Cake Mix Cookies With Sprinkles recipe

In our house, baking should be fun, not a chore. And let me tell you, these Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles are the epitome of baking joy! I stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly hectic weeknight when my kids were begging for cookies, but my energy levels were running on empty. Intrigued by the promise of simplicity, I grabbed a box of cake mix from the pantry, and within minutes, we were mixing, rolling, and sprinkling. The result? Soft, chewy, and utterly delightful cookies that were devoured in record time. My family declared them a resounding success, and honestly, so did I. They are perfectly sweet, incredibly easy to customize, and the sprinkles just add that extra touch of whimsy that makes everyone smile. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. They are perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet treat any day of the week. Get ready to experience cookie baking at its easiest and most delicious!

Ingredients: Simple, Pantry-Friendly Goodness

The beauty of Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles lies in their simplicity. You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your pantry right now! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and flavor variations. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

• 1 Box (15-18.25 ounces) Cake Mix: This is the star of the show! You can use any flavor of cake mix you desire. Vanilla, yellow, chocolate, strawberry, funfetti, lemon, red velvet – the possibilities are endless. Experiment and find your family’s favorites! For a classic cookie, vanilla or yellow cake mix works wonderfully. For a richer, more decadent cookie, chocolate cake mix is a fantastic choice. Funfetti cake mix is already loaded with sprinkles, adding an extra burst of color and fun. Strawberry or lemon cake mix will impart a lovely fruity flavor, perfect for spring or summer. Consider using gluten-free cake mix options for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these cookies.
• ½ Cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter provides a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit the pinch of salt mentioned later in the instructions. Melt the butter until it is completely liquid, but not boiling hot. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs.
• 2 Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and add moisture to the cookies. They contribute to the soft and chewy texture we are aiming for. Use large eggs for the best results. If you only have medium eggs, you can use three to ensure sufficient binding and moisture.
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste, but imitation vanilla extract will also work in a pinch. For a more intense vanilla flavor, you can even use vanilla bean paste. Consider experimenting with other extracts like almond extract for a nutty flavor, lemon extract for a citrusy twist, or even peppermint extract for holiday-themed cookies.
• ½ Cup Sprinkles: Sprinkles are what make these cookies so festive and fun! Use any type of sprinkles you like – jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar, or a mix! Jimmies are the classic rainbow sprinkles and provide a soft, colorful touch. Nonpareils are tiny, round sprinkles that add a delicate crunch and vibrant color. Sanding sugar provides a sparkly, sweet finish. For themed cookies, use specific colors of sprinkles to match holidays or special occasions. Think red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or your favorite team’s colors for game day.
• Optional: Pinch of Salt: If using unsalted butter, a pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies. If using salted butter, you can skip the added salt. Use fine sea salt or table salt.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Oil Instead of Butter: If you don’t have butter on hand, you can substitute ½ cup of vegetable oil or canola oil. Oil will result in a slightly cakier and less chewy cookie compared to butter.
• Different Extracts: As mentioned earlier, experiment with different extracts to change the flavor profile. Almond extract, lemon extract, peppermint extract, or even orange extract can create unique and delicious cookies.
• Add-Ins: Get creative and add other mix-ins to your cookies! Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows can be incorporated for added texture and flavor. Add about ½ to 1 cup of your chosen add-ins to the batter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if necessary.
• Vegan Option: While traditionally made with butter and eggs, vegan substitutions can be made. Use vegan butter and an egg replacer like flax eggs or applesauce. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

Instructions: Baking Bliss in Just a Few Steps

Making these Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles is incredibly easy and straightforward, making them perfect for beginner bakers and kids to help with. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious cookies in no time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone baking mats are reusable and provide even heat distribution. Preparing your baking sheets in advance ensures you’re ready to bake as soon as the dough is ready.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake Mix and Optional Salt): In a large mixing bowl, pour in the entire box of cake mix. If you are using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the cake mix. Whisk the cake mix and salt (if using) together briefly to ensure there are no lumps and the salt is evenly distributed. This simple step helps create a smoother cookie dough.
3. Add Wet Ingredients (Melted Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla Extract): Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the cake mix. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. It’s important to add the melted butter first before the eggs to prevent the eggs from cooking slightly due to the heat of the butter.
4. Mix Until Just Combined: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on low speed, mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the cake mix, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet ingredients, and a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal.
5. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the sprinkles using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute the sprinkles evenly throughout the dough. Resist the urge to mix vigorously at this stage to avoid breaking the sprinkles and potentially tinting the dough color if using certain types of sprinkles.
6. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop of a consistent size. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use two spoons to shape the dough into rounded balls.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still slightly soft. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when they are just done. Overbaking will result in dry cookies. The centers may still look slightly soft when you take them out, but they will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool on Baking Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them to a wire rack.
9. Transfer to Wire Rack to Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom. Let them cool completely before storing or serving.

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing is the most common mistake when making these cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure soft and chewy cookies.
• Chill Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm or the dough is very sticky, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. Chilling the dough can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and result in thicker cookies.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still slightly soft.
• Let Cookies Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing or frosting to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Nutrition Facts: A Sweet Treat in Moderation

While Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles are a delightful treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific cake mix used, the size of the cookies, and any additional ingredients.

