Welcome to the world of effortless baking, where deliciousness meets simplicity! As a busy parent juggling countless tasks, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. These incredible Cool Whip cookies are exactly that – the ultimate 4-ingredient cookie hack that promises melt-in-your-mouth perfection in just 30 minutes. Imagine soft, chewy cookies with a beautiful crinkled top, ready to impress unexpected guests or satisfy a sudden sweet craving. Using just a box of your favorite cake mix, a tub of Cool Whip, an egg, and some powdered sugar, these cookies are a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade treats but is short on time.
The Magic of Cool Whip Cake Mix Cookies
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a classic crinkle cookie. Their signature crackly tops and soft, chewy centers are simply irresistible. My brownie mix crinkle cookies are a family favorite, and these cake mix cookies with Cool Whip have quickly joined them in our regular rotation. What makes them truly special is how incredibly fast they come together – just four simple ingredients transform into a batch of bakery-worthy treats. I’ve experimented with a wide array of cake mix flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous spice and strawberry, and the results are consistently delightful. These cookies are wonderfully versatile, perfect for a casual weekday indulgence, elegant enough for holiday gatherings, or a welcome addition to potlucks and summer barbecues.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cookie Recipe
These Cool Whip cookies aren’t just easy; they’re a revelation in simple baking. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Unbeatable Simplicity: With only 4 ingredients, you won’t need a lengthy grocery list or complex instructions. It’s truly a dump-and-mix recipe!
- Lightning Fast: From mixing bowl to oven to cooling rack, the entire process takes merely 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Customizable Flavors: The base cake mix allows for endless flavor possibilities. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, red velvet, lemon – choose your adventure!
- Perfect Texture: They boast that coveted soft, chewy interior with a delicate, crackly exterior, a hallmark of a great crinkle cookie.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves these cookies. They disappear quickly at parties and gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, inexpensive pantry staples, they are kind to your wallet.
The Secret to the Crinkle: Don’t Be Shy with the Powdered Sugar
The powdered sugar in this recipe isn’t just for a pretty finish; it’s a crucial component that directly impacts both the texture and the iconic crinkled appearance of these Cool Whip cookies. The cookie dough itself is quite soft and moist, making it prone to spreading. The generous coating of powdered sugar serves as a protective barrier. As the cookies bake, this sugary crust dries slightly on the outside while the interior expands rapidly, causing the surface to crack and create those beautiful, distinct crinkles. This process also helps the cookies hold their shape better, preventing them from spreading too thin. Beyond its structural role, the powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully light, melt-in-your-mouth quality to each bite, elevating the overall sensory experience.
Cool Whip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces cake mix any flavor (1 box)
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed if frozen (1 tub)*
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Portion Scoop (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Add the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg to a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients just until combined.15.25 ounces cake mix, 8 ounces Cool Whip, 1 large egg
- Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Use a cookie scoop to portion the cookie dough, then roll the cookie dough balls in the powdered sugar. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.½ cup powdered sugar
- Bake for 15-16 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
Notes
Tips:
- Seriously, any flavor of cake mix will work in this recipe. I love them all!
- Make sure to use a 15.25-ounce box of cake mix for the best results. Smaller boxes will not work!
- Grease your cookie scoop (or hands!) well to keep the dough from sticking. It’s quite wet.
Storage: Store Cool Whip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Calories from Fat 9
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A Detailed Guide to Making Cool Whip Cookies
Creating these delightful Cool Whip cookies is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Set the prepared baking sheet aside. Before you begin mixing, ensure your Cool Whip is properly thawed. If it was frozen, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for at least 30 minutes on the countertop until it’s soft and pliable.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 15.25 ounces (which is typically one standard box) of your preferred cake mix, the 8 ounces (one tub) of thawed Cool Whip, and one large egg. Using a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed, mix these ingredients just until they are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be quite soft and sticky, which is perfectly normal. For the cookies pictured, I used chocolate cake mix, but I’ve personally tested this recipe with spice cake mix, strawberry cake mix, rich red velvet cake mix, and classic yellow cake mix, and every single variation turned out wonderfully delicious!
