Cake Mix Sugar Cookies
There’s just something so magical about cookies, especially when they come together effortlessly. Enter Cake Mix Sugar Cookies, the sweet treat that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up something delicious. With a handful of ingredients and a simple process, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they can be decorated with vibrant colors and sprinkles or enjoyed plain. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
Cake Mix Sugar Cookies are the epitome of simplicity and satisfaction. They require minimal effort yet yield maximum flavor, making them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The beauty of using cake mix is that it cuts down on prep time while infusing your cookies with the rich, buttery flavor reminiscent of homemade treats. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can tailor them to suit any holiday or celebration with just a few sprinkles or a splash of food coloring.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these delightful Cake Mix Sugar Cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 boxes (approximately 15 ounces each) Yellow, White, or Vanilla Cake Mix – This is the star of the show, providing sweetness and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a chewy texture.
- 4 large eggs – Binds all the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that warm, inviting flavor.
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – To create a creamy and smooth frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of your frosting.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream – Ensures a silky consistency.
- Food coloring and sprinkles (as desired) – For festive decoration!
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
- Cookie sheets – For baking the cookies to golden perfection.
- Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Spatula – Perfect for transferring cookies to a cooling rack.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly.
Cooking Cake Mix Sugar Cookies: The Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps with even baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cake mix. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until creamy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky – that’s exactly what you want!
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. If you’d like to add color, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top and finish with sprinkles if you like. Get creative with your designs!
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you’re looking to make these Cake Mix Sugar Cookies dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some easy swaps:
- Dairy-Free Butter – Substitute regular butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Cake Mix – Use a gluten-free cake mix to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- Plant-Based Milk – Replace heavy cream with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free frosting option.
Chef’s Rationale
Creating Cake Mix Sugar Cookies is all about balance. The cake mix provides a perfect base, ensuring that each cookie is light and fluffy while the butter and eggs add richness. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies taste homemade, even if you’re using a mix. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can swap out flavors, add mix-ins like chocolate chips, or change up the frosting to suit your mood.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These cookies are incredibly freezer-friendly! To freeze, simply let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. For the frosting, it’s best to make it fresh, but you can freeze any leftover frosting in a separate container for up to a month.
Quick Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into balls, and freeze them. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them.
Can I use different flavors of cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist on these sugar cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Adding colorful sprinkles, using themed cookie cutters, or even drizzling melted chocolate on top can make these cookies perfect for any celebration!
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The Last Word
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these Cake Mix Sugar Cookies are sure to hit the spot. With their soft texture, lovely flavor, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a treat that everyone will love. The best part? They come together in no time at all, making them a perfect choice for any busy baker. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the cookie magic begin!
Cake Mix Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cake mix. Beat until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 6: Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 7: In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Step 8: Once cookies are cooled, frost them and add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- For dairy-free cookies, use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies for up to three months in an airtight container.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors for a fun twist!
