If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as colorful as it is delicious, you’ve got to try the M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe. These cookies bring together the soft, tender texture of cake with the fun crunch and vibrant pop of M&M candies, making them a guaranteed hit for any occasion. They are unbelievably simple to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples, and their irresistibly cakey crumb will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever baked cookies any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is refreshingly straightforward, using a few essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving that perfect cakey texture and colorful, sweet flavor.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the delicious base and cakey crumb that makes these cookies stand out.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness for a tender bite.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth that enhances all other flavors.
- M&M candies: Bring pops of color and chocolatey goodness, plus fun little crunches in every bite.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Add an extra layer of melty chocolate that pairs perfectly with the M&Ms.
How to Make M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake up evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. This is the base of your cakies and getting the right consistency guarantees a soft, tender cookie.
Step 3: Fold in M&Ms and Optional Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the M&M candies and the mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. This step adds delightful bursts of chocolate and color, so be sure to distribute them evenly through the dough without breaking the candies.
Step 4: Scoop and Top
Use a tablespoon to scoop dough portions onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Press a few extra M&Ms gently into the top of each cookie to create that irresistible, colorful finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain slightly soft. Remember, these cookies finish firming up as they cool, so don’t overbake! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a few colorful M&Ms or a dusting of powdered sugar over your cakies just before serving. This adds a festive look and a little extra sweetness that will make your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy dessert moment. Their soft texture and sweet flavor complement many beverages beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not layer these M&M Cakies in a clear glass jar for gifts or party favors? Or stack them as mini cookie sandwiches with a smear of frosting or marshmallow fluff in the middle. The vibrant colors make for a cheerful display that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked M&M cakies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet snack.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to recapture that freshly baked softness. It’s like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mix to give your M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe a personal twist.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or a light olive oil for a slightly different flavor and texture, but vegetable oil is best for maintaining that soft cakey consistency.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of M&Ms?
You can, but M&Ms add a wonderful crunch and color that regular chocolate chips don’t provide. That pop of color is part of what makes this recipe so special!
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure your dough is thick and chilled if possible, and use parchment paper when baking to help maintain shape. Also, spacing scoops about 2 inches apart prevents cookies from merging during baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free as it calls for yellow cake mix which typically contains wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix substitute but note the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing these M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe as much as I do. They are a perfect mix of color, texture, and flavor, simple enough for anyone to make but impressive enough for special occasions. Baking these cookies is a joyful experience that always brings smiles, so gather your ingredients and dive in—your new favorite cookie is waiting!
Print
M&M Cakies (Easy Cake Mix Cookies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These M&M Cakies are easy, colorful cookies made from a simple cake mix base, eggs, oil, and vanilla, packed with M&M candies and optional mini chocolate chips. They bake into soft, cakey treats perfect for quick desserts, parties, or whenever you need a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of M&M candies and, if using, 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute the candies throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Top Cookies: Press a few extra M&Ms onto the top of each cookie for a colorful and appealing finish before baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft to achieve a cakey texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cakey texture that sets them apart from traditional crunchy cookies.
- Great for parties or quick, fun treats any time.
- Try swapping out the yellow cake mix for other flavors or using seasonal M&M varieties for customized fun.
- Avoid overbaking; cookies will firm up as they cool, so slightly soft centers are perfect right out of the oven.
