Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
These Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy homemade treat combining the convenience of yellow cake mix and the rich flavor of peanut butter. Soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, they are simple to make, customizable, and kid-friendly.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cake mix is used)
Base Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top
- Mini chocolate chips (optional for variation)
- Chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for spice)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your cookie dough is mixed, allowing for even baking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract if using, until smooth and well blended.
- Mix in the cake mix: Gradually fold the yellow cake mix into the wet ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together into a thick, sticky consistency.
- Form the cookie dough balls: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Add finishing touches: If you like, gently press the top of each dough ball with a fork for the classic peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern and sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar on top for extra crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Don’t overbake: Removing the cookies when edges set ensures they stay soft and chewy.
- Use room temperature peanut butter: It blends better with other ingredients, creating smoother dough.
- Customize texture: Swap creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your preferred bite.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker, more manageable cookies.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peanut butter cookies, cake mix cookies, quick cookies, gluten-free cookies, easy dessert, soft cookies, chewy cookies