Easy Cake Mix Cookies

These soft and chewy cake mix cookies are made with a classic white cake mix and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. They are quick enough for a last-minute treat and pretty enough for brunch, Mother’s Day, or a spring gathering.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we come back to most. There is just about nothing easier than turning a box of cake mix into warm homemade cookies.

I love keeping a batch in the freezer for unexpected company or a sweet afternoon treat. The pink glaze makes them especially pretty for Mother’s Day, showers, or Valentine’s Day, but you can change the color and sprinkles for any season or holiday.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only three ingredients in the cookie dough
• Soft, chewy texture
• Ready in minutes
• Easy enough for beginning bakers
• Simple to decorate for any holiday or occasion
• Freezer friendly before glazing
• Beautiful on a brunch or dessert table

What You’ll Need

The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below. For the cookies, you only need white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. The glaze comes together with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and an optional drop of food coloring.

How to Make Cake Mix Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Stir the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil together until a soft dough forms.
3. Scoop rounded tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. Leave about 2 inches between the cookies so they have room to spread.
5. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes, until the edges are just set. The centers should still look soft.
6. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then move the cookies to a wire rack.

Simple Vanilla Glaze

1. Whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
2. Add a little more milk if needed to reach a thick, pourable consistency.
3. Tint with 1 drop of red food coloring for a soft pink glaze, if desired.
4. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and add sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Successful Tips

• Do not overmix the dough once it comes together.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Do not overbake. The cookies continue to set as they cool.
• Cool the cookies completely before glazing so the glaze does not melt away.
• Add milk to the glaze a teaspoon at a time. A little goes a long way.
• Change the glaze color and sprinkles to suit the celebration.

Entertaining and Serving

• Arrange them on a tiered stand for brunch or afternoon tea.
• Pack them in a pretty box as a homemade hostess gift.
• Serve them with coffee, milk, or a glass of sweet tea.
• Use pastel sprinkles for Easter or Mother’s Day.
• Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or team colors for game day.

Storage

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the kitchen is very warm, refrigerate glazed cookies so the icing stays neat. Unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months, then thawed and decorated when you are ready to serve them.

These easy cookies prove that a simple recipe can still feel special. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your table.