Step 3: Roll the Cookies in Powdered Sugar
Pour about ½ cup of powdered sugar into a small, shallow bowl. Now for the fun part: using a cookie scoop (a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop works perfectly for uniform cookies), portion out the cookie dough. If you don’t have a scoop, you can use a regular spoon, but be prepared for the dough’s loose consistency. Gently roll each portion of dough between your greased palms to form a ball. Immediately roll these dough balls generously in the powdered sugar until they are thoroughly coated. This step is essential for achieving the signature crinkle effect. Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, you may need to bake them in multiple batches.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Carefully transfer your baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake each batch of cookies for approximately 15-16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges appear firm and slightly golden, but the centers still look soft. This ensures a wonderfully chewy cookie. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry, hard cookies. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to set as they cool, further developing their delightful texture. Resist the urge to move them too soon, as they will be delicate when warm.
Tips for Success with Your Cool Whip Cookies
- Thawed Cool Whip is Key: Ensure your Cool Whip is fully thawed. If it’s still partially frozen, the dough won’t mix properly, affecting the cookie’s consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cookie.
- Grease Your Scoop/Hands: The dough is quite sticky. Lightly greasing your cookie scoop or your hands with a little cooking spray or butter will make rolling the balls much easier and less messy.
- Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar! A thick, even coating is what gives these cookies their beautiful crinkle effect.
- Space Them Out: Leave enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie on the baking sheet, as they will spread while baking.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They’re done when the edges are set and firm, but the centers still look soft.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
Creative Variations & Customizations
The beauty of these 4-ingredient Cool Whip cookies lies in their adaptability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your liking:
- Flavor Frenzy: Beyond the standard, try unique cake mix flavors like lemon for a zesty treat, funfetti for a celebratory batch, or even pumpkin spice for autumn.
- Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a handful of dried fruit to the dough before rolling.
- Extracts: Enhance the flavor with a dash of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste).
- Glaze Them: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice.
- Food Coloring: If using a white or yellow cake mix, add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for vibrant, themed cookies perfect for parties or holidays.
How to Store Your Delicious Cool Whip Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping these cake mix Cool Whip cookies fresh and delicious. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to 4 days. It’s generally not recommended to refrigerate these cookies, as the cool, dry environment of the fridge can cause them to dry out and lose their signature chewiness. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours on the countertop until they reach room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions you might have about making these easy Cool Whip cookies:
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes, you can! However, for best results, it’s recommended to use a stabilized whipped cream recipe (like my stabilized whipped cream recipe). Regular homemade whipped cream tends to be less stable and might make the dough too wet, affecting the cookie’s texture. You’ll need about 2 cups of stabilized whipped cream.
Q: My cookies didn’t crinkle much, what went wrong?
A: The most common reasons for less crinkling are not coating the dough balls generously enough in powdered sugar or not chilling the dough (though this recipe often doesn’t require chilling if the dough is handled quickly). Ensure the powdered sugar forms a thick, even layer.
Q: Can I use a smaller box of cake mix?
A: No, for the best results, it’s important to use a standard 15.25-ounce box of cake mix. Smaller boxes will alter the dough consistency and may lead to cookies that don’t hold their shape or texture correctly.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: Generally, no. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, with no chilling required. However, if your kitchen is very warm and the dough becomes exceptionally sticky and difficult to handle, you can chill it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly.
Q: Can I add frosting to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Once completely cooled, these cookies can be frosted with your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat. Simple glazes also work wonderfully.
More Cookie Recipes to Try!
Jello Cookies
Churro Cookies
Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
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These Cool Whip cake mix cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly spectacular results. They’re proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to bake something homemade and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is a must-try for its ease, versatility, and undeniable charm. So go ahead, pick your favorite cake mix flavor, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles these delightful crinkle cookies are sure to bring!