
Ever find yourself craving cookies but don’t have a pantry stocked with baking ingredients? We’ve got you covered! With just a box of cake mix, eggs, and oil, you can make deliciously chewy, flavor-packed cookies in under 20 minutes. This 3 ingredient cake cookies is perfect for busy days, last-minute dessert needs, or simply when you’re looking for a no-fuss baking session. Let’s dive in and see how you can turn cake mix into delicious cookies with practically no effort!
Table of Contents
Ingredients to Make Our 3 Ingredient Cake Cookies
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Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Cake Mix | 1 box | Any flavor you like (yellow, chocolate, funfetti) |
Eggs | 2 large | Helps bind the cookies together |
Vegetable Oil | ⅓ cup | Adds moisture for a soft, chewy texture |
Note: Want to jazz them up? Toss in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts! Choose your favorite mix-ins to give these cookies a personal twist.
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Mixing Bowl – A medium-sized one works perfectly.
Measuring Cup & Spoon – For the oil and any mix-ins.
Baking Sheet – For baking the cookies.
Cooling Rack – For letting them cool once baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect 3 Ingredient Cake Cookies
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Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to preheat fully so your cookies bake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help with an even bake. If using multiple baking sheets, prep those too!
Combine the Ingredients
- Gather Ingredients: You’ll need 1 box of cake mix (choose any flavor), 2 large eggs, and ⅓ cup of vegetable oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cake mix, crack in the eggs, and add the vegetable oil.
- Stir Until Smooth: Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together. The dough might seem quite thick and sticky, which is normal for this recipe. Continue stirring until all the cake mix is fully combined, with no dry spots.
Add Optional Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
- Choose Your Mix-ins: At this point, feel free to personalize the dough by folding in about ½ cup of your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
- Fold Gently: Use a spatula to gently fold in the mix-ins, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Dough into Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie.
- Roll into Balls: Lightly roll each scoop of dough between your palms to form a smooth, round ball.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow space for spreading as they bake.
Bake the Cookies
- Place in the Oven: Put the baking sheet on the middle rack in your preheated oven.
- Bake for 9-11 Minutes: Let the cookies bake until the edges turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them, as bake times can vary slightly. The centers may still appear soft, but that’s okay—they will firm up as they cool.
Cool the Cookies
- Remove from Oven: Carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven.
- Transfer to Cooling Rack: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying. This cooling time helps the cookies finish setting and reach the perfect chewy texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade 3 Ingredient Cake Cookies! 
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Perfect for lunchboxes, dessert platters, or a cozy treat with your favorite beverage!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cake Cookies
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- Choose the Right Cake Mix Flavor: Go with your favorites! Chocolate for rich cookies, funfetti for something festive, or lemon for a refreshing twist.
- Underbake Slightly: If you prefer softer cookies, take them out as soon as the edges are set but the centers look soft.
- Try Different Oils: Vegetable oil works well, but you can try coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
3 Ingredient Cake Cookies Serving Suggestions
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Serve these cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a fun topping for ice cream. They’re also fantastic additions to lunchboxes, dessert platters, or as last-minute treats for guests.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)
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Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Cookie) |
Calories | 120 |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Protein | 1g |
Fat | 5g |
Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the cake mix and mix-ins used.
Variations or Alternatives
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- Red Velvet Cake Cookies: Use a box of red velvet cake mix and fold in white chocolate chips for a decadent, Valentine’s Day-worthy treat.
- Spice Cake Cookies: Try a spice cake mix and add raisins or walnuts for a cozy, fall-inspired cookie.
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: For a holiday spin, mix chocolate cake mix with crushed candy canes or mint chips!
Conclusion: Why These 3 Ingredient Cake Cookies Are a Must-Try
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This 3 ingredient cake cookies take convenience and flavor to a new level. Perfect for novice bakers and cookie lovers, these cookies deliver that fresh-from-the-oven taste without needing multiple ingredients or fancy techniques. Whether you’re a fan of soft cookies, with chewy textures, or just need a quick treat, these cake cookies are a no-brainer. Try them out and let your creativity shine with mix-ins and flavors you love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q1: Can I make these cookies with any type of cake mix?
Yes! You can use chocolate, vanilla, funfetti, lemon, or any other flavor you like.
Q2: What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute with melted butter or even coconut oil. Just keep in mind, each will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Q3: Do I need to chill the dough?
No need! Since there are only three ingredients, these cookies are ready to bake right away.
Q4: How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q5: Can I add frosting or toppings?
Definitely! These cookies are perfect with a little glaze or frosting drizzled on top, or even dusted with powdered sugar.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
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- Low-Carb Dieters: Cake mix has a high carb content, so these may not fit into a low-carb lifestyle.
- Gluten-Sensitive Individuals: Unless you’re using a gluten-free cake mix, these cookies contain gluten.
- Low-Sugar Dieters: Store-bought cake mixes contain sugar, so these cookies may not work for those avoiding sugar.
If this isn’t your recipe, don’t worry! There are tons of other low-carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free treats you can explore.
What Do You Think?
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Are you ready to try these super-easy cake cookies? Let me know how they turn out, or feel free to share any fun twists you add! If you’re looking for more quick and easy treats, check out my other simple dessert recipes. Happy baking!
Also check out my other cookie recipes, classic cookies, family cookies, cookies made for kids, and quick and easy cookie recipe categories for further inspiration and ideas!