Vanilla Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

These vanilla cake mix crinkle cookies are soft, sweet, and coated in powdered sugar for that classic crackly finish. They are an easy dessert made with a boxed mix and hardly any prep.

We Love These Easy Vanilla Crinkles Cookies

These vanilla cake mix crinkle cookies start with a boxed cake mix, which makes them one of the easiest cookies to bake when you want something quick and dependable. A roll in powdered sugar gives them that classic crinkle look, while the vanilla flavor keeps them simple and crowd pleasing.

If you already love easy cake mix desserts like my Mississippi mud cookies or Easter cake mix cookies, these are another fun one to keep on repeat. They are great for holidays, parties or anytime you need a fuss free cookie recipe.

Ingredient Notes

Find the full recipe with printable directions below.

• White cake mix: This is the shortcut base for the recipe and keeps the cookies quick and easy to make. I used a 15.25 ounce box, so if your cake mix is a different size, the texture may vary slightly.
• Eggs: Let the eggs come to room temperature if possible so they mix more easily into the dough.
• Vegetable oil: Oil keeps the cookies soft and helps create that tender cake mix cookie texture. You can use another neutral oil if needed.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds extra flavor and makes these cookies taste less like a straight boxed mix recipe.
• Powdered sugar: This is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle look. Roll the dough generously so the cookies bake up with a pretty snowy finish.
• Cornstarch: Mixing a little cornstarch with the powdered sugar helps the coating stick a bit better and keeps it from melting in as quickly while baking.

How to Make Vanilla Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until a thick dough forms. It will be soft and a little sticky, which is exactly what you want.

In a separate shallow bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch.

Scoop the dough into balls using about 1 1/2 tablespoons for each. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture, coating it well. I like to roll them twice for a thicker, more visible crinkle.

Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each one.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will crack as they bake.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Vanilla Crinkle Cookies with Boxed Mix

• Do not chill the dough: This dough is meant to be soft and a little sticky. Chilling can make it harder to roll and may affect how the cookies spread.
• Use melted butter instead of oil: You can substitute melted and cooled butter for the oil if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
• Roll twice for the best crinkle: Coat each dough ball in powdered sugar, then roll it again for a thicker coating and more defined crackled tops.
• Do not overbake: For soft cookies, bake just until the bottoms are lightly golden. Mine took about 8 minutes, but every oven is a little different.
• Let them cool on the baking sheet: The cookies will be very soft right out of the oven, so let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Variations To Try

• Switch the cake mix: Use chocolate, lemon, strawberry, funfetti, or spice cake mix to change the flavor while keeping the same easy method.
• Change the extract: Swap the vanilla for almond, lemon, orange, or mint extract for a simple flavor twist.
• Add mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or M&M’s to make the cookies a little more fun and customizable.
• Make them seasonal: Use colored sprinkles or use food coloring in the dough to match holidays like Christmas, Easter, or birthdays.