Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies

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These Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are your shortcut to bakery-style results with minimal effort. Soft, chewy, and coated in that classic cinnamon sugar, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes and require only a handful of ingredients. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at bake sales, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with a warm drink.

Using a simple box of yellow cake mix as the base gives you an incredible head start—no need to measure out flour or worry about leavening agents. Just mix, roll, and bake. The final texture is irresistibly tender with golden edges and a sugar-cinnamon crust that makes every bite nostalgic and delightful.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

Stick with a classic yellow cake mix for the most traditional flavor. It brings the perfect amount of sweetness and that familiar buttery vanilla taste. You could also experiment with white cake mix for a milder flavor or even spice cake mix if you want to lean into warm autumn vibes. Just make sure it’s a standard 15.25 oz box for best results.

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Ingredients for the Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies

Yellow Cake Mix – This is your shortcut to a rich, flavorful dough. No need to measure flour, baking soda, or sugar.

Eggs – Help bind the dough together and add moisture.

Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

Granulated Sugar + Ground Cinnamon – Mixed together for the essential snickerdoodle coating. This is what gives the cookies their signature sparkle and spice.

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How To Make the Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create your coating. Set that aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix everything until you get a thick, sticky dough. The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll into balls.

Step 3: Shape and Roll

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Toss each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in that ideal chewy texture with a crisp edge.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, right out of the oven when they’re at peak softness. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even your favorite chai tea for a cozy moment.

If you’re serving them for a crowd, stack them on a festive platter or tuck a few into cellophane bags tied with twine for the cutest edible gifts. Their cinnamon-sugar crust gives them a charming homemade look that makes them perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

To store, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft thanks to the oil-based dough. Want to keep them longer? Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil should I use?

Stick with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Coconut oil can work too but may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can roll the dough balls and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much. Try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Add up to 1/2 cup of mix-ins like white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for a twist.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessarily, but it can help with shaping and reduce spreading. It’s a great option if you want slightly puffier cookies.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy diving into these other deliciously creative bakes from Life with Jam:

• Try these Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sweet milky flavor.
• Brighten up your baking with Lemon Churro Cookies that combine citrus zing with cinnamon sugar.
• Go rich and gooey with Caramel Cheesecake Cookies—a dreamy combo of sweet and creamy.
• Love a surprise inside? Try Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for chewy bliss.
• For a nostalgic twist, the Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies offer crispy texture and classic flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you chill the dough or bake them right away? Add any mix-ins?

I love seeing how others bring their own flair to these cookies. Questions are welcome—let’s share tips and make them even better together.

For more everyday dessert ideas and sweet baking inspiration, follow me on Pinterest here: Life with Jam.

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