How to Make Cookies Out of Duncan Hines Cake Mix?
Yes, you absolutely can make delicious cookies from Duncan Hines cake mix! This simple hack involves adding melted butter and eggs to transform your cake mix into a versatile cookie dough, resulting in chewy and flavorful cookies in minutes.
The Cake Mix Cookie Craze: Why It Works
Cake mix cookies have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. They offer an incredibly easy and fast way to bake cookies without the hassle of measuring multiple dry ingredients. The key is that cake mixes already contain the necessary flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings – all perfectly balanced for baking. By adding the right amount of fat (usually melted butter or oil) and eggs, you create a dough that spreads and bakes into a chewy, delightful cookie.
Benefits of Using Cake Mix for Cookies
- Speed and Convenience: Cake mix cookies drastically reduce baking time.
- Simplicity: Minimal measuring and cleanup are required.
- Consistent Results: Cake mixes are formulated for consistent outcomes.
- Variety: Endless flavor possibilities exist by using different cake mix flavors.
- Affordability: Often, cake mixes are more cost-effective than buying individual ingredients.
The Essential Cake Mix Cookie Recipe
This is the base recipe you can adapt with different cake mix flavors and mix-ins.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Duncan Hines cake mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and cake mix. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Elevating Your Cake Mix Cookies: Mix-Ins and Variations
The fun doesn’t stop with the basic recipe! The possibilities are endless. Consider these add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, dark, or white).
- Nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds).
- Sprinkles: Mix in 1/4 cup of sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Candy Pieces: Add crushed candy bars or M&Ms.
- Extracts: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or lemon extract.
- Zest: Add citrus zest (lemon, orange, lime) for brightness.
Troubleshooting Common Cake Mix Cookie Issues
Even with a simple recipe, things can sometimes go awry. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Cookies are too flat: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cookies are too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of milk to the dough.
- Cookies are too puffy: Ensure you are using melted, not softened, butter.
- Cookies are not spreading: Make sure the butter is melted and cooled slightly, not hot.
Flavor Combinations to Try
Experiment with different cake mix flavors and mix-ins to create unique and delicious cookies.
| Cake Mix Flavor | Recommended Mix-Ins |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Cake Mix | Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, walnuts |
| Vanilla Cake Mix | Sprinkles, white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts |
| Strawberry Cake Mix | White chocolate chips, dried strawberries, almonds |
| Lemon Cake Mix | Poppy seeds, blueberries, lemon zest |
| Red Velvet Cake Mix | White chocolate chips, cream cheese frosting swirl |
FAQs: Your Cake Mix Cookie Questions Answered
Can I use a different brand of cake mix besides Duncan Hines?
Yes, you can use other brands of cake mix such as Betty Crocker or Pillsbury. The results may vary slightly depending on the formulation of the cake mix, but the basic recipe should still work. Be observant of the dough consistency and adjust accordingly.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute oil for melted butter. Use 1/3 cup of vegetable oil or canola oil. The cookies will have a slightly different texture, often being chewier.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is not always necessary, but it can help prevent the cookies from spreading too thin. If your dough is sticky or you want a thicker cookie, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour.
How do I store cake mix cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically stay fresh for 3-5 days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The frozen dough can last up to 2 months.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions, you can make vegan cake mix cookies. Use a vegan cake mix, replace the butter with vegan butter or oil, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as an egg replacer.
My cookies are too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
This can happen if you used too much cake mix or not enough fat. Try adding a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the dough and mixing it well.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix designed for baking. Follow the same recipe. Note that texture may vary slightly, and adjustments to baking time may be needed.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of additional cake mix until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?
Yes, you can use a sugar-free cake mix, but be aware that the texture and sweetness of the cookies will be different. You may need to adjust the baking time or add a sugar substitute to achieve the desired sweetness.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Absolutely! Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting. Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a simple glaze all work well. Adding frosting enhances the sweetness and adds another layer of flavor.