4-Ingredient Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies: The Easiest Fudgy Chocolate Delight

Prepare to amaze your taste buds with these truly decadent, chewy, and irresistibly fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies! The best part? This incredible recipe only requires **four simple ingredients** and comes together in a flash. Forget complicated baking, because these cake mix crinkle cookies are designed for speed and ease, making them perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply satisfying that sudden sweet craving. From the moment you start mixing to the first warm, melt-in-your-mouth bite, you’ll be enjoying freshly baked cookies in 30 minutes or less. It’s baking magic without the fuss!

The Magic of Cake Mix Cookies: Effortless Baking for Everyone

These humble cake mix cookies hold a special place in my heart, as they were the very first recipe I ever shared on my blog, over five years ago! While the old blog, original photos, and initial post have long since been retired, the sheer genius of this recipe meant I simply had to bring it back. It’s a classic for a reason, and its simplicity is its superpower.

The core of the recipe remains unchanged: just four ingredients and less than 30 minutes are all it takes to whip up a batch of these undeniably delicious cookies. And let me tell you, I still absolutely adore them! People often ask, “What else can I make with cake mix besides a cake?” The answer is always: cookies! Using a boxed cake mix as your base drastically cuts down on prep time and minimizes the number of measuring cups and bowls you’ll dirty, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the ultimate hack for effortless baking.

This recipe truly shines because of its incredible simplicity. I can honestly say that during my freshman year of college, I made a batch of these cookies almost every single week. Not only did they provide a much-needed sweet treat, but the delightful aroma that filled our apartment was an instant mood booster! It’s the perfect recipe for college students living in dorms or small apartments, or for anyone needing a quick and satisfying dessert without a lot of specialized equipment or ingredients. Newly married couples, small families, or even seasoned bakers looking for a speedy fix will find this recipe to be a true gem. Its universal appeal lies in its straightforward nature – truly, anyone can make them!

At my house, creating cookies from a cake mix isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished staple, a go-to for instant gratification and delicious results every single time. It’s proof that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours of free time to create something truly special.

What You’ll Need to Make These Easy Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its minimal ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand already, or they’re readily available at any grocery store. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create a batch of these wonderful chocolate crinkle cookies:

• 15-ounce box Devil Food Cake Mix: This is the star of our show, providing that deep, rich chocolate flavor and forming the perfect base for our cookies. While Devil’s Food is highly recommended for its intense chocolatey goodness, feel free to experiment with other dark chocolate or even regular chocolate cake mixes.
• 1/2 cup shortening (or butter): Shortening contributes to the signature chewy and fudgy texture of these cookies, helping them stay soft for longer. If you prefer, unsalted butter can be used for a richer flavor, but note that the texture might be slightly different. Ensure it’s softened if using butter to mix easily.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs are essential binders, helping to hold the dough together and adding moisture, contributing to the cookies’ structure and chewiness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This is crucial for achieving that classic “crinkle” effect. Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking creates a beautiful, cracked, snowy appearance as the cookies expand in the oven.

That’s it! Just four simple ingredients stand between you and a plate of warm, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies.

How to Make Delicious Cookies Out of Cake Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these cake mix crinkle cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the full box of Devil’s Food cake mix, the softened shortening (or butter), and the two eggs. Mix on low speed initially, then increase to medium, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and a cohesive dough is formed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no dry cake mix remains. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Scoop the Dough

Using a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons or a #40 scoop), portion the dough into even balls. Uniformly sized dough balls will ensure that your cookies bake evenly, resulting in a consistent texture and appearance across the entire batch. If you don’t have a scoop, simply roll about a tablespoon and a half of dough between your palms.

Step 3: Roll in Powdered Sugar for the Crinkle Effect

Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Take each scooped dough ball and roll it generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s completely coated. For an extra prominent crinkle, you can even double-coat the dough balls, letting them sit for a moment to absorb a bit of sugar before rolling again. This thick coating is what creates those beautiful, snowy cracks as the cookies bake and expand.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Parchment paper is highly recommended as it prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 9-11 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are set and lightly firm, but the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. Avoid overbaking if you want to maintain that wonderfully chewy and fudgy texture.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the hot cookie sheet for a few minutes. This crucial step allows them to set up properly and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After a few minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you can’t wait, enjoy them warm and gooey straight from the sheet! The warmth enhances their fudgy center and intense chocolate flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Every Time

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can ensure your cookies turn out perfectly fudgy and crinkled:

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If you have 20-30 minutes to spare, chilling the dough in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and can result in slightly thicker cookies with a more pronounced crinkle.
• Generously Coat with Powdered Sugar: The key to the iconic crinkle effect is a thick layer of powdered sugar. Don’t be shy! If the dough is a bit sticky, dusting your hands with powdered sugar first can help.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and make for effortless cleanup. Greasing the pan works too, but parchment paper is superior for consistent results and easy removal.
• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are roughly the same size. This guarantees even baking across the batch.
• Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be set around the edges but still appear soft in the middle for that perfect fudgy texture.
• Cooling Time is Key: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

One of the joys of cake mix cookies is their versatility! While the chocolate crinkle is a classic, don’t hesitate to get creative with different cake mix flavors and additions:

• Different Cake Mix Flavors:
  • Red Velvet Crinkles: Use a red velvet cake mix for a festive, cocoa-hinted cookie.
  • Lemon Crinkles: A lemon cake mix with a lemon zest addition would be bright and zesty.
  • Vanilla or Funfetti: For a classic sweet treat, these make delightful alternatives.
  • Spice Cake: Perfect for fall, offering warm, aromatic notes.
• Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture:
  • Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, white, or semi-sweet) to the dough for an extra chocolatey punch.
  • Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch.
  • Sprinkles: Fold in some colorful sprinkles, especially if using a vanilla or funfetti cake mix, for a festive touch.
  • Dried Fruit: Cherries or cranberries could add a tart contrast, especially with chocolate.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: A fantastic addition, especially with the Devil’s Food base!
• Alternative Coatings:
  • Cocoa Powder & Sugar: For an even deeper chocolate crinkle, mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into your powdered sugar.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: If using a yellow or spice cake mix, roll them in cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these incredibly easy cookies:

• Can I use butter instead of shortening?

  Yes, you absolutely can! Unsalted butter will work just fine. However, shortening tends to give cookies a slightly chewier and softer texture that lasts longer, while butter offers a richer flavor but might result in a slightly crispier edge. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.

• Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

  The crinkle effect comes primarily from the powdered sugar coating and the dough spreading as it bakes. Common reasons for less crinkle include: not enough powdered sugar coating, the dough being too warm (which can cause the sugar to melt too quickly), or overmixing the dough. Make sure to roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar!

• How do I store these cookies?

  Store these cake mix crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They stay wonderfully soft and fudgy!

• Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?

  Yes, both are possible! To freeze dough, scoop and roll the balls in powdered sugar, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

• What kind of cake mix works best?

  A Devil’s Food cake mix is perfect for rich chocolate crinkle cookies. However, any standard 15-18 ounce box of cake mix will generally work with this 4-ingredient base. Just be mindful that certain flavors (like lemon or vanilla) might pair better with different coatings or mix-ins.

These answers should help you troubleshoot and customize your cake mix crinkle cookie experience!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram!  I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!

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