cake mix crinkle cookies

If you’re looking for a quick and foolproof cookie recipe, these cake mix crinkle cookies are about to become your new favorite treat! With their cracked, powdered sugar-dusted exterior and irresistibly soft and chewy center, they are perfect for holiday baking, last-minute dessert cravings, or easy homemade treats.

Unlike traditional crinkle cookies, which require multiple ingredients like flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder, this recipe uses cake mix as a shortcut, making it super simple and beginner-friendly. With just three main ingredients—cake mix, eggs, and oil—you can whip up a batch in no time!

What Are Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies?

Crinkle cookies are a classic holiday treat, known for their cracked, sugar-dusted exterior and soft, chewy interior. While traditional crinkle cookies require flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder, using a cake mix makes the process effortless and foolproof.

🎂 Cake mix crinkle cookies are made with just a few pantry staples—cake mix, eggs, and oil—so you can whip them up in no time. They are perfect for last-minute baking, Christmas cookie swaps, or just a sweet quick cookie recipe for any day.

A Quick & Easy Cookie Recipe

If you love easy baking recipes, you’ll love making crinkle cookies with cake mix. Here’s why:

✔️ No measuring flour, baking powder, or cocoa powder – the cake mix does all the work!
✔️ Minimal prep time – mix, scoop, roll in powdered sugar, and bake.
✔️ Perfect for beginners – even kids can help make these!

Variations: You can make these chocolate crinkle cookies with cake mix, red velvet crinkle cookies, or even lemon crinkle cookies just by changing the cake mix flavor!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These crinkle cookies using cake mix are a favorite for many reasons:

🍪 Soft and chewy texture – The inside stays moist and fudgy, while the outside has a slight crisp.
🎄 Perfect for holidays and special occasions – These are ideal Christmas cookies and great for bake sales, parties, or gifts.
⏳ Minimal ingredients and effort – No need for fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl and spoon!

Pro Tip: Want an even lighter texture? Try making cake mix crinkle cookies with Cool Whip for an extra airy bite!

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into how to make crinkle cookies, let’s go over the essential ingredients that make this recipe quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. These cake mix crinkle cookies require just a few pantry staples, plus some optional add-ins for extra flavor and variety!

Main Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating soft, chewy, and beautifully cracked crinkle cookies.

• Cake Mix – The star ingredient that makes this recipe so effortless! You can use Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, or any brand you prefer. Choose from flavors like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or lemon to customize your cookies.
• Eggs – Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
• Oil or Butter – Vegetable oil is commonly used for extra moisture, but you can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar) – The final step before baking! Rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar creates that signature crinkle effect as the cookies spread in the oven.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Want to take your cake mix crinkle cookies to the next level? Try adding these ingredients for extra flavor and texture:

• Chocolate Chips – Fold in semi-sweet, white, or dark chocolate chips for a gooey, melty surprise.
• Nuts – Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
• Peppermint Extract or Crushed Candy Canes – Perfect for a holiday cookie recipe with a festive twist.
• Citrus Zest (Lemon, Orange, or Lime) – Enhances the flavor, especially for lemon or vanilla cake mix crinkle cookies.
• Cool Whip – Instead of oil, some recipes use Cool Whip to create an extra soft and fluffy texture. Try it for a fun variation!

How to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Making crinkle cookies using cake mix is incredibly easy, even for beginners! Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect, crinkly, soft, and chewy cookies every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil (or melted butter). Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2️⃣ Chill the Dough – For best results, refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
3️⃣ Roll into Balls – Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.

4️⃣ Coat in Powdered Sugar – Generously roll each dough ball in confectioners’ sugar to create the signature crinkle effect.
5️⃣ Bake – Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and cracked.
6️⃣ Cool & Enjoy – Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Pro Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies

✔️ Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the crinkle effect.
✔️ Use Confectioners’ Sugar – Instead of granulated sugar, use powdered sugar to get the best contrast between the cracks and the cookie dough.
✔️ Adjust Baking Time –

• For soft and chewy cookies – Bake for 10–11 minutes.
• For slightly crispy edges – Bake for 12–13 minutes.
• Don’t Overbake – The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked.

FAQ – Common Questions About Crinkle Cookies

Conclusion

These cake mix crinkle cookies are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you make them for a holiday cookie exchange, a last-minute dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making crinkle cookies made from cake mix? We’d love to hear how they turned out!
Share your creations – Tag us on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook and use #UltimateBakes so we can feature your delicious cookies!