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on cookie size)
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Approximate Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 cookie):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal (This can vary based on cake mix and butter content)
• Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
• Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
• Sodium: 100-150 mg (Varies greatly depending on cake mix)
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
  • Sugar: 12-15 grams (Varies greatly depending on cake mix)
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Important Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, refer to the nutrition label on your specific cake mix box and calculate based on the actual ingredients used. Remember that these cookies are a treat and are best enjoyed occasionally.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy from Start to Finish

One of the greatest advantages of Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles is how incredibly quick and easy they are to make. From start to finish, you can have a batch of freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes!

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes (This includes gathering ingredients, melting butter, and mixing the dough)
• Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes (includes cooling on baking sheet and wire rack)

Total Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes

This makes them perfect for last-minute desserts, quick snacks, or when you need a batch of cookies in a hurry. The minimal prep time and short baking time make them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions.

How to Serve: Delightful Ways to Enjoy Your Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles are delicious on their own, but here are some fun and delightful ways to serve and enjoy them:

• Classic with Milk: The quintessential cookie pairing! Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk – dairy or non-dairy – for a comforting and classic treat.
• With Ice Cream: Warm cookies and cold ice cream? A match made in dessert heaven! Serve these cookies alongside your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful dessert sundae. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or even funfetti ice cream would pair perfectly.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
• Party Platters: Arrange these colorful cookies on a platter alongside other desserts like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit for a beautiful and crowd-pleasing dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
• Gift Giving: Package these cookies in cellophane bags or cute boxes tied with ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift. They are perfect for holiday gifts, teacher appreciation gifts, or just a sweet gesture for friends and neighbors.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack a cookie or two in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. They are a fun and cheerful addition to any lunch.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: Enjoy a cookie with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. They are the perfect sweet bite to complement your hot beverage.
• Dipped in Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) and then sprinkle with more sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
• Decorated with Frosting: While they are delicious as is, you can also frost these cookies with buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze. Add more sprinkles on top of the frosting for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Cookie Crumbles for Desserts: Crumble these cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits, ice cream sundaes, or even mixed into milkshakes or smoothies for added flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Baking the Best Cake Mix Cookies

Want to take your Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles to the next level? Here are five additional tips to ensure baking success every time:

1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify more easily with the butter and cake mix, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even cookie texture. If you forgot to take your eggs out of the refrigerator in advance, you can quickly warm them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Measure Butter Accurately: Accurate measurement of melted butter is crucial for the right cookie texture. Too much butter can lead to flat, greasy cookies, while too little can result in dry cookies. Use a liquid measuring cup to measure the melted butter after it has cooled slightly.
3. Don’t Skip the Sprinkles (Inside and Out!): While the recipe calls for folding sprinkles into the dough, consider adding extra sprinkles on top of the dough balls before baking. This not only adds more visual appeal but also ensures that the sprinkles are nicely baked into the tops of the cookies. Gently press the sprinkles into the dough before baking so they adhere well.
4. Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors and Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with different cake mix flavors and add-ins. Try using different flavored cake mixes like lemon, strawberry, red velvet, or spice cake mix. Incorporate add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, or even chopped candies to customize your cookies and create unique flavor combinations.
5. Proper Storage is Key to Freshness: To keep your Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles fresh and delicious for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving. Do not store them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.

FAQ: Your Cake Mix Cookie Questions Answered

Got questions about making Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence:

Q1: My cookies spread too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: There are a few reasons why your cookies might have spread too thin:

• Too much butter: Make sure you measured the butter accurately. Too much butter can cause excessive spreading.
• Dough too warm: If your kitchen is warm or you didn’t chill the dough (especially if using oil), the butter might have softened too much, leading to spreading. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Oven temperature too low: An oven that isn’t hot enough can cause cookies to spread before they set. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F/175°C). An oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperature.
• Baking sheet too greasy: Avoid greasing your baking sheets if using parchment paper or silicone mats. Grease can contribute to spreading.

Q2: My cookies are dry and crumbly. How can I prevent this?

A: Dry cookies are often a result of overbaking.

• Overbaking: Bake the cookies for just 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still slightly soft. They will continue to bake as they cool. Don’t overbake them to achieve crisp edges, as they are meant to be soft and chewy.
• Too much cake mix: Ensure you are using the correct amount of cake mix (15-18.25 ounces). Too much dry ingredient can make cookies dry.
• Not enough butter or eggs: While less common, not enough fat or moisture can also lead to dry cookies. Double-check your ingredient measurements.

Q3: Can I use different types of sprinkles?

A: Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkles you like. Jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar, confetti sprinkles, even themed sprinkles for holidays or events. Experiment with different colors and shapes to create unique and festive cookies. Just be mindful that some sprinkles may bleed their color slightly into the dough, especially if overmixed.

Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Simply double or triple all the ingredient quantities proportionally. Baking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake, especially if you are baking larger batches at once. Ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of dough.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful and easy Cake Mix Cookies with Sprinkles! They are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces, no matter the occasion.

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