There’s something magical about a cookie that looks like it came straight from a bakery, yet takes barely any effort to whip up. These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, delicately crisp on the outside, and dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar that cracks open during baking to reveal beautiful, irresistible crevices. Imagine the sweet aroma of cake mix wafting through your kitchen, mingled with the buttery warmth of freshly baked cookies. Trust me, you’re going to love this, and you might just find yourself making them on repeat.
Behind the Recipe
I first stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy afternoon when the craving for something sweet collided with the reality of an almost-empty pantry. All I had was a box of cake mix, a couple of eggs, and some oil. The result was a batch of cookies that disappeared before they even cooled. Since then, Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies have become my go-to “emergency dessert” — quick, reliable, and always a crowd favorite.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Crinkle cookies have been around for decades, with their signature cracked tops originating from classic chocolate versions in mid-century American cookbooks. The powdered sugar coating creates that dramatic crackled look as the dough expands in the oven. Swapping traditional scratch-made dough for cake mix gives you the same nostalgic charm, but with a fraction of the work — a hack that home bakers have embraced for its convenience and versatility.
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Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and irresistibly beautiful, Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a quick and easy treat made with just a handful of ingredients. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they form delicate cracks for a bakery-worthy look and flavor.
Ingredients
- Cake Mix: 15.25 ounces, flavor of your choice
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vegetable Oil: 1/3 cup
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
- Assemble the Dish: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Cook to Perfection: Arrange on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Let cookies rest for 2–3 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm for the ultimate soft-and-chewy experience.
Notes
- Chill dough for 20 minutes for easier handling and less spreading.
- Double-roll in powdered sugar for a more dramatic crinkle effect.
- Do not overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Versatile: Change the flavor instantly by using different cake mix varieties — chocolate, red velvet, lemon, or funfetti.
Budget-Friendly: Made with just a few pantry staples, they’re as easy on your wallet as they are on your schedule.
Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking in under 20 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute cravings.
Customizable: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or citrus zest for a personal twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Their bakery-worthy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture win over any group.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be chilled or frozen for future baking sessions.
Great for Leftovers: They stay soft for days, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying over time.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Baking these cookies is simple, but a few tricks will make them extraordinary:
- Chill the Dough: Even a short 20-minute chill helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and keeping the cookies from spreading too much.
- Generous Sugar Coating: Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar to ensure a bold, snowy crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft — they’ll continue to cook on the tray.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To keep this recipe stress-free, make sure you have:
Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients easily.
Whisk or Spoon: To mix the dough without overworking it.
Measuring Cups: For accurate oil and sugar portions.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy pan for even baking.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients in Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
When these few ingredients come together, they create pure cookie bliss:
- Cake Mix: 15.25 ounces, the flavor of your choice, forms the base and provides sweetness and structure.
- Eggs: 2 large, help bind the dough and add richness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/3 cup, adds moisture and tenderness.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, for rolling the dough balls and achieving that signature crinkle effect.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes your pantry dictates the recipe:
Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or melted coconut oil.
Powdered Sugar: Finely ground granulated sugar, though texture will differ.
Cake Mix: Any flavor variation to match your mood or occasion.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut ingredient, bringing built-in flavor, sweetness, and perfect texture without the need for multiple dry ingredients.
Instructions for Making Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are a joy to make, and the process is just as fun as the result:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
- Assemble the Dish: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then generously coat each in powdered sugar.
- Cook to Perfection: Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm for the ultimate soft-and-chewy experience.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The magic lies in contrast — the outer layer crisps up lightly while the inside stays soft and cake-like. The powdered sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding a delicate crunch to every bite. Different cake mix flavors will bring their own personality to the party, from rich chocolate to bright lemon.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizes.
- For extra depth, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- If making multiple batches, chill dough between bakes to prevent spreading.
What to Avoid
- Avoid overmixing the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Don’t skimp on the sugar coating — it’s key to the crinkle look.
- Resist the urge to overbake; they should look slightly underdone when you pull them out.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 110
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can roll the dough balls in sugar and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two. Baked cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Serve Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Serve them alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, tuck them into lunchboxes, or arrange them on a festive platter for holidays and parties.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Crumble leftover cookies over ice cream, layer them into parfaits with whipped cream, or blitz them into crumbs for a cheesecake base.
Additional Tips
For even more flavor, try sifting cocoa powder into the powdered sugar for chocolate cake mix versions.
Make It a Showstopper
Stack them high on a cake stand, dust lightly with extra powdered sugar just before serving, and pair with colorful napkins to make them pop.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Zest Twist: Add lemon zest and juice to a lemon cake mix for bright flavor.
- Double Chocolate: Use chocolate cake mix and stir in chocolate chips.
- Holiday Spice: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to a vanilla cake mix for a festive touch.
- Birthday Fun: Stir rainbow sprinkles into a white cake mix before baking.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use gluten-free cake mix?
Yes, gluten-free cake mix works just as well.
2. Can I make them without eggs?
You can use flax eggs or egg replacer for an egg-free version.
3. How do I store them?
In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag.
5. Do I have to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but helps with shaping and reduces spreading.
6. Can I skip the powdered sugar?
You can, but you’ll lose the classic crinkle look.
7. What if my cookies are too flat?
Chill the dough longer before baking.
8. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter will work, but will slightly change texture.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just double all ingredients.
10. Are these good for gifting?
Yes, their pretty crinkle finish makes them perfect for gift boxes.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of convenience and charm — soft, sweet, and bakery-beautiful without the fuss. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy night in, or a quick sweet fix, these cookies deliver every time. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.