Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The Fluffiest Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sweet dreams come alive with these delightful cake mix crinkle cookies that promise pure magic in every bite.

Powdered sugar dusts these delectable treats like freshly fallen snow.

Soft, chewy centers hide beneath a perfectly crackled exterior that beckons you closer.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum enjoyment with this foolproof recipe.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the rich, decadent flavor that melts on your tongue.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Base Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the primary flavor and structure for the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, chewy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cookie.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates the classic crinkle cookie appearance and adds a sweet, delicate exterior to the cookies.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking sheet.

Quick Steps to Fluffy Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C) and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Shape Sugary Delights

Roll the dough into small, adorable balls. Each ball should be about the size of a ping pong ball. Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful white coating that will crackle when baked.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Carefully place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and get a slight golden touch. The cookies will look puffy and crackled.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Sweet Treat

Grab a cookie (or two) and savor the delightful, crinkly, powdery goodness. These treats are perfect with milk, coffee, or enjoyed all by themselves.

Tricks for That Picture-Perfect Crinkle Look

  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti for unique cookie variations.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and create more defined crinkle edges.
  • Generously dust cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful snow-like appearance and extra sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
  • Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to boost flavor and create exciting cookie variations.

Switch Up Crinkle Cookies With These Ideas

  • Chocolate Lover's Delight: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake mix for an intense chocolate flavor. Roll in dark cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for extra richness.
  • Festive Sprinkle Crinkles: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough before rolling. Use seasonal or holiday-themed sprinkles to create fun, celebratory cookies.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the dough for added texture. Roll the balls in crushed nuts before coating with powdered sugar.
  • Fruity Zest Variation: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cake mix for a bright, citrusy flavor. Use corresponding flavored cake mix for an enhanced taste profile.
  • Pair with Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements the sweet, soft texture of the crinkle cookies, creating a delightful winter warmth.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The smooth espresso and creamy vanilla notes beautifully balance the sugary crunch of the cookies, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy raspberries or strawberries cut through the cookie's sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and adding a burst of natural flavor.
  • Accompany with Cold Milk: Classic cold milk's cool, smooth profile perfectly cleanses the palate between bites of these powdered sugar-coated treats, making each cookie taste even more delicious.

How to Store Crinkle Cookies the Right Way

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delicious flavor.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Cookies stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature, preserving their crinkly sugar coating and delicate texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore original softness and slightly crisp edges.
  • Can I use any flavor of cake mix for these cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or funfetti to create unique crinkle cookies.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the powdered sugar?

Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar and shake off excess before placing on the baking sheet. This helps create a clean, crackled surface.

  • Why do my cookies look flat instead of puffy?

Make sure your cake mix is fresh and not expired. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading and maintain a fuller shape.

  • Are these cookies good for kids to make?

Absolutely! This recipe is super simple with just three ingredients, making it perfect for baking with children and teaching them basic cooking skills.

Why Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Are So Fun

  • Simplify Baking: Transform a basic cake mix into delightful crinkle cookies with just three ingredients, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Customize Your Treat: Experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti to create unique variations that suit your taste preferences and mood.
  • Kid-Friendly Creation: Engage children in the fun rolling and sugar-coating process, turning cookie-making into a playful family activity that creates sweet memories.
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Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate crinkle cookies bring winter magic straight from grandma’s kitchen. Powdered sugar dusts these rich, fudgy treats with irresistible charm you’ll savor down to the last delightful crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) vegetable oil

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture forms a smooth, consistent dough.
  3. Using clean hands, gently shape the dough into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
  4. Generously roll each dough ball through powdered sugar, ensuring complete and even coating for that classic crinkle appearance.
  5. Arrange the sugar-dusted dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly set edges and a soft, pillowy center.
  7. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to stabilize their structure.
  8. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their signature crackled surface.
  9. Serve and savor these delightfully simple, melt-in-your-mouth cake mix crinkle cookies.

Notes

  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti to create unique cookie variations.
  • For a healthier twist, swap vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and ensure more uniform cookie shapes.
  • Add extra flavor by mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles into the dough before rolling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 108 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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