Have you ever wondered how you can whip up delicious cookies with minimal effort and ingredients? Enter the delightful world of 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies! This simple yet satisfying recipe challenges the traditional belief that baking cookies requires a long list of ingredients and time-consuming steps. You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy these cookies are to make, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked treats in no time.
Ingredients Needed
To craft these phenomenal 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies, you will need:
- 15.25 ounce cake mix: This is the foundation of your cookies. Choose any flavor you adore, whether it’s classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or red velvet.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and helps the cookies achieve a soft, chewy texture. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Eggs act as a binding agent. Using eggs at room temperature ensures that they blend smoothly into the batter.
- 1 cup mix-ins (optional): This is a fun opportunity to get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Timing
One of the best aspects of these 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies is the speed! Here’s how your time breaks down:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes (which is significantly less than the average cookie recipe that typically takes up to two hours).
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix well to combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them in at this stage.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Optional but recommended: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps improve the cookies’ texture, making them chewier.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to overbake! You want them to remain pale without any golden coloring.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool right on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before digging in!
Nutritional Information
This 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies recipe yields approximately 24 cookies per batch. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional profile for one cookie:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Values may vary depending on the cake mix and additional ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives For 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
Want to make your cookies a bit healthier? Consider these modifications:
- Use whole wheat cake mix for added fiber.
- Swap out vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce for a low-fat version.
- Replace regular eggs with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Add nuts or seeds to boost protein and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat! You can also pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee beverage. For gatherings, stack them in a decorative tin for a charming presentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are common pitfalls to keep in mind:
- Overbaking: Watch your cookies closely to avoid them becoming too dry. They should look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
- Neglecting to chill: Skipping chilling the dough can lead to flatter cookies. If you have time, this step is beneficial.
- Using cold eggs: Always use room-temperature eggs for better blending.
Storing Tips For 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer shelf life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies are not just simple and fast; they are also versatile and utterly delicious. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of delightful cookies that your whole family will love. So why not give this recipe a try? We’d love to hear your feedback, and feel free to share your twist on this easy treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cake mix works best for these cookies?
The best cake mix for 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies is one that you love! Chocolate, vanilla, or any flavored cake mix can work well.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply choose a gluten-free cake mix and follow the recipe as usual.
Is chilling the dough necessary?
Chilling is optional, but it helps the cookies maintain shape and improves the texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip it!
Can I add more ingredients, like frosting or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to add any mix-ins or toppings you prefer. Get creative!
How do I know when my cookies are finished baking?
Look for cookies that are set at the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Now that you have the complete guide to making 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies, it’s time to dive in and start baking! Enjoy the sweet success of your kitchen adventures!
Print
3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up delicious cookies effortlessly with just three ingredients. Perfect for a quick treat!
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces cake mix (any flavor)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup mix-ins (optional, e.g. chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix well to combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them in at this stage.
- Optional but recommended: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough improves texture, and using room-temperature eggs helps with blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cake mix cookies, easy cookies, simple dessert, quick treat