Oh, my friends! Let me share a little secret that has captured my heart and fills my cozy kitchen with heavenly scents – Cupcake Cake Mix Cookies! It all started one rainy afternoon when I found myself trapped indoors, craving something sweet, but too lazy to whip up a full batch of cupcakes from scratch. As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a box of chocolate cake mix and suddenly an idea sparked!
What if I could transform that cake mix into something chewy, with gooey pockets of chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow sweetness? The result? These delightful cookies that are soft in the center, slightly crispy on the edges, and bursting with flavor. The moment you pull them out of the oven, the warm chocolate aroma wraps around you like a hug, making your kitchen feel like the coziest of bakeries. Each bite is a chocolatey hug, with little marshmallow surprises that dance on your taste buds. Trust me, once you’ve tried these Cupcake Cake Mix Cookies, you’ll understand their charm and fall head over heels just like I did!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those sudden sweet cravings or when unexpected guests knock on your door.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen; no frantic grocery trips needed!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love chocolate cookies? They’re an instant hit at parties, gatherings, or even just for your afternoon snack.
- Variability: You can dress them up with different flavors or toppings, making them your own masterpiece!
- Fun Baking Activity: Get the kids involved! This is an easy recipe that turns into a delightful bonding time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: The star of our show! It forms the chewy base of our cookies.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness, yielding tender cookies. (Tip: You can also use melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor!)
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give our cookies that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These darling bites create sweet, gooey pockets of marshmallow heaven in every cookie.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because, more chocolate means more happiness! (Feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.)
- 1 cup marshmallow frosting: The heavenly topping that takes these cookies from good to spectacular!
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache: Adds an irresistible finishing touch with a glossy shine and silky texture.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for baking those cookies to perfection!
Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a spatula and mix until it’s all well combined and smooth as can be. The smell will start to fill your kitchen, and I promise, it’s divine!
Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. You can practically hear them whispering, “We can’t wait to get baked in the oven!”
Spoon and Bake
Now, drop spoonfuls of the delicious dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space in between each one. Bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be set but still soft – they will firm up a bit as they cool.
Frost and Drizzle
Let the cookies cool completely. Then, kindly slather on the marshmallow frosting and drizzle with chocolate ganache. Voila! Your cookies are now ready for their close-up (and your taste buds!).
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to firm up once they’re out of the oven.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a thicker cookie if preferred.
- Experiment with different cake mixes for varied flavors: vanilla, red velvet, or even lemon!
- Always taste the dough (but watch out for the raw eggs if you care about that!).
Flavor Variations
- Swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate for a twist.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced hug in each bite.
- For a nostalgic spin, swap in peanut butter chips or sprinkle in some chopped nuts!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for a true treat! Plate them up on a pretty dish and watch everyone flock to your cozy dessert table.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready! Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week — although they will be gone way before then!
Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (I can hardly fathom, but just in case), crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a dreamy sundae, or use them as a special topping for cupcakes!
Freezing
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating
For the best results, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm and soften. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just heat them for about 10-15 seconds!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Vanilla, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mix can add a delightful twist!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set!
What’s the texture supposed to be like?
These cookies should be soft and chewy in the center, with a slight crisp on the edges.
Can I omit the frosting and ganache?
While that would make them less extravagant, they are still delicious plain! But I highly encourage the extra love that frosting brings!
Final Thoughts
Oh, dear friends, I hope these Cupcake Cake Mix Cookies find a special place in your heart and kitchen, just as they have in mine. Baking is such a sweet way to bring joy — for ourselves and for those we love. So roll up your sleeves, dive into that batter, and sprinkle some magic into your day. Remember, the best part of baking is the love you pour into it. Happy baking, my sweet friends! ❤️
Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! Until next time, keep tasting and creating!

Cupcake Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix The star of our show! It forms the chewy base of our cookies.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil Adds moisture and richness; can substitute with melted coconut oil.
- 2 large eggs These help bind everything together and give the cookies a fluffy texture.
Fillings
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Create sweet, gooey pockets of marshmallow in each cookie.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips More chocolate means more happiness! Dark chocolate can be used for a richer flavor.
Toppings
- 1 cup marshmallow frosting The topping that takes these cookies from good to spectacular!
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache Adds a glossy shine and silky texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until set but still soft.
Finishing Touches
- Let the cookies cool completely, then add marshmallow frosting and drizzle with chocolate ganache.