Yet Another Cake Mix Cookie – No Oil!
Baking with my grandmother was always an adventure. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into comforting treats, and her secret weapon was often a humble cake mix. I remember one rainy afternoon when, instead of a cake, she surprised us with soft, chewy cookies made from a chocolate cake mix. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and those cookies, warm from the oven, were pure bliss. This recipe reminds me of those cherished moments, offering a delightful twist on a classic using simple ingredients, without any oil!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
- Total Time: 17-23 minutes
- Yields: 12 big cookies
- Serves: 12
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 cup instant cinnamon roll oatmeal
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup tap water
- 1/2 cup milk
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Remember oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies. It is recommended to bake these on the bottom rack of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of devil’s food cake mix and the instant cinnamon roll oatmeal.
- Add the eggs, water, and milk to the bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly incorporated. The batter will be thick. Don’t overmix; just ensure everything is well combined.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls (or use a cookie scoop) onto an ungreased baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on your oven. Electric ovens can be temperamental, so start checking at 12 minutes.
- The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Err on the side of slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent them from spreading too much.
- Even baking: Ensure even baking by rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Oatmeal substitution: If you don’t have instant cinnamon roll oatmeal on hand, you can substitute with regular instant oatmeal. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar to mimic the cinnamon roll flavor.
- Troubleshooting dry cookies: If your cookies are too dry, try adding a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt to the batter in your next batch. This will add moisture.
- Bottom Rack Baking: Baking on the bottom rack as suggested in the original recipe can help crisp the outside while keeping the inside soft. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These cookies are best served warm, straight from the oven. They are delicious on their own or with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for a few minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per cookie. Values may vary based on specific ingredients.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 203 kcal | 10% |
| Total Fat | 7.9g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 36.7mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 372.4mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 16.6g | 66% |
| Protein | 3.9g | 7% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Vanilla/White/Yellow Cake Mix: Substitute the devil’s food cake mix with a vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile.
- M&M’s or Sprinkles: Add M&M’s or sprinkles to a yellow cake mix for a fun and festive cookie, perfect for kids’ parties.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free instant oatmeal for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha-flavored cookie.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use regular oatmeal instead of instant cinnamon roll oatmeal?
A: Yes, you can use regular instant oatmeal. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar to mimic the cinnamon roll flavor.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too thin?
A: If your cookies are spreading too thin, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or lemon. Adjust the add-ins to complement the cake mix flavor.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool. It’s better to slightly underbake them for a chewy texture than to overbake them and have them be dry.
Final Thoughts
These cake mix cookies are a testament to the magic that can happen when you embrace simplicity and creativity in the kitchen. Quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable, they are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or sharing with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these delightful treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake mix flavors and add-ins to create your own signature version. And most importantly, have fun and savor every delicious bite! Perhaps pair these with a rich cup of coffee or a scoop of your favorite ice cream!