for Success

• Check Your Mix Size: Standard cake mixes vary. Read the box and adjust butter or oil slightly if the dough looks too dry or too stiff.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir only until combined for soft, chewy cookies.
• Chill Dough: Cold dough helps the cookies keep their round shape and chewy center.
• Bake Until Just Set: Remove cookies while middles look slightly underbaked. They finish cooking as they cool.
• Let Cool Before Moving: Warm cookies are soft and can break apart easily. Let them rest a few minutes before transferring.

Storing and Freezing Cookies

These cookies store well, making them great for prepping ahead or for gifting.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay chewy for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Spread cooled cookies on a tray, freeze until solid, then place in zip-top bags. Thaw at room temperature in 30-60 minutes.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chocolate cake mix cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them in a few ways:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.
• Sandwich two cookies with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Top warm cookies with a scoop of coffee gelato for a decadent dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic bakery finish.

Serve with tall glasses of milk, mugs of hot cocoa, or cold-brew coffee for a treat any time of day. For parties, pile cookies on a tiered stand or wrap them in clear bags with ribbons for simple gifts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies Spreading Too Much: Chill dough, use cool baking sheets, and avoid over-softened butter.
• Cookies Too Dry: Adjust with an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of milk if needed.
• Sticking to Parchment: Let sit 5 minutes before moving. Use nonstick pans or parchment for easier release.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use any chocolate cake mix? Yes. Choose your favorite brand or flavor variety for different results. Just keep to the box size listed in the recipe for the right dough consistency.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily. Mix in a large bowl and bake in batches.
• Do I have to chill the dough? It’s highly recommended. Chilling prevents overly flat cookies and gives chewier centers.
• Why are my cookies too cakey? Check that you didn’t add too much egg or overmix the dough. Stick to the ingredient amounts and mix gently.

Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25–18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk)

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, beat eggs until blended. Add softened butter and mix until smooth.
• Add cake mix. Stir until a thick dough forms, scraping the sides as needed.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• Cover and chill dough for 30–60 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
• Scoop dough onto sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
• Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set.
• Cool on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
• Store as described above for the freshest cookies.

With just a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, you can have a batch of chocolate cookies warm and ready in no time. This easy recipe keeps cookie jars full and smiles coming, no matter how hectic your week gets.