Welcome to what might be the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever make! These Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies are a viral sensation for a reason. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of incredibly soft, chewy, and beautiful crinkle cookies in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for last-minute gatherings, bake sales, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists; this is your new go-to for delicious, foolproof cookies.
We’re taking a simple box of cake mix and transforming it into a delightful treat that tastes like it came from a specialty bakery. The Cool Whip is the secret weapon, creating a uniquely light and pillowy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Cookies
If you’re not already convinced, here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 3 core ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can make these cookies successfully. It’s the perfect recipe for baking with kids!
- Amazingly Versatile: Use any flavor of cake mix you can dream of. Strawberry, lemon, chocolate, red velvet—the possibilities are endless.
- Perfectly Soft & Chewy: The combination of cake mix and Cool Whip creates a wonderfully soft, almost brownie-like texture that stays moist for days.
- Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive ingredients like butter or flour. A box of cake mix, Cool Whip, and an egg are all you need to get started.
The Magic Trio: What You’ll Need
You truly only need a handful of items to create these delightful cookies. It’s baking at its most simple and rewarding!
Core Ingredients
- Boxed Cake Mix: The star of the show! We used a 15.25 oz box of strawberry cake mix for a beautiful pink hue and sweet flavor, but any variety works.
- Cool Whip: Be sure to use an 8 oz tub of original Cool Whip, thawed. This is the key to the unique, light texture. Do not substitute with liquid whipped cream.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind everything together into a cohesive dough.
- Powdered Sugar: This is for rolling the dough balls, creating the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake.
How to Make Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies Step-by-Step
Ready to see how simple this is? Let’s get baking!
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, and the egg. Stir with a spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t be alarmed by the sticky texture—that’s exactly what you want!
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it less sticky and easier to roll.
- Roll the Cookies: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Drop each ball into the powdered sugar and coat generously.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. They will look slightly underdone.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will become more defined as they cool.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies Every Time
Unlock the full potential of your Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies with these expert tips.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.
- Work with Chilled Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it is a non-negotiable step. You can also lightly grease your hands with non-stick spray to make rolling easier.
- Coat Generously: A thick coating of powdered sugar is essential for achieving that beautiful crinkle look. Don’t be shy!
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a soft, chewy cookie is to pull them from the oven when the centers are still soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. For a different but still delicious dessert, check out this Heaven on Earth Cake recipe.
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
The best part about this recipe is its endless adaptability. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Use a lemon cake mix and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Triple Chocolate Fudge: Use a chocolate fudge cake mix and add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Red Velvet Cookies: A red velvet cake mix makes stunning cookies, perfect for holidays. Add a few white chocolate chips for a classic pairing. For another impressive dessert, try these mini creme brulee cheesecakes.
- Funfetti Cookies: Simply use a Funfetti cake mix for a colorful, festive treat that kids will adore.
Storing Your Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies stay wonderfully soft for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Due to the nature of the ingredients, they do not need to be refrigerated after baking.
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cool Whip Cookies
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. We do not recommend freezing the raw dough.
No, you must use a stabilized whipped topping like Cool Whip for this recipe. Real whipped cream does not have the same structure and will result in a dough that is too thin to bake properly.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their high moisture content helps them stay soft and chewy.
Almost any 15.25 oz box of cake mix will work! Lemon, chocolate, red velvet, yellow, and Funfetti are all popular and delicious choices. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
The dough for these cookies is naturally very sticky and soft—that’s what creates their unique texture! To make it easier to handle, we highly recommend chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before scooping and rolling.
More Easy Dessert Ideas
If you loved how simple and delicious these cookies were, you’ll enjoy exploring more of our easy dessert recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, chocolaty, or savory, there’s always a new favorite to discover. For a show-stopping cake, this Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is a must-try.
We hope you love this recipe for Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies! It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to create something truly special. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture with us on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies Recipe
Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies (The Easiest 3-Ingredient Recipe!)
Equipment
- 2 Baking Sheets
- 1 Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 box Cake Mix (15.25 oz) Strawberry, Lemon, Chocolate, or any flavor of your choice.
- 8 oz Cool Whip Thawed completely before use.
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar For rolling.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, and egg. Stir with a spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- For easier handling, cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them until smooth. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Don't Overbake: For the softest, chewiest texture, be sure to pull the cookies from the oven while the centers still look slightly underdone. They will finish baking on the hot pan.
