Easy Duncan Hines Cookies

Craving warm, chewy cookies but short on time and energy? Let me introduce you to the magic of Duncan Hines Cake Mix Cookies! This recipe is a game-changer, transforming a simple cake mix into soft, flavorful cookies with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute bake sales, or when that cookie craving hits hard, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. As we head into the holiday baking season, simplifying your recipes is key. These cookies are not only incredibly easy, but also infinitely customizable with different cake mix flavors and mix-ins to suit any taste. I have been baking for over 20 years and this has been a staple recipe in my home, now it can be in yours!

Ingredients for the Best Cake Mix Cookies

• 1 box (15.25 oz) Duncan Hines Cake Mix: This is your base! Yellow, chocolate, strawberry, red velvet – the possibilities are endless. The specific weight of the cake mix is important for the correct cookie dough consistency.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened – not melted – for the best texture. Softened butter creates air pockets when creamed with sugar (in traditional recipes), leading to a softer cookie.
• 2 large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Large eggs are standard in baking, ensuring consistency in results.
• Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, M&Ms – let your creativity shine! I love adding a handful of white chocolate chips to a strawberry cake mix for a delightful flavor combination.

Ingredient Science and Substitution Tips

Let’s delve deeper into the science behind these ingredients:

• Cake Mix: Cake mixes contain a pre-measured blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda), and flavorings. This makes them a convenient shortcut for creating cookies.
• Butter: Butter contributes fat, which tenderizes the dough and creates a soft, chewy texture. Salted butter can be used, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. They also emulsify the fats and liquids, creating a smooth batter.

Substitution Options

• Butter: Margarine can be used as a substitute, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Coconut oil (melted and cooled) is a dairy-free alternative, but it will impart a subtle coconut flavor.
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, you can try using applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly altered.
• Cake Mix: While any brand of cake mix should work, Duncan Hines provides the most reliable results in my testing. Different brands have different ingredient ratios and may lead to variations in the final product.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies

Through years of baking experience and numerous batches of cake mix cookies, I’ve gathered some expert tips to ensure cookie success:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin and allows the flavors to meld. I often chill mine for an hour or even overnight!
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which leads to even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies are dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to bake on the cookie sheet as they cool.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cake mix and mix-in combinations! Try adding peanut butter chips to a chocolate cake mix or dried cranberries to a spice cake mix.

I’ve found that the baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

FAQ About Cake Mix Cookies

Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?

Yes, you can use a sugar-free cake mix, but the texture and flavor of the cookies may be slightly different. Sugar contributes to the tenderness and browning of cookies, so you may need to adjust the baking time or add a touch of molasses to compensate.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter, not chilling the dough, or overbaking. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and don’t overbake the cookies.

Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious with frosting. A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting would be a perfect complement. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

What kind of mix-ins work best?

The possibilities are endless! Chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate), sprinkles, chopped nuts, M&Ms, dried fruit, peanut butter chips, and toffee bits all work well. Choose mix-ins that complement the flavor of your cake mix.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture of the cookies may be slightly different, but they should still be delicious.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.

Bake Up Some Happiness!

So, there you have it – the easiest, most versatile cookie recipe you’ll ever need! Duncan Hines Cake Mix Cookies are a guaranteed success, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. The incredible flavor combinations, the ease of preparation, and the guaranteed smile on everyone’s face make these cookies an absolute must-try.

Now it’s your turn to get baking! Experiment with different cake mix flavors, add your favorite mix-ins, and create your own signature cake mix cookie masterpiece. Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below – we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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