How to Make Cookies Using a Cake Mix

It's happened to everyone. You were supposed to bake cookies and forgot. It's the last minute and now you don't have time to run out to the store. What do you do? Short of buying packaged cookies on the way to the bake sale (and receiving dirty looks from those who baked from scratch), you do have an option. You can doctor up a cake mix you have at home and make cookies out of it.

If you never knew this little insider's secret, now you're in on the fun. Cake mix is a great alternative and shortcut to making delicious cookies. It saves you time running around looking for ingredients and you don't have to measure much. You will want to add a few things though to make it work.

Cookie Recipes

A cake mix is a cake mix. Most are generally about the same. Start with a cake variety you like. For vanilla flavored cake mix, add the package (which is usually 18 ounces) to a bowl. Beat the mix with electric beaters and ½ cup of softened butter. Don't use margarine as it will turn out tasting a bit off. Add in one egg and beat. That's it. Now you can add other flavors or textures.

Try adding in chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, chopped almonds, candy cane pieces, dried cherries, dried cranberries, coconut, oatmeal flakes or any other flavors and textures that appeal to you.

Drop the cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets. Non stick is best so you don't have to worry about breakage. Place them at least an inch apart to allow for spreading. They should bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees) for around 9 minutes. If your oven is not calibrated, your cookies may take more or less time. So don't go away. Watch your cookies through the oven door to check for doneness. Every time you open the oven door, you allow heat to escape and you'll have to add time to the clock.

The one difference in the recipe that you'll need to watch out for is that chocolate mixes require two Tablespoons of water in addition to the butter and egg. It's just something about the consistency of the mix. Don't forget.

If you experiment with other types of cake mixes, like Funfetti, carrot cake, devils' food cake or lemon, you should get the same results. Angel food cake mix may not work right as it includes whipped egg whites. But don't be afraid to try different types of mixes. And get as wacky as you like with the final product. Place a Hershey's Kiss on top of each one when they come out of the oven. Or sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking.

No one will be able to tell that you didn't bake your cookies from scratch. Your own personal slant on the cookies is what will make them unique. So wrap them up with pride for that bake sale or create a new favorite holiday cookie with fewer steps.

Join fellow bakers in the best kept secret in cookie baking. You don't have to do it all from the beginning. Give yourself a jump start by using store bought cookie mix and then add your flair to it to make it uniquely delicious.

How to Make Cookies Using a Cake Mix

Betty Ann Sherman is a mother and a baker of tasty treats. She has a special passion for baking cookies, pies, cakes, and everything wonderful. Check back for updates from Betty on her delicious treat adventures.