Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Floury Recipes!
Craving cookies but short on time and ingredients? We’ve all been there – that moment when you’re desperate for something sweet but your pantry looks nearly empty. That’s where Cake Mix Cookies 3 Ingredient come to the rescue! These miracle cookies require just a box of cake mix, oil, and eggs, yet they deliver perfectly chewy, delicious cookies in minutes.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making the most delicious cake mix cookies with just 3 ingredients. I’ll share step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, flavor variations, and solutions to common problems. By the end, you’ll be ready to whip up these easy cake mix cookies for any occasion!
If you’re looking for another simple, wholesome treat, try my 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies—they’re just as easy and delicious!
Table of Contents
The Magic of Cake Mix Cookies 3 Ingredient
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why cake mix cookies are worth trying. These cookies are:
- Ultra-quick – From pantry to plate in less than 30 minutes
- Foolproof – Perfect for beginner bakers and kids
- Versatile – Endless flavor combinations with minimal effort
- Budget-friendly – No need for multiple expensive ingredients
- Consistently delicious – Soft, chewy texture every time
Now, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
The simplicity of cake mix cookies is one of their most appealing qualities. Here is a list of all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Cake Mix: Works with any brand or flavor (chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, lemon, etc.)
- Vegetable Oil: Can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor
- Healthier Option: Replace oil with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories
- Eggs: For a vegan version, try ¼ cup of water + 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed per egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making 3 ingredient cake mix cookies couldn’t be easier! Here’s exactly how to do it:
- To begin, set your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl – add the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Blend the ingredients completely until a soft dough is achieved. The dough will have a dense texture and a slight stickiness to it. You have the option of utilizing a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, a hand mixer, or stirring by hand using a strong spoon.
- Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Please bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are firm while the centers remain slightly undone. The cookies will finish cooking as they cool.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious cookies!
watch to video step-by-step
Baking Tips and Tricks
Want to elevate your cake mix cookies from good to amazing? Here are some expert tips:
Preventing Spreading
Nothing’s more disappointing than flat, thin cookies when you wanted thick, chewy ones. Here’s how to prevent excessive spreading:
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking
- Use parchment paper instead of greasing the cookie sheet
- Don’t flatten the dough balls before baking
- Make sure your oven is properly preheated
- Check your baking powder/soda if using a mix that contains leavening agents
Achieving Chewy Cookies
The perfect cake mix cookie should be soft and chewy. Here’s how to nail that texture:
- Slightly underbake the cookies – they should look a little underdone in the center when you take them out
- Watch the time carefully – even one extra minute can take them from chewy to crispy
- Store properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix for extra chewiness and flavor
Baking Time Variations
Baking times can vary based on several factors:
- Conventional vs. Convection Ovens: Reduce temperature by 25°F for convection ovens
- Cookie Size: Smaller cookies need 7-9 minutes; larger cookies need 11-13 minutes
- Dark vs. Light Pans: Dark pans cook faster and may require reduced time or temperature
- Altitude: Higher altitudes may require a slightly higher temperature and shorter baking time
Storage Instructions
Extend the life of your delicious cake mix cookies with these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze cookie dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime
- Thawing: Allow frozen cookies to come to room temperature before serving or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
The basic 3 ingredient cake mix cookie recipe is just the beginning! Here’s how to create endless variations:
Cake Mix Flavor Ideas
Start with these popular cake mix flavors for delicious cookies:
- Chocolate: Rich, brownie-like cookies
- Vanilla: Classic cookies that pair with any add-ins
- Red Velvet: Stunning color with a mild cocoa flavor
- Lemon: Bright, tangy cookies perfect for spring
- Strawberry: Pretty pink cookies with fruity flavor
- Spice: Warm cinnamon flavor perfect for fall
- Funfetti: Colorful sprinkle-filled cookies
Add-In Suggestions
Take your cake mix cookies to the next level with these mix-ins:
| Cake Mix Flavor | Recommended Add-Ins |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, mint chips, crushed Oreos |
| Vanilla | Rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, M&Ms, crushed candy canes |
| Red Velvet | White chocolate chips, cream cheese chips, chopped pecans |
| Lemon | White chocolate chips, dried blueberries, lemon zest |
| Strawberry | White chocolate chips, dried strawberries, mini chocolate chips |
| Spice | Cinnamon chips, raisins, chopped walnuts, white chocolate chips |
| Funfetti | Extra sprinkles, white chocolate chips |
How to Add Mix-Ins:
- Gently fold in ½ to ¾ cup of mix-ins after the dough is completely mixed
- For zest or extracts, add ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon depending on desired flavor intensity
- For multiple mix-ins, keep the total amount to about ¾ cup to maintain proper cookie structure
Troubleshooting
Even with a simple recipe like 3 ingredient cake mix cookies, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are solutions to common problems:
My cookies are too dry
Possible causes and solutions:
- Too much cake mix: Make sure to measure accurately
- Overbaking: Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes
- Fix dry dough by adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk or an extra tablespoon of oil
My cookies are too cakey
Possible causes and solutions:
- Overmixing: Stir just until ingredients are combined
- Too much egg: Make sure you’re using standard large eggs
- Try substituting melted butter for oil for a denser cookie
My cookies are burning
Possible causes and solutions:
- Oven temperature too high: Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature
- Dark baking sheets: Lower the temperature by 25°F when using dark pans
- Cookie position in oven: Bake in the center of the oven, not the bottom rack
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a treat, it’s helpful to know the approximate nutritional content. Here’s an estimate based on a standard chocolate cake mix cookie (values may vary by brand and flavor):
Per Cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
Cake mix cookies 3 ingredient style are the perfect solution for those times when you need a quick, delicious treat with minimal effort. Their versatility means you can create countless variations to suit any taste preference or occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a shortcut or a kitchen novice intimidated by complex recipes, these cookies deliver consistent, impressive results.
The next time your sweet tooth strikes or unexpected guests are on their way, remember that you’re just three ingredients away from warm, chewy cookies that taste like they took much more time and effort than they actually did.
If you love simple, fuss-free baking, you might also enjoy my Banana Cookies 3 Ingredient—another easy and delicious treat!
Have you tried making cake mix cookies before? What’s your favorite flavor combination? Leave a comment below with your best cake mix cookie creation or tag us in your cookie photos on social media with #CakeMixCookies!
Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or ¼ cup plain yogurt.
How many cookies does one box of cake mix make?
Typically, you’ll get about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Why did my cookies not flatten at all?
The dough may have been too cold or too thick. Let it warm up slightly or add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?
Yes! This recipe works well with gluten-free cake mixes too.
Share your thoughts and review the recipe!
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Cake Mix Cookies 3 Ingredient
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Mix thoroughly until a soft, thick dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with paddle attachment, hand mixer, or mix by hand with a sturdy spoon.
- If adding mix-ins, gently fold in up to ¾ cup of your chosen ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
