Cake Mix Monster Cookies

Cake Mix Monster Cookies are a fun and easy twist on classic monster cookies, made with a boxed cake mix, peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful candies. These soft, chewy cookies are packed with flavor and perfect for parties, bake sales, or a quick sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with a cake mix shortcut
  • Soft, chewy, and loaded with mix-ins
  • Perfect for customizing with your favorite candies and chocolate chips
  • Great for parties, holidays, or anytime snacking
  • Kid-friendly and fun to make together

Ingredients

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

  • 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Mix the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oats, peanut butter, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and a thick dough forms.
  3. Add Mix-Ins:
    • Gently fold in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates until evenly distributed.
  4. Shape the Cookies:
    • Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will set as they cool.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 24-30 cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

  • Different Cake Mix Flavors: Try using chocolate, funfetti, or spice cake mix for a twist.
  • Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit nuts.
  • Add-Ins: Mix in raisins, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free oats.
  • Holiday-Themed: Swap out the candy colors to match holidays like red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter work well, or use a nut-free alternative if needed.

2. Do I have to add oats to this recipe?

The oats add texture and help make the cookies chewy, but you can omit them if needed.

3. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust the size of your cookie scoops and monitor the baking time accordingly.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of extra texture to the cookies.

6. What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can use a nonstick baking sheet or lightly grease your baking sheets instead.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

8. Can I use mini candy-coated chocolates instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, mini candies work great and can help ensure you get candy in every bite.

9. How do I make the cookies more festive for holidays?

Use seasonal M&M’s or sprinkle festive-colored sprinkles over the cookie dough before baking.

10. Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter adds flavor and helps with texture, but you can use 1/2 cup of vegetable oil as a substitute.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Monster Cookies are a quick and fun treat that combines the ease of a cake mix with the chewy goodness of monster cookies. With endless options for mix-ins and flavors, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from school lunches to holiday cookie exchanges. Whip up a batch of these colorful, chewy cookies and watch them disappear!

Print
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Cake Mix Monster Cookies

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cake Mix Monster Cookies are a fun and colorful treat packed with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and oats. Using a cake mix as the base makes this recipe super easy and quick! These chewy and delicious cookies are perfect for Halloween, parties, or whenever you need a playful dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (432 g / 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup M&M’s (Halloween colors or any variety)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mini pretzels, crushed (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

🍪 Prepare the Dough:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Mix the Dough:

    • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oats, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
    • Mix until well combined and a thick dough forms.
  3. Add Mix-Ins:

    • Fold in M&M’s, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and crushed pretzels (if using).
    • Reserve a few M&M’s and chocolate chips to press into the tops of the cookies before baking.

🍫 Shape and Bake the Cookies:

  1. Portion the Dough:

    • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Add Extra Toppings:

    • Press extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a festive look.
  3. Bake:

    • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
    • Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.

⏲️ Cool and Serve:

  1. Cool the Cookies:

    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Serving Suggestions:

    • These cookies are perfect on their own or with a cold glass of milk!



Notes

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing Tip: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
  • Mix-In Ideas: Try adding shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts for a twist.


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