Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (Hocus Pocus Cookies!)
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to whip up some decadent treats that are sure to impress, you’ve found the right recipe! These Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies, lovingly dubbed Hocus Pocus Cookies, are a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Using a chocolate fudge cake mix as the base, these cookies are incredibly fudgy, soft, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for any occasion—especially the spooky season!
Imagine a cookie that’s gooey in the center with a slightly crisp edge, studded with colorful chocolate candies that bring a festive flair. Perfect for Halloween parties, movie nights, or just a classic indulgence, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the magic of making these irresistible Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies!
The Upside of Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (Hocus Pocus Cookies!)
These cookies bring a host of benefits right from the start:
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
- Fudgy Delight: The chocolate fudge cake mix ensures a rich, fudgy texture that traditional cookies often lack.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the chocolate candies for your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight treat, these cookies fit the bill.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping mix, scoop, and, of course, taste-testing these cookies!
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start baking your Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies, be sure to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola works best)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate candies (like M&Ms), divided
Make sure to check your pantry for these staples before heading to the store!
Cook’s Kit
To make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing the cookie dough, and a smaller bowl for any additional ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, so have these handy.
- Baking Sheet: A lined or greased baking sheet to ensure easy cookie removal.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the dough evenly.
- Oven Mitts: Safety first—don’t forget these when handling your hot treats!
Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (Hocus Pocus Cookies!) Made Stepwise
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Hocus Pocus Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix and baking powder. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Candies
Gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate candies. Reserve the rest for topping the cookies.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 6: Add More Chocolate Candies
Press a few extra chocolate candies into the tops of each cookie dough mound. This adds a pop of color and extra chocolatey goodness.
Step 7: Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies warm!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
If you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian alternatives, consider these substitutions:
- Replace the eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- Use plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, instead of regular milk.
- For oil, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version.
Pro Perspective
- For the best texture, avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps your cookies soft and fudgy!
- Let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Experiment with different chocolate candies or even add nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- These cookies are perfect for freezing—just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake frozen cookies for an extra minute or two!
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment! Here’s how:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
- Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Handy Q&A
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix, like vanilla or red velvet, for a unique twist on these cookies.
What can I use instead of chocolate candies?
You can substitute chocolate candies with chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or even cookie chunks for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when my cookies are baked?
Look for slightly firm edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to cook while cooling, so don’t worry if they appear a little underbaked when you take them out!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven to accommodate all the deliciousness.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The Takeaway
Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (Hocus Pocus Cookies) are a delightful treat that combines the ease of cake mix with the classic charm of cookies. Their rich, fudgy texture and colorful chocolate candies make them a perfect choice for any occasion, especially when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to enchant anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!
Fudgy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies (Hocus Pocus Cookies!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix and baking powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate candies. Reserve the rest for topping.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space.
- Press a few extra chocolate candies into the tops of each cookie dough mound.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For the best texture, avoid overmixing the dough to keep your cookies soft and fudgy!
- Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet to prevent breaking apart.
- These cookies can be frozen; bake frozen cookies for an extra minute or two!
