Remember that magical feeling of seeing sprinkle-filled birthday cake as a kid? These Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies capture that exact same joy, but in convenient cookie form! With their soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and bursts of colorful sprinkles, they’re like little discs of celebration you can enjoy anytime.
The best part? They require just a handful of ingredients and practically zero baking skills. These cookies have saved countless last-minute bake sales and surprise guest visits in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share this little miracle with you.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
These Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are nothing short of magical.
First, they transform a simple box of cake mix into something entirely different and utterly delicious. You’ll get that distinctive vanilla cake flavor but in a chewy, handheld cookie format. The convenience factor is off the charts—just 4-5 ingredients and about 20 minutes from start to finish.
They’re practically foolproof, making them perfect for baking with kids or when you need a quick homemade treat. The colorful sprinkles create not just visual appeal but little pockets of sweetness and texture that elevate these cookies beyond ordinary sugar cookies. They’re the perfect balance of nostalgic flavor and modern convenience.
Equipment needed: Mixing bowl, cookie sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups, cooling rack
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz Funfetti cake mix (or white/vanilla cake mix plus 1/3 cup sprinkles)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil canola oil works too
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for enhanced flavor
- 1/4 cup additional rainbow sprinkles for mixing in jimmies work best, avoid nonpareils as they bleed
- Extra sprinkles for rolling optional, but adds great texture and appearance
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the cookies spread just right without burning.
- Pour the entire cake mix into a large bowl, making sure to break up any lumps with your fingers or a whisk.
- Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until completely combined. The dough will be quite thick and somewhat sticky – this is exactly what you want!
- Fold in the additional 1/4 cup of sprinkles gently with a spatula until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing which can cause sprinkle colors to bleed.
- Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, forming balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll the dough balls in extra sprinkles if desired, then place on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect chewy texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. If chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than your cookie and swirl it around each warm cookie right after they come out of the oven.
- These cookies freeze beautifully! Store cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- If you can’t find Funfetti cake mix, use white or vanilla cake mix and add extra sprinkles.
- The cookies will appear slightly puffy when first removed from the oven but will settle as they cool.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 125 calories per cookie
- Carbohydrates: 18g per cookie
- Fat: 5g per cookie
- Protein: 1g per cookie
- Contains: Wheat, eggs, and possible dairy depending on cake mix brand
- Not suitable for gluten-free diets unless made with gluten-free cake mix
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough – This can cause the sprinkles to bleed and make the cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking – These cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to set up as they cool.
- Using nonpareil sprinkles – These tiny ball-shaped sprinkles tend to bleed color quickly. Stick with jimmies (the rod-shaped sprinkles) for best results.
- Making the cookies too large – They spread more than you might expect, so keep them to about 1.5 tablespoon portions.
- Not letting the cookies cool – They’re very soft when hot and need time to set up before handling.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Cake Mix Options: Try chocolate cake mix with chocolate sprinkles for a confetti brownie cookie effect, or strawberry cake mix for pink cookies.
- Oil Alternatives: Melted butter can replace the oil for a richer flavor (use the same amount).
- Egg Substitution: For each egg, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan variation.
- Add-ins: Fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or crushed Oreos for extra texture and flavor.
- Holiday Variations: Use themed sprinkles for different holidays – red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, etc.
FAQs
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, your dough was likely too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, ensure you’re using the correct measurements of oil – too much can cause excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water), or a commercial egg replacer following package directions.
How do I store these Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Can I use a sugar-free cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different, and they may not spread as much. You might need to flatten them slightly before baking if using a sugar-free mix.
Why are my cookies too cakey instead of chewy?
This typically happens if you’ve added too much egg or if the dough was undermixed. Make sure you’re using large eggs (not extra-large), and mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Final Thoughts
These Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re little circles of joy that brighten any day. Their simplicity makes them accessible to everyone, from novice bakers to busy parents. Don’t be surprised if these become your go-to when you need a quick baking win or a colorful pick-me-up. Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most happiness—and these cookies certainly prove that point!
