If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes the beloved warm cinnamon flavor of snickerdoodles and combines it with the simplicity and soft texture of cake mix, creating cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and incredibly fun to make. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these cookies require minimal ingredients and time but deliver maximum joy bite after bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie bliss. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature snickerdoodle charm.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The base of our dough, providing sweetness, structure, and a tender crumb that’s essential for soft cookies.
- Large eggs (2): These help bind everything together and keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Adds richness and prevents the cookies from drying out, keeping them soft day after day.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Used for the cinnamon coating, it adds a sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts the dough.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, providing that classic warm, spicy flavor that snickerdoodles are famous for.
How to Make Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature within minutes. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—this simple prep step makes all the difference.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will be the delightful outer layer that gives each cookie their iconic snickerdoodle look and taste. Mixing it by hand lets you control the cinnamon level to your liking.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Grab a large bowl and add the yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir well until you have a thick, sticky dough that’s ready for rolling. It’s quick to come together, and the consistency you’re aiming for is just right when the dough holds its shape but is still soft.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into smooth balls. Don’t worry if they seem sticky; that’s a good sign your cookies will be soft and chewy.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in your cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure every side is fully coated. This coating will caramelize slightly as the cookies bake, adding a perfect little crunch and a burst of cinnamon flavor.
Step 6: Arrange for Baking
Place your coated dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Giving them room means they won’t stick together and will spread just enough to maintain a soft center with slightly crispy edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and centers that still look slightly soft since the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. This timing creates that coveted chewy texture with a hint of crispness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, so they set up nicely before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling on a rack ensures they don’t get soggy, keeping that texture just right.
How to Serve Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies can elevate their look beautifully and add a delicate sweetness. For an extra special touch, you might drizzle a little melted white chocolate or sprinkle finely chopped nuts on top for crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
These snickerdoodle cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a frothy cup of coffee. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread, fresh fruit like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complement their cinnamon-spiced flavor wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a patterned cloth for a charming homemade gift. Or, for parties, stack them on a tiered dessert stand, alternating with other cookie varieties for a colorful and inviting display that will have guests coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or keep some for later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. When properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, chewy texture and melt the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works best for that classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with white, vanilla, or even spice cake mixes to put your own spin on the Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?
With this recipe, refrigeration is not required thanks to the cake mix base and vegetable oil, which keep the dough perfectly soft and workable right away. Just roll, coat, and bake immediately for the best results.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Many brands offer this option, and the rest of the recipe remains the same, providing you with delicious snickerdoodles without the gluten.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
While vegetable oil keeps these cookies super soft and moist, you can use melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor. Just know that butter may make the dough a little firmer and change the texture slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to measure the cinnamon sugar coating?
A good rule of thumb is to mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This ratio perfectly balances sweetness and spice, giving your cookies that iconic snickerdoodle taste. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon up or down to match your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe is such a joyful baking adventure that’s ideal for busy days, last-minute cravings, or sharing with loved ones. The simplicity of ingredients and speed of preparation mean you get all that comforting cinnamon goodness with less fuss. Trust me, these cookies will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Go ahead, bake a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are a quick and delicious twist on the classic snickerdoodle, made effortlessly with a yellow cake mix. Soft and chewy with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re ideal for when you want a sweet treat without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls for that classic snickerdoodle flavor.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir or mix thoroughly until a thick and sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a smooth ball with your hands to create uniformly sized cookies.
- Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated, giving each cookie its signature sweet and spicy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon directly to the cake mix before combining with eggs and oil.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze after cooling and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
