Easy 3-Ingredient Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies: Quick & Delicious Dessert for Your Sweetheart

Celebrate love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day with an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious treat: **Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies**! This recipe is a true gem, requiring just three core ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, from start to finish. Imagine soft, chewy cookies, beautifully adorned for the most romantic day of the year, ready to delight your special someone. Forget complicated baking projects; these quick and easy cake mix cookies deliver maximum flavor and festive charm with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy schedules or spontaneous gestures of affection.

Whether you’re baking for your partner, your family, or a group of friends, these delightful cookies are sure to bring smiles. Their vibrant look, combined with a wonderfully tender texture, makes them an irresistible addition to any Valentine’s Day celebration. Plus, with a few simple decorations, you can transform these humble cookies into edible works of art that truly capture the spirit of love.

More Valentine’s Day Cookie Inspiration:

If you’re looking to expand your Valentine’s Day baking repertoire beyond these fantastic cake mix cookies, we’ve got you covered! Explore these other delightful recipes that are perfect for sharing the love:

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: For an extra fruity twist on the cake mix cookie concept.
Raspberry Meltaway Cookies: These delicate, buttery cookies melt in your mouth, leaving a lovely raspberry essence.
Frosted Strawberry Rose Cookies: Beautifully decorated cookies that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Crafting Your White Cake Mix Cookies

Making these white cake mix cookies is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner bakers. The key to success lies in a few simple steps that ensure a perfect batch every time. Before you even start mixing, prepare your baking sheets. Lining them with parchment paper is a small step that makes a huge difference. It not only ensures your cookies won’t stick, but it also promotes even baking, preventing the bottoms from browning too quickly, and most importantly, it makes cleanup a breeze!

All the magic happens in just one bowl, streamlining your baking process and minimizing dishes. Once your dough is mixed, you’ll scoop it out and roll it into uniform balls. This uniformity isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s crucial for consistent baking. When all cookies are the same size, they bake at the same rate, ensuring every single cookie comes out perfectly done. To achieve this, a tablespoon or a dedicated cookie scoop can be your best friend, helping you measure out equal portions of dough with ease.

Paying attention to these small details will guarantee a batch of beautiful, evenly baked cookies that are ready for decorating. The simplicity of the process allows you to focus on the fun part: making them look festive for Valentine’s Day!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cake Mix Cookies

You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create these delightful Valentine’s cookies. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for impromptu baking sessions or when you want something sweet without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 box White Cake Mix (16.25 oz): This is the star of our recipe, forming the base of your cookies. While a white cake mix ensures a bright, clean canvas for your Valentine’s decorations, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry or vanilla for a different twist.
3 Egg Whites: The decision to use only egg whites instead of whole eggs is intentional. This helps maintain the light, almost pure white color of the cookies, which is ideal for achieving vibrant Valentine’s aesthetics with frosting and sprinkles. Using whole eggs would give the cookies a slightly yellowish tint.
1/3 cup Coconut Oil, melted: Just like the egg whites, coconut oil is chosen over traditional butter to keep the cookies as white as possible. Melted coconut oil also contributes to a wonderfully tender and slightly chewy texture. If you don’t have coconut oil, a neutral-flavored vegetable oil could work, but it might slightly alter the texture and flavor profile.
Cookie Icing: While store-bought cookie icing offers convenience, crafting your own homemade vanilla cookie icing allows for customization and often yields a fresher, more delicious result. Our quick and easy recipe below provides a perfect base. For an extraordinary touch, I highly recommend adding 1/2 tsp raspberry extract and 1/2 tsp coconut extract to the icing. This combination elevates the flavor profile to something truly incredible, complementing the subtle sweetness of the cookies beautifully. You can also add a touch of red or pink food coloring for a festive look.
Valentine’s Candy &/ or Sprinkles: What’s Valentine’s Day without a generous showering of festive decorations? Sprinkles are always a good idea! Stock up on heart-shaped candies, pink, red, and white sprinkles, or any other festive toppers that catch your eye. These are essential for transforming simple cookies into celebratory treats.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies

Follow these simple instructions to create your batch of delightful Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies. The process is quick, making it perfect for last-minute baking or a fun activity with loved ones.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This vital step prevents sticking, ensures even cooking, and simplifies cleanup significantly. Set the prepared sheet aside.

2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the entire box of white cake mix with the three egg whites. Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are well incorporated. At this stage, the mixture will have a unique texture, much like wet sand – crumbly but capable of holding together.

3. Incorporate the Coconut Oil: Once your cake mix and egg whites resemble wet sand, add the melted coconut oil to the mixture. Continue mixing with your electric mixer until the dough becomes smooth and uniform. The resulting cookie dough will be noticeably thick and have a slight stickiness to it. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

4. Rest and Roll the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to rest for a couple of minutes in the bowl. This brief rest period is crucial as it allows the ingredients to fully hydrate, making the dough much easier to scoop and roll without it being overly sticky or crumbly. After resting, scoop out portions of the dough. A tablespoon or a cookie scoop is ideal for ensuring consistent sizing. Roll each scooped portion into a smooth ball to eliminate any rough edges before carefully arranging them on your parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading.

5. Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the cookies appear puffy and their tops are no longer glossy. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. Slightly underbaked cookies will result in a chewier texture. Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set before you transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare and Apply Icing: While the cookies are cooling, prepare your cookie icing. If using the homemade recipe below, whisk together the melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This is the perfect time to add any desired food coloring (pink or red for Valentine’s!) and extracts like raspberry or coconut for enhanced flavor. Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the icing onto each cookie. For a truly festive finish, immediately top with your favorite Valentine’s candies and sprinkles before the icing sets.

Can You Freeze