There’s something deeply comforting about a cookie that looks like it’s dusted with fresh snow – and that’s exactly what Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies deliver. They’re rich, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, yet take only minutes to whip up thanks to the magic of boxed cake mix. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie swap or craving something sweet on a cozy weekend, these cookies hit the spot every single time. Today, I’ll share how I stumbled upon this recipe and why it’s become one of my go-to baking shortcuts for guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.
Table of Contents
Why Use Cake Mix for Cookies?
Boxed cake mix is the unsung hero of home baking. It simplifies the process while guaranteeing soft, bakery-style cookies every time. The consistent texture, even rise, and perfect sweetness make Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies foolproof, even for beginner bakers. It’s like having a professional pastry base right in your cupboard, just mix, chill, roll, and bake. No stress, no fuss, and no need for fancy tools. You get chewy centers, crisp edges, and a flavor that says “from scratch,” even when it’s not. Sometimes, the simplest shortcuts really are the sweetest.
Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix (any brand)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into smooth balls.
- Coat each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully covered.
- Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until edges are set and the tops are beautifully crinkled.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
Notes
- Calories: 87 kcal
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Protein: 1 g
Ingredients & Preparation
Simple Ingredients You Already Have
One of the best things about Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is that they rely on just a handful of pantry staples, no complicated measuring or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll only need a box of chocolate cake mix, a couple of eggs, some oil, and powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish. In less than ten minutes, your dough will be ready to chill.
Here’s a quick look at the simple lineup:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand works great)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Sometimes you might want to switch things up. Maybe you prefer butter’s rich taste or have a different cake mix on hand. Use the table below as your easy substitution guide, because even quick recipes deserve flexibility.
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Oil | Melted Butter or Coconut Oil |
| Chocolate Cake Mix | Devil’s Food or Fudge Cake Mix |
| Powdered Sugar | Cocoa Powder + Sugar Mix |
If you love recipes that turn boxed cake mix into irresistible desserts, try my Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a zesty twist. Or, for something festive and colorful, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are showstoppers on any cookie tray.
Mix, Chill, and Roll
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil until smooth. The dough will be thick – just right for rolling. Chill it for about 30 minutes to firm up; this helps create those iconic crinkles. Scoop into small balls, then roll each one generously in powdered sugar. As they bake, they’ll puff, crack, and transform into that beautiful crinkle pattern everyone loves in Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
Baking & Serving
Perfect Bake Time for Soft Centers
When it comes to Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, timing is everything. Bake them just right, and you’ll get that perfect balance – crisp on the outside, fudgy in the center.
Follow these simple baking steps for the best results:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Roll each dough ball twice in powdered sugar for a bold crinkle effect.
- Space cookies about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes, watching carefully near the end – they should look slightly underbaked in the middle.
- Cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
These quick steps ensure soft, chewy Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies every single time – rich in cocoa flavor and beautifully cracked on top.
For another quick and crowd-pleasing option, try these No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. They’re perfect when you crave something chocolatey but don’t want to turn on the oven.
Serving & Storage Tips
Enjoying your cookies is as easy as baking them. Here’s how to keep that freshly baked texture:
- Storage: Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
- Quick bake from frozen: No need to thaw – bake straight from the freezer, adding one extra minute to the time.
- Best pairing: Serve with cold milk or a steaming mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate for a warm, comforting finish.
Fresh, fudgy, and simple, these Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies prove that a little prep goes a long way in creating bakery-quality treats at home.
Variations & Tips
Fun Flavor Twists
The beauty of Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is how easily you can transform them into something new with just a few creative tweaks. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a change, these variations keep things exciting without complicating your routine.
Try one (or all) of these delicious spins:
- Peppermint Crinkles: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the powdered sugar for a festive crunch.
- Mocha Crinkles: Stir in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a deep, coffee-kissed flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Explosion: Mix in ½ cup of white, milk, or dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Red Velvet Version: Use red velvet cake mix instead of chocolate – a guaranteed showstopper for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the center of each dough ball before rolling – a sweet surprise inside every bite.
If you love playful, colorful desserts, don’t miss my Christmas Cake Mix Cookies. They’re cheerful, soft, and made just as easily as these chocolate crinkles. For something even richer, try these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies; they’re a chocolate lover’s dream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even easy recipes have a few pitfalls, but a little attention goes a long way. Keep these pointers in mind:
- Skipping the chill time: Warm dough spreads too quickly and loses that perfect crinkle texture. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Under-coating in sugar: Be generous – the thicker the sugar layer, the more dramatic your crinkles.
- Overbaking: Once the edges set and the centers look soft, remove them immediately. They’ll finish baking on the pan.
- Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender, not tough.
A few simple steps are all it takes to master Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – a recipe that delivers big flavor, stunning texture, and timeless comfort in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use any cake mix for chocolate crinkle cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any boxed chocolate cake mix to make Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Devil’s food, fudge, or even dark chocolate varieties all work perfectly. Each brand brings a slightly different texture and richness, so experiment to find your favorite.
How do I make my crinkle cookies more crackly?
The secret to bold crinkles lies in chilling the dough and coating it generously in powdered sugar. Cold dough spreads slowly, creating those signature cracks as the cookie expands in the oven.
Why are my crinkle cookies flat?
Flat cookies often mean your dough wasn’t chilled long enough or you used too much oil. Chill for at least 30 minutes and avoid overmixing. You can also add 1 tablespoon of flour if the dough feels too sticky.
How to make crinkle cookies the same size?
Consistency is key to even baking. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion out the dough evenly. Roll each portion into a uniform ball before coating it in powdered sugar. This ensures all cookies bake at the same rate, with identical crinkles and textures.
Is it necessary to chill the crinkle cookie dough?
Yes, chilling is essential! It helps solidify the fats, preventing cookies from spreading too much while baking. Chilling also enhances flavor and ensures those classic, deep cracks form beautifully across the top. For best results, chill for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if your kitchen is warm.
Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are proof that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated. With only a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can create bakery-style cookies that everyone will love. They’re soft, chocolatey, and beautifully dusted with powdered sugar – a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
For more easy baking inspiration, explore other sweet creations on Best Christmas Cookies To Make This Year and make every batch a little sweeter.
