Easy Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies: Your Go-To Recipe for Quick & Chewy Sprinkled Delights
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly simple yet utterly delightful funfetti cake mix cookies! Crafted with a mere 5 ingredients, starting with a humble box of cake mix, they transform into chewy, soft, and irresistibly festive treats. Each bite is a burst of joy, dotted with a vibrant rainbow of colorful sprinkles, making them the perfect confection for any celebration – big or small, or simply to brighten an ordinary day.
Why These Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies Are a Must-Try!
Funfetti cake has long held its place as a quintessential dessert for life’s most joyful milestones, from vibrant birthday parties to proud graduation celebrations and everything in between. It embodies a spirit of fun and festivity that few other treats can match. But what if you have an extra box of funfetti cake mix sitting in your pantry, patiently waiting for its moment to shine? Instead of making another cake, why not transform it into these incredibly easy and equally delightful funfetti cake mix cookies?
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless Simplicity: With only 5 core ingredients, these cookies are a dream for busy bakers or anyone new to the kitchen. You don’t need extensive baking skills or a pantry full of specialty items.
- Speedy Preparation: From mixing bowl to oven, the active prep time is minimal, allowing you to whip up a batch of fresh, warm cookies in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Irresistible Texture: Thanks to a clever ingredient swap (which we’ll dive into below), these cookies boast a perfectly soft and chewy interior with slightly crisp edges, a texture that will have everyone reaching for more.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, the festive look of funfetti cookies brightens any moment. No specific celebration needed to enjoy these sprinkles-filled wonders!
- Portable & Poppable: These cookies are like a miniature, handheld funfetti cake! You can optionally elevate them with a swirl of vanilla frosting, similar to our confetti cake mix cookies, then adorn them with extra sprinkles for an even more decadent touch. They offer all the celebratory joy of a funfetti cake but in a convenient, grab-and-go format.
Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to instant gratification with these vibrant and delicious Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies!
Key Ingredients You Will Need for These Easy Cookies
The beauty of these Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies lies in their minimal ingredient list. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already! For a full list of exact measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this blog post.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to baking success, even with a simple cake mix recipe. Here’s a closer look at what makes these funfetti cookies so special:
- CAKE MIX: The star of the show! You’ll need one standard 15.25-ounce box of funfetti cake mix. Look for the variety that typically calls for vegetable oil, eggs, and water on its original box instructions. However, and this is crucial, you will not need the water for these cookies. Our recipe deviates from the box instructions by introducing sour cream, which significantly enhances the texture. Any brand of funfetti cake mix will do, but ensure it’s a yellow or white cake mix with the colorful sprinkles already mixed in for that classic funfetti look and taste.
- VEGETABLE OIL: This contributes to the cookies’ moistness and tenderness. Vegetable oil creates a soft crumb, different from butter which can lead to a slightly crispier texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with another neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or even melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor, but be aware it might slightly alter the final texture to be a bit more dense or crumbly.
- EGGS: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and additional moisture to the cookie dough. They help the cookies hold their shape and contribute to their rich, cake-like texture. We recommend using large eggs for consistency in the recipe.
- SOUR CREAM: This is our secret weapon for achieving truly extraordinary cake mix cookies! The sour cream adds a wonderful tang, but more importantly, it infuses the cookies with incredible moisture, resulting in a delightfully chewy and soft texture that’s reminiscent of a fresh-baked cake. It replaces the water typically found in cake mix instructions, making the cookies richer and less prone to drying out. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results, but you can also use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar effect, though it might make the dough slightly thicker.
- SPRINKLES: For mixing into batters, like these cookies, rainbow jimmies are undeniably the best choice. Their robust shape and waxier coating mean they are less likely to bleed their vibrant colors into the wet batter during mixing and baking. This ensures your funfetti cookies emerge from the oven with distinct, bright sprinkles. Other types of sprinkles like nonpareils (tiny balls) or quins (flat shapes) tend to dissolve or bleed color more easily, which can result in a muddied appearance. Feel free to add a few extra jimmies on top before baking for an even more festive look!
How to Make These Irresistible Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet (or two, if you’re baking in batches) with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the funfetti cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and you have a uniform, vibrant dough. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until no dry streaks of cake mix remain. Finally, gently fold in your rainbow jimmies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want the sprinkles to be visible and colorful, not dissolved!
- Scoop and Space the Dough: Using a cookie dough scoop or a tablespoon, drop uniform mounds of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. We recommend making 2 tablespoon-sized cookies for a good balance of chewiness and spread. Ensure there’s adequate space between each dough ball (about 2 inches) to allow for proper spreading during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 11 minutes. They are done when they appear puffed up and the edges are lightly set, though the centers may still look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as this will prevent them from being wonderfully chewy.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and firm up before you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures air circulation, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy. Once cooled, they are ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies & FAQs
Even simple recipes benefit from a few expert tips and answers to common questions. Here’s how to ensure your Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies are always a resounding success:
Once completely cooled, these delicious cookies will store beautifully in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature, and they’ll remain fresh, soft, and chewy for 4-5 days. For optimal freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread will absorb moisture, helping to keep the cookies soft.
