cake mix cookies

“5-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: Ready in 20 Minutes! #EasiestDessertEver”

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5-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies: Ready in 20 Minutes! #EasiestDessertEver

Have you ever craved a warm, chewy cookie but found yourself without the time or ingredients for a traditional recipe? Imagine whipping up a batch of delicious cookies in just 20 minutes using only five simple ingredients. Sounds too good to be true? Think again! With cake mix cookies, you can indulge your sweet tooth without the hassle.

Ingredients List

Creating these delectable cake mix cookies requires minimal effort and ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) of cake mix: Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon—to set the base for your cookies.
  • 2 large eggs: These will bind the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy texture.
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted or softened: This adds richness and moisture to your cookies.
  • 1 cup mix-ins: Customize your cookies with chocolate chips, M&Ms, nuts, or dried fruit.
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons water: If using a chocolate cake mix, adding water can help achieve the desired consistency.

Note: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil.

Timing

Preparing these cake mix cookies is a breeze:

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes

This is significantly faster than traditional cookie recipes, which often require longer preparation and baking times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. If using a chocolate cake mix, add the 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the dough is smooth and well combined.

  3. Add Mix-ins: Fold in your chosen mix-ins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

  4. Scoop the Dough: Using a medium (2-tablespoon) cookie scoop, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

  6. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before scooping to make handling easier.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 119
  • Total Fat: 6.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Cholesterol: 15.5mg
  • Sodium: 126.3mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14.6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 7.9g
  • Protein: 1.2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While these cookies are delicious, you can make them a bit healthier with a few simple swaps:

  • Use Whole Wheat Cake Mix: Opt for a whole wheat or whole grain cake mix to increase fiber content.
  • Replace Butter with Applesauce: Substitute the butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
  • Add Nuts: Incorporate nuts like almonds or walnuts for added protein and healthy fats.
  • Use Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose dark chocolate chips to increase antioxidant intake.

Tip: Experiment with different cake mix flavors and mix-ins to find your perfect combination.

Serving Suggestions

These cake mix cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • With a Glass of Milk: Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
  • As Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.
  • Crumbled Over Yogurt: Add crumbled cookies to a bowl of yogurt for a sweet and crunchy breakfast or snack.

Tip: Serve these cookies at your next gathering to impress guests with minimal effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cake mix cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
  • Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies.
  • Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking without parchment paper can cause cookies to stick to the pan. Always line your baking sheet.

Tip: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your cookies fresh and