If you’re searching for a delightful and colorful treat that combines simplicity with festive fun, look no further than this Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the soft, cakey texture of a cake mix with the irresistible crunch of Easter-themed candies, creating a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Bursting with vibrant colors and a subtle vanilla flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any spring gathering or holiday celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is all about using a handful of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each element plays a vital role: from the soft white cake mix that gives the cookies their tender crumb, to the almond bark that adds a creamy, dreamy finish.
- White cake mix (16.25 oz): Provides an easy base and a soft, cakey texture that makes these cookies so special.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Keeps the cookies moist without overpowering their delicate flavor.
- Eggs (2): Bind the batter together and add richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Meltable almond bark or white chocolate (12 ounces): Perfect for drizzling or dipping, it adds a smooth, luscious coating.
- Easter colored M&M’s or sprinkles: Bring cheerful pops of color and a fun crunch that scream spring celebration.
How to Make Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, setting the stage for a stress-free baking experience.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until everything comes together in a smooth, uniform dough. This blend promises soft, chewy cookies that are simply irresistible.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, which makes it much easier to handle and helps your cookies hold their shape beautifully while they bake.
Step 4: Scoop and Arrange the Cookies
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing lets them spread just enough to become perfectly soft and cakey.
Step 5: Bake Carefully
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking, as these cookies are best when tender and just set, avoiding a dry texture.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, melt the almond bark or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring to a smooth consistency. Drizzle or dip your cookies, then sprinkle with Easter candies for that perfect festive touch.
How to Serve Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Finished with colorful Easter M&M’s or sprinkles, these cookies look like little bites of spring. For an extra special touch, try topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible glitter sprinkles to make them shimmer on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these irresistible cookies with a chilled glass of milk or a fragrant cup of hot tea. A light fruit salad on the side can balance the sweetness perfectly, making for an enjoyable and well-rounded treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a pastel-colored platter or in a basket lined with a spring-themed napkin to really embrace the Easter spirit. You can also stack them inside clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for charming party favors that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh so you can enjoy the cheerful flavors even after Easter has passed.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for convenience.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven. This revives the soft texture and melts the coating slightly, making every bite just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While white cake mix is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with yellow or even funfetti cake mixes for different flavors and colors. Just keep the same measurements to maintain the perfect texture.
Are the cookies gluten-free?
These cookies rely on traditional white cake mix, which often contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, look for a certified gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is key to control spreading. Also, avoid adding extra oil or butter, as this can cause the cookies to flatten out more than desired.
Can I substitute the almond bark with regular chocolate?
Yes, you can use white or milk chocolate chips instead of almond bark. Just be sure to melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning and to achieve that perfect smooth coating.
What is the best way to make the cookies colorful without adding too much sugar?
Using Easter colored M&M’s or sprinkles adds festive color without significantly increasing sweetness. For a healthier twist, consider adding chopped dried fruits or nuts alongside the candy.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is a fantastic way to bring vibrant, joyful colors and delectable flavors to your holiday table with minimal fuss. The blend of simple ingredients and easy steps makes it perfect for bakers of all levels, and the festive finish will have everyone reaching for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and share the sweetness of spring with those you love!
Print
Easter Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful and colorful treat perfect for celebrating the spring holiday season. Made with a simple white cake mix base, they are easy to prepare and decorated with festive Easter colored M&M’s or sprinkles. The cookies have a soft, moist texture with a smooth almond bark or white chocolate drizzle for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 16 oz box white cake mix (16.25 oz)
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 12 ounces meltable almond bark or white chocolate
- Easter colored M&M’s or sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure the cookies do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Chill Dough: Place the bowl with cookie dough in the refrigerator and chill it for 30 minutes to help the dough firm up for easier handling and better texture.
- Preheat Oven & Form Cookies: After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and scoop out 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft and tender texture. Once baked, transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
- Melt Topping & Decorate: While the cookies cool, melt the almond bark or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies with the melted topping and immediately decorate with Easter colored M&M’s or sprinkles.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to simplify cleanup.
- Chilling the dough is important for maintaining cookie shape during baking.
- Decorate the cookies immediately after drizzling the melted bark to ensure the toppings stick well.
- Almond bark can be substituted with any melting white chocolate or candy melts for variation.
