If you’re on the hunt for a ridiculously simple, quick, and utterly delicious treat, look no further than 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe. These beauties are a total game changer when it comes to whipping up homemade cookies without all the fuss. Using just a boxed cake mix, eggs, and oil, you get soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies that can easily be customized to suit your cravings. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro looking for a fast weeknight dessert, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only three core ingredients are all you need to make these luscious cookies. Each one plays an essential role in achieving the tender texture, delightful flavor, and that irresistible chewiness that makes this recipe so special.
- Boxed cake mix (15.25 oz): Choose your favorite flavor for a customizable base—vanilla or yellow cake mix work beautifully and add sweetness and structure.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs are the glue that binds the dough and bring moisture, ensuring the cookies bake up just tender enough.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Oil delivers moistness and a soft, chewy texture classic to these cookies; canola oil works great too.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little step is key to preventing sticking and stopping the cookie bottoms from getting too brown, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the One-Bowl Dough
In a large bowl, add your boxed cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a sturdy spatula to mix everything until the dough is thick, glossy, and scoopable—imagine a soft brownie batter consistency. If it feels slightly sticky, don’t worry; that’s spot on for this recipe.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out 1 to 1½ tablespoon mounds onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For smoother, rounder cookies, quickly roll each dough portion between your palms—it’s a quick trick to get that picture-perfect shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. The magic moment to pull them out? When the edges look set but the centers are still a little soft. This is the secret to getting cookies that are chewy and soft, rather than dry and crumbly.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the pan for 5 minutes after baking so they finish setting, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, dive right in while still warm and gooey—totally worth it!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe
Garnishes
Give these cookies a fun twist by topping them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles before baking to amp up the visual and flavor appeal. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips as mix-ins creates an extra layer of texture and indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combo or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to transform them into a dreamy dessert. A cup of rich coffee or hot cocoa also complements the sweet softness perfectly, making snack time feel like a cozy café moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, stack these delightful cookies in pretty jars or wrap them in colorful parchment tied with ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also sandwich them with frosting or jam for a unique twist, turning this simple recipe into an impressive treat that everyone will ask for again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack during busy weeks.
Freezing
Want to keep these cookies fresh longer? Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen cookies last for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F. This little heat trick revives their softness and makes them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While vanilla and yellow cake mixes are classics for this recipe, feel free to experiment with chocolate, funfetti, or even lemon to create different vibes and flavors.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling needed here! This recipe shines because it comes together quickly without any waiting time—just scoop and bake straight away for soft cookies every time.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Stir in up to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces for a personalized touch that takes these cookies from simple to sensational.
What if I want a richer flavor than vegetable oil?
Try swapping the vegetable oil for 1/2 cup melted butter. This simple substitution gives the cookies a more decadent taste and a slightly denser texture, perfect if you prefer buttery goodness.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and centers that still appear a bit soft—this ensures a chewy, tender cookie. Overbaking will make them dry, so pulling them early is the secret to bakery-style perfection.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about making a batch of 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: The Ultimate Batch Recipe that feels effortlessly quick but tastes like you put in all the love. Whether you’re surprising guests, feeding a sweet tooth, or just treating yourself, these cookies offer that perfect home-baked comfort without the usual hassle. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become your new go-to cookie recipe!
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 a crazy good and ultimate batch of soft, chewy cookies made from just a box of cake mix, eggs, and oil. Quick and easy with no mixer or chilling required, they’re perfect for a fast homemade treat with customizable mix-ins for extra fun.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box boxed cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g), any flavor works—vanilla or yellow recommended
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
Optional Mix-ins (up to 1 cup total)
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white)
- Sprinkles (funfetti style)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos)
- Peanut butter chips or M&M’s
Substitution Suggestion
- 1/2 cup melted butter instead of oil (for richer flavor and slightly denser texture)
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir with a sturdy spatula until the dough is fully combined, thick, glossy, and scoopable, similar to a soft brownie batter. A slightly sticky texture is normal.
- Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and avoid browning the cookie bottoms too quickly.
- Scoop and shape dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop 1 to 1½ tablespoon-sized mounds of dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For smoother, rounder cookies, quickly roll each portion between your palms without over-handling the tacky dough.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, depending on size and your oven. The edges should look set, and the centers may still appear slightly soft to ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy.
- Cool for best texture: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they finish setting. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Alternatively, enjoy them warm for a soft, gooey experience.
- Optional mix-in addition: If desired, fold in up to 1 cup of any mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, crushed cookies, or candy pieces during dough mixing for customization.
Notes
- No mixer or chilling required—super quick and simple.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Room temperature eggs blend in more smoothly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and uneven browning.
- Substitute melted butter for oil for a richer taste and denser texture.
- Add up to 1 cup of mix-ins to customize flavors and textures.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack for better texture.
