These cake mix cookies are a 5 ingredient dessert that can be made in tons of different flavors and decorated for any occasion. An easy treat that takes just minutes to put together.

I’m all about fast and simple dessert recipes like M&M cookies, haystack cookies and fruit salsa. Cake mix cookies can be made at a moment’s notice with ingredients that you already have in your pantry.

A plate of cake mix cookies rolled in colorful sprinkles.

Sometimes I find myself in situations where I need a quick homemade treat at the last minute. I always keep a box of cake mix in the pantry so that I can make these cake mix cookies for parties, school events or as an afternoon snack. They’re perfectly chewy and can be customized in so many different ways.

If you make these for the holidays, check out my favorite holiday recipes including buckeye balls, Christmas punch and reindeer chow.

Cake Mix Cookies Ingredients

When you make cake mix cookies you will need a box of white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and sprinkles.

A bowl of dough with sprinkles on top.

How Do You Make Cake Mix Cookies?

To make this easy cake mix cookie recipe, first stir together cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients until a thick dough forms. Mix some sprinkles into the dough. Make balls of dough. Next, roll the balls of dough in more sprinkles for a festive look. Place them on a cookie sheet or sheet pan and bake them. Take them out of the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack. Serve and enjoy!

Balls of dough rolled in sprinkles.

Tips For The Perfect Cookies

  • Make sure you have a 15 1/4 oz box of cake mix. Some cake mix boxes are smaller and will not work well for this cake mix cookies recipe.
  • You can make your cookies larger or smaller than what the recipe calls for; just adjust the bake time accordingly.
  • Cake mix cookie batter can be stored in the fridge for up 2 days before you plan to use it. If you’re storing your batter for later use, wait to add the sprinkles until just before you bake your cookies.
  • I mixed a few types of Christmas sprinkles together for a super cheerful cookie.

Quick Tip

Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to make all of your balls of dough the same size.

A stack of cake mix cookies made with white cake mix and festive sprinkles.

Recipe FAQs

How long do cake mix cookies last?

These cookies last in an airtight container up to 5 days. You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, then thaw at room temperature.

What can you do with a box of cake mix?

One option for a box of cake mix is to make cookie dough that bakes up with a soft and chewy texture and a delicious taste.

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Cake mix cookies with sprinkles on a serving plate.

Flavor Variations

This is a holiday themed version of cake mix cookies made with white cake, but you can use this basic formula with pretty much any flavor of cake mix. Just pick your favorite combination of cake mix and mix-ins! Some of our favorites include:

  • Chocolate Cake Mix + Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix + White Chocolate Chips
  • Yellow Cake Mix + Toffee Bits
  • German Chocolate Cake Mix + Pecans + Coconut
  • Chocolate Cake Mix + Peanut Butter Chips
  • Strawberry Cake Mix + Milk Chocolate Chips
  • Lemon Cake Mix + White Chocolate Chips
  • Carrot Cake Mix + White Chocolate Chips
  • Vanilla Cake Mix + Milk Chocolate Chips

You can also make some other changes to the cookies.

  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds to the dough.
  • Frosting: Try topping your cookies with cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting or powdered sugar glaze.
  • Sugar: Roll the cookie dough balls in sanding sugar.

This is a great recipe to make with the kids because the ingredient list is so simple, and my girls just love rolling the cookie balls in the sprinkles. You can customize your sprinkle colors for any occasion. The cookies pictured are decorated for Christmas, but I’ve also made them with Halloween and Easter sprinkles.

Cake mix cookies are a hit with both adults and kids, it’s so worth it to keep a box of cake mix in your kitchen for when you need a quick treat!

More Quick Dessert Ideas

Cake Mix Cookies Video

Love This Recipe?

Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

4.97 from 58 votes

Cake Mix Cookies

AuthorSara Welch
A plate of cake mix cookies rolled in colorful sprinkles.
These cake mix cookies are a 5 ingredient dessert that can be made in tons of different flavors and decorated for any occasion. An easy treat that takes just minutes to put together.
Time
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Serves 24

Ingredients 

  • 15 1/4 ounce box white cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup sprinkles divided use

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup of the sprinkles.
  • Roll the dough into tablespoon sized balls.
  • Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of sprinkles onto a plate. Roll the balls of dough around in the sprinkles to coat.
  • Place the balls of dough 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You will need to work in batches.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned
  • Cool, then remove from the baking sheet and repeat the baking process with the remaining dough. Serve immediately, or store in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  1. Make sure you have a 15 1/4 oz. box of cake mix. Some cake mix boxes are smaller and will not work well for this recipe.
  2. You can make your cookies larger or smaller than what the recipe calls for; just adjust the bake time accordingly.
  3. Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to make all of your balls of dough the same size.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 18mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Hello! I’m Sara!

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4.97 from 58 votes (37 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are very good for the tiny amount of work needed. I didnโ€™t mix sprinkles in, just on the outside. They taste very much like homemade cookies! One suggestion is to refrigerate the dough for 15-20 before making the cookie balls because it was very soft and they did spread out a bit more than expected. I will be trying other variations for sure.

  2. 5 stars
    Crowd pleaser. My kids love them, but I usually end up eating the most because I love cake mix cookies. Will be making this recipe every Christmas

  3. 4 stars
    I should have planned better as it did take a full bottle of green/red Christmas sprinkles for just half the recipe. Next time Iโ€™ll sprinkle the sprinkles instead of rolling the dough balls. Thanks for a fun recipe.

  4. So good and yummy. First time to make. Used yellow butter cake mix added 3oz of all purpose flour coz itโ€™s only 15.25 oz and the recipe calls for 18.25 oz. Added and rolled not much sprinkles coz I donโ€™t have enough. Thank you for sharing. Will make it again. Merry Christmas to you and your family. God bless.

  5. 5 stars
    Made them with spice cake mix, but didnโ€™t have enough sprinkles for the roll. Sooo I rolled them in cinnamon and sugar not to bad. Thanks so easy to do too.

  6. 5 stars
    Made a single batch of these not knowing how they would turn out. I’m now regretting that. Lol A hour later my family has devoured them. So easy too make and so yummy!

  7. I used yellow cake mix and rolled in sugar. . Also use chocolate cake mix and rolled in powdered sugar. Rave reviews all the time. Can use confetti cake mix too.