Name: Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 box Devil's Food chocolate cake mix ((15.25-ounce)); 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups M&Ms (plus more for topping)

There’s something incredibly delightful about cookies that combine the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate cake with the colorful crunch of M&Ms. These Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies are a fun and easy treat that will impress your family and friends. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey flavor. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies recipe is a gem for several reasons. First, it requires minimal ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand. The use of a cake mix simplifies the process, resulting in cookies that are incredibly easy to make without sacrificing flavor or texture. Second, they’re versatile; you can customize them with different mix-ins or flavors to suit your preferences. Finally, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual family gathering, a birthday party, or simply a cozy night in.

What You’ll Need

1 (15.25-ounce) box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups M&Ms, plus more for adding to the tops as desired

Equipment at a Glance

Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
Spatula: For mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Baking sheet: To place your cookie dough on.
Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking your cookies.

Mastering Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies: How-To

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable or canola oil, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to mix until everything is well combined and forms a thick dough.

Step 4: Add the M&Ms

Gently fold in the M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. If you like, reserve a few M&Ms to place on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Add More M&Ms

If you reserved some M&Ms, gently press a few into the tops of each cookie dough ball. This adds a nice visual touch and extra candy crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Chip Combo: Mix in chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for an extra chocolatey treat.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Incorporate a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the dough for a rich flavor.
Minty Fresh: Use mint-flavored M&Ms or add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

Overmixing: Avoid overmixing the dough as it can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
Cookie Spacing: Leave enough space between the cookie dough balls to allow for spreading.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking apart.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prep these Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies ahead of time! Here are some storage tips:

Dough Storage: You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing Baked Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing them.

Quick Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can substitute any flavor of cake mix for a different taste experience, such as vanilla or red velvet.

What if I don’t have eggs?

You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).

Can I add more M&Ms than the recipe calls for?

Yes! Feel free to add more M&Ms according to your preference. Just keep in mind that too many might affect the dough’s consistency.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be a result of too much oil or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough.

What to Make After This

Final Bite

These Chocolate Cake Mix M&Ms Cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. With their fudgy texture and vibrant colors, they are sure to brighten any day. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking begin! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging by yourself, each bite promises joy. Happy baking!