These Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these soft and chewy cookies are bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness!
Why you'll love this recipe
I love taking a few shortcuts in the kitchen because it not only saves me time but it's also easy on the budget. And, this cake mix cookie recipe has got to be one the best hacks I've ever used for cookies! They are perfect every time!
Betty Crocker Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand Mixer
- cookie sheets
- parchment paper or baking mat
Ingredients
- 14.25 ounce white cake mix
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat pad, set aside.
- Place the cake mix in a medium-size mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and lightly stir. Add the egg. Using a hand mixer, mix until the cookie batter is combined.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
- Roll cookie dough into 1" balls. Then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. (I run it through the mixture twice to ensure each cookie is well coated.)
- Place on the lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until puffy and golden brown.
- Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool on a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container on the counter 5-7 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients and/or variations
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- white cake mix - White cake mix gives these cookies a classic, soft texture, but yellow cake mix is just as delicious and adds a richer, buttery flavor. If you're in the mood for something a little different, spice cake mix is a fun option that turns these into a cozy fall or holiday treat.
- butter - I like to use unsalted butter when baking, but salted butter would also work for this recipe.
- egg
- granulated sugar
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For written directions, refer to the recipe card.
FAQ's
If your cookies go flat, then your oven is too hot. If you know that your oven runs hot, I recommend reducing your temperature by 25 degrees.
No, you can crowd the cookies a bit. They puff up rather than spread.
No. Traditional snickerdoodles rely on cream of tartar for their signature tangy flavor and chewy texture, but this shortcut version gets its structure from the cake mix, so there's no need for it.
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Deb's top cookie storage tip
Before storing your snickerdoodle cookies, tuck a slice of fresh bread into the airtight container. The bread slowly releases moisture, helping keep soft cookies fresh and tender for several days. Just be sure to replace the bread every couple of days as it dries out. It's a simple old-fashioned trick that really works!
Test kitchen notes
- For evenly sized cookies use a cookie scoop, or weigh your dough balls on a kitchen scale.
- Your cookies will be very soft when you remove them from the oven. They are done, I promise! You want them soft.
Related recipes
I've found so many great ways to use a box of cake mix to make something delicious. My favorite recipes are these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies, Strawberry Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies, or this Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix.
Save this easy cookie recipe!
Whether you're baking for a holiday cookie tray, packing lunches, or just craving something sweet with your afternoon coffee, these Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are always a good idea. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you'll have soft, cinnamon-sugar cookies that taste like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did. They're quick enough for a weeknight treat, fun to make with the grandkids, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you give them a try, I'd love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below and let me know if your family loved them as much as mine!
Deborah says
Can this recipe be doubled?
Debra Clark says
Absolutely, you can double this recipe Deborah. Enjoy the cookies!
Shannon says
Can this be done with a yellow cake mix also, or does it have to be white?
Debra Clark says
You can use a yellow cake mix Shannon. It may change the flavor slightly, but you're good! Enjoy the cookies!!
MaryB says
What a fun idea. We love snickerdoodles. My sister was just asking me about an easy cookie recipe to make with her grandkids and this looks like just the thing. Yum!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, thanks for sharing the recipe Mary! I hope her and the g-kids have a blast making and enjoying the cookies!!
Rita Joy says
It’s always fun to discover a new “shortcut” recipe to save some time, and yet still taste delicious. These snickerdoodle cookies look amazing! Thanks for sharing, and Happy Christmas in July!
Debra Clark says
Fantastic, glad you've found a new recipe for the holidays Rita!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!!
Carol says
WOW, cale mix cookie recipe!! When I see the grandkids they always want to make something with me. Using a cake mix is very easy cooking with them. This recipe sounds so easy and simple, my next visit I need to make these cookies with them. I love snickerdoodle cookies but have not made in some times.
Debra Clark says
Oh yes, you have to make these with your grandkids! How fun, they will learn your love of cooking Carol - enjoy!
Teresa Stopher says
I really love a good soft Snickerdoodle! These look puffier than the one I usually make, but that will probably make them extra soft!! YUM! Can’t wait to try them! And love the way cinnamon baking makes my house smell!!! Thanks so much for this recipe!
Debra Clark says
Yes, it's the cake mix that make them so puffy, but they are darn tasty! I hope you really enjoy the cookies Teresa. I appreciated you taking the time to comment!!!
Maureen says
When I saw this recipe I had to make it, and since I happen to have a cake mix( which is very unusual for me) I got the bowl, cake mix and the necessary ingredients, and the bake was under way. They turned out perfect. I found them to be full of the snickerdoodle flavor and so much easier. Will have to add this to my christmas list.
Debra Clark says
That's AWESOME Maureen!! Glad they were a hit and so much easier? YES!! Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!
Jean says
You can't get any easier than this. My grandbabies & husband will love these. Might have to sneak a couple myself!
Debra Clark says
You should sneak one or two, I mean you did all the work, right? 🙃 It's only fair! Enjoy the cookies!!
ColleenB. - TX. says
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hubby Loves Snickerdoodle cookies. Me, I prefer just a good ole sugar cookie.
Have a great day and stay cool
Debra Clark says
Mmmm... I can never say no to a sugar cookie! Enjoy the recipe Colleen!!
Michelle Gosser says
I love making cake mix cookies, they're so simple and use few ingredients! I must admit I haven't made snicker doodles before, always wondered why they were called that?? Your tip about adding a slice of bread to help keep the cookies fresh is genius, will be trying that with my next batch!!
Debra Clark says
That's awesome Michelle, glad I found it helpful!! Great question!! Apparently, the name comes from a German pastry named Schneckennudel. And I'm not sure why it's named that... because that translation is snail noodles. 😀 🤷♀️ I do not have a good answer for you, LOL!
Lynn Mosher says
Ooo...I love Snickerdoodles! Gotta try this. Thank you!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, thanks Lynn - I think you'll love these cookies!
Lois says
This looks like a great cookie recipe. Will be giving it a try. I love the sugar and cinnamon taste that they will have.
Debra Clark says
Thanks, Lois - I love the buttery flavor of a good Snickerdoodle. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do.