Absolutely, these cookies are excellent for freezing!
- To freeze the dough: Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze them for about an hour or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the solid dough balls to a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, or let them thaw slightly on the baking sheet before baking.
- To freeze baked cookies: Allow the baked cookies to cool completely. Store them in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two. You can also briefly warm them in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Yes, preparing the cookie dough in advance is a fantastic time-saver! Once you’ve mixed the dough, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day in advance. For even quicker baking later, you can even go a step further and shape the dough into balls before chilling. This way, they’ll be perfectly portioned and ready to pop directly into the oven when you are ready to bake.
This is a key secret to the recipe’s success! While most cake mixes call for water, using sour cream instead adds a significant amount of fat and moisture, along with a slight tang. This results in a cookie that is incredibly soft, moist, and delightfully chewy, rather than dry or crumbly. It truly elevates the texture and flavor, making these cake mix cookies taste homemade.
The best way to prevent color bleeding is to use “jimmie” style sprinkles. These tend to have a waxy coating that holds their color better in wet batters. Avoid nonpareils (tiny round balls) or very thin, flat sprinkles, as they are more prone to bleeding. Also, gently folding the sprinkles in at the very end of mixing and not overmixing the dough helps preserve their vibrant appearance.
Creative Serving & Decoration Ideas
While these funfetti cake mix cookies are absolutely fantastic on their own, their festive nature makes them perfect for a little extra flair! Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
- Simple Glaze: A straightforward powdered sugar glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful sheen. Simply whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water) and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
- Extra Sprinkles: For an even more celebratory appearance, gently sprinkle a few extra rainbow jimmies on top of the cookies immediately after glazing, or just before they go into the oven if you prefer them baked into the surface.
- Vanilla Buttercream: For a truly decadent treat, pipe a small dollop of homemade or store-bought vanilla buttercream frosting on top of each cooled cookie. This mimics the cake experience even more closely!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn two cookies into an irresistible ice cream sandwich! Simply place a scoop of your favorite vanilla or birthday cake ice cream between two cookies and gently press together.
- With Milk or Coffee: Nothing beats a classic pairing. Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the kids, or a warm cup of coffee or tea for the adults.
- Edible Glitter: For an extra touch of sparkle, dust the cooled cookies with edible glitter for a truly magical presentation, especially for parties.
Explore More Easy Cake Mix Cookie Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these funfetti cake mix cookies, you’re in for a treat! The world of cake mix cookies is vast and incredibly versatile. Cake mixes offer a fantastic shortcut to creating a wide array of flavors and textures in your cookie baking. Here are some other popular and equally easy cake mix cookie recipes you might enjoy trying next:
- Cake Mix Cookie Bars: Perfect for feeding a crowd, these bars offer all the chewy goodness of cake mix cookies in a convenient, sliceable format.
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: Bright, zesty, and refreshing, these cookies are a burst of citrus flavor in every bite, ideal for spring and summer.
- Carrot Cake Mix Cookies: Enjoy the spiced, moist flavors of carrot cake in a delightful cookie form, complete with cream cheese frosting!
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies: Rich and fudgy, these chocolate cookies are a chocoholic’s dream, quick to make and intensely satisfying.
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: Sweet and fruity, these pink cookies are pretty to look at and bursting with strawberry flavor.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors, and sharing my culinary discoveries with all of you! Keeping up with new recipes can be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, making sure you never miss out on delicious inspiration!
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce funfetti cake mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup rainbow jimmie sprinkles
Things You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Cookie scoop 2 Tablespoon size
Before You Begin
- We made 2 Tablespoon sized cookies, but feel free to make them smaller. Just remember, smaller cookies will likely need slightly less time in the oven, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- You’ll need a standard 15.25-ounce box of funfetti cake mix, typically the kind that uses vegetable oil, eggs, and water. However, for this recipe, you will not need the water. Please follow the specific ingredients we’ve provided in this recipe card, as you’ll be incorporating sour cream in addition to the vegetable oil and eggs for an enhanced texture.
- For the best visual results and to prevent color bleeding, rainbow jimmie sprinkles are the ideal choice. Their coating helps them maintain their vibrant color when mixed into wet batters, ensuring your cookies look as good as they taste.
- Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- To freeze the cookie dough, scoop balls onto a baking sheet and flash freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. To freeze baked cake mix cookies, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- For convenient baking, you can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You can even pre-scoop the dough into balls, so they’re ready to go straight into the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and no dry pockets of cake mix remain. Gently fold in the rainbow jimmie sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a 2 tablespoon-sized cookie dough scoop or a regular tablespoon, drop mounds of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate space between each cookie for spreading.
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Bake the cookies for 11 minutes, or until they are visibly puffed up and the edges appear set. The centers may still look slightly soft, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
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Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.