Red White and Blue Cake Mix Cookies

Red White and Blue Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect festive treat for summer holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. These cookies are soft, chewy, and colorful, with a tricolor dough made from simple pantry ingredients. Best of all, they come together in no time thanks to the convenience of a boxed cake mix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy with minimal ingredients
• No mixer required — mix everything by hand
• Festive red, white, and blue colors perfect for patriotic holidays
• Soft and chewy texture with a slight crisp edge
• Fun to make with kids or as a party baking activity

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Red gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring
• Optional: red, white, and blue sprinkles or colored M&Ms

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, and oil until a dough forms.
3. Divide dough evenly into three bowls.
4. Leave one portion plain (white), add red food coloring to one bowl, and blue to the other. Mix each until fully colored.
5. Pinch off a small piece of each color and roll them together to form a single dough ball with a swirl or tri-color pattern.
6. Place balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. If using, top with sprinkles or press a few M&Ms into the top of each cookie.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
9. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 9–11 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Use different cake mix flavors like vanilla or funfetti for a flavor twist
• Mix in white chocolate chips or patriotic M&Ms for extra texture
• Roll the entire cookie in sprinkles for a more festive appearance
• Use pastel food coloring for spring holidays like Easter

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that just-baked feel

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can use vanilla, butter, or even strawberry cake mix, but white cake mix provides the most vibrant color results.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe, but you can chill for 15–30 minutes if the dough feels too sticky to handle.

What’s the best food coloring to use?

Gel food coloring is best because it gives vibrant color without thinning the dough.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or you can bake and freeze the cookies.

Can I skip the sprinkles?

Absolutely. The cookies still look great and taste delicious without any decorations.

How do I get a marble effect?

Slightly swirl the colored doughs together before rolling into a ball, rather than keeping the colors separate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and prepare in batches if your oven space is limited.

Why are my cookies turning brown?

If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or check if your oven runs hot.

Are these good for mailing?

Yes, they hold their shape and texture well. Let them cool completely before packaging them snugly for shipping.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Cake Mix Cookies are a quick, festive, and foolproof way to bring a burst of color and fun to your summer holiday celebrations. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies are a patriotic crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics, parties, and potlucks.

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