Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Utilizing a box of cake mix streamlines the baking process, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Appearance: The inclusion of red, white, and blue M&M’s adds a patriotic touch, perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a delightful soft center with slightly crisp edges, offering a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box French vanilla or plain white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups patriotic M&M’s (red, white, and blue)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Incorporate M&M’s: Fold in the patriotic M&M’s, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, place portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 20 minutes, including cooling.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Ensure the M&M’s used are produced in a nut-free facility if catering to those with allergies.
- Chocolate Lovers: Substitute half of the M&M’s with chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty treat.
- Dried Fruit Addition: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries to the dough for a chewy contrast to the crunchy M&M’s.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help reduce excessive spreading.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Certainly! While French vanilla or white cake mix provides a light color that showcases the M&M’s, you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry or lemon for a unique twist.
Are there any egg substitutes I can use for this recipe?
Yes, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
How can I make the cookies more festive for other holidays?
Simply swap out the M&M’s for those themed to the holiday. For example, use pastel-colored M&M’s for Easter or red and green for Christmas.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and baking.
What should I do if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
You can use a tablespoon or your hands to portion the dough. Just ensure each portion is roughly the same size for even baking.
Can I use mini M&M’s instead of regular-sized ones?
Yes, mini M&M’s can be used. They may distribute more evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite a bit of M&M crunch.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the centers may appear slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Certainly. Adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, their festive appearance and delicious taste make them perfect for holiday gifting. Package them in a decorative tin or box for an attractive presentation.
Conclusion
These 4th of July Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful blend of simplicity and festivity. With minimal preparation and baking time, you can create a batch of colorful, soft, and chewy cookies that are sure to be a hit at any celebration. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with friends and family!
Print
Cake Mix Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Independence Day with these vibrant and easy-to-make 4th of July Cake Mix Cookies. Made with a box of cake mix and colorful red, white, and blue M&M’s, these cookies are perfect for your 4th of July celebration. Soft, chewy, and visually festive, they’ll be the star of any party or picnic. Ideal for bakers of all skill levels!
Ingredients
1 box French vanilla or plain white cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups patriotic M&M’s (red, white, and blue)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until smooth dough forms.
-
Incorporate M&M’s: Gently fold in the patriotic M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to place dough portions on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
-
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Variations: Add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor. You can also use mini M&M’s for a different texture.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
