Gooey Cake Mix Monster Cookies Recipe

Playful Cake Mix Monster Cookies Recipe: Fun & Sweet Treats!

Soft, chewy, and packed with pure delight, these cake mix monster cookies blend childhood nostalgia with irresistible sweetness.

The classic cake mix monster cookies recipe delivers a playful twist on traditional cookie magic.

Chocolate chips, colorful candies, and a soft cake mix base create an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Each cookie promises a perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey centers that melt in your mouth.

Sprinkled with vibrant M&Ms and studded with chocolate chunks, these cookies transform an ordinary dessert into a celebration of whimsy.

Kids and adults alike will devour these playful treats faster than you can say “cookie monster.” Grab a plate and discover why these monster cookies are about to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Ingredients Breakdown For Cake Mix Monster Cookies

For Base And Binding:
  • Cake Mix: Provides quick structure and sweet flavor, look for classic vanilla or funfetti varieties for extra fun.
  • Oats: Adds hearty texture and wholesome depth, choose rolled oats for best consistency.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and creates rich moisture, select fresh large eggs.
  • Melted Butter: Ensures soft, tender texture and deepens overall taste, use unsalted butter for controlled sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances complex flavor profile, opt for pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
For Sweet Mix-Ins:
  • M&Ms: Brings colorful bursts and chocolate crunch, select classic or seasonal colors.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate indulgence, choose semi-sweet for balanced sweetness.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: Introduces creamy nutty undertones, look for high-quality brands.
For Crunchy Texture:
  • Crushed Pretzels: Adds delightful salty crunch and unexpected texture, use salted pretzels for extra flavor boost.

Tools And Supplies For Cake Mix Monster Cookies

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all cookie ingredients smoothly.
  • Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Perfect for creating uniform, evenly sized cookie dough balls.
  • Baking Sheets: Needed to bake and arrange cookies during preparation.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Cake Mix Monster Cookies

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to toasty 180C and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Create the Magic Dough

Dump cake mix, oats, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla into a big bowl. Stir everything together until a thick, dreamy mixture forms.

  • Toss in the Goodies

Gently fold in colorful M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and crushed pretzels. Hold back a handful of toppings for decorating later.

  • Scoop and Decorate

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Playfully press extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top for a stunning look.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges but keep centers soft and gooey. Don’t overcook – chewy is the goal!

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Grab a cold glass of milk and devour these monster treats!

Helpful Ideas And Tweaks For Cake Mix Monster Cookies

  • Pro Baking Tricks: Make Monster Cookies Like a Pro
  • Texture Perfection: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with crisp edges.
  • Chip Distribution Magic: Gently fold mix-ins to ensure even spread throughout the dough, preventing clumping and guaranteeing delicious bites every time.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all add-ins are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly monster cookies.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make these cookies completely dairy-free without compromising rich flavor.
  • Storage Savvy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their soft texture.

How To Serve Cake Mix Monster Cookies With Style

  • Cookie Companion Combos: Pair these monster cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert mashup.
  • Sweet Beverage Buddies: Enjoy alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or cold milk to complement the cookie's rich flavors.
  • Gifting Galore: Package these colorful cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a homemade treat perfect for birthdays or potlucks.
  • Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with other bite-sized treats like brownies or mini cupcakes for a stunning dessert spread.

Cake Mix Monster Cookies Prep And Storage Tips

  • Cool Down Strategy: Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp texture.
  • Smart Container Choice: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for quick snacking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze for future baking. Simply place chilled/frozen dough directly onto baking sheet and add extra minutes to baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 25

Print
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Gooey Cake Mix Monster Cookies Recipe

Gooey Cake Mix Monster Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Monster cookie lovers rejoice over this easy Cake Mix Monster Cookies recipe blending sweet cake mix with classic cookie ingredients. Rich chocolate chips and colorful candies create irresistible cookies you can quickly bake for family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (432 g / 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup M&Ms (Halloween colors or any variety)
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional)
  • ½ cup mini pretzels, crushed (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Blend cake mix and rolled oats in a large mixing bowl, establishing a robust foundational texture for the cookies.
  2. Dough Development: Combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract with dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a uniform, dense dough forms with consistent moisture and binding.
  3. Mix-In Integration: Carefully incorporate M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and crushed pretzels throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of flavor and texture elements.
  4. Baking Surface Setup: Line baking sheets with silicone mat or parchment paper, creating a non-stick environment for cookie formation and baking.
  5. Cookie Shaping and Decoration: Use a cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls, spacing them two inches apart on the prepared sheets. Strategically press additional M&Ms and chocolate chips onto each cookie surface for enhanced visual appeal and flavor promise.
  6. Baking Process: Position sheets in a preheated oven at 180C (350F), baking for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges become golden and firm while maintaining soft, tender centers.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Serve alongside a refreshing milk accompaniment for ultimate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips, M&Ms, and pretzels with alternative ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or white chocolate for personalized flavor profiles.
  • Prevent Spreading: Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize excessive cookie spread and maintain structured shape.
  • Manage Moisture Balance: Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure consistent dough texture and even baking results.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free oats for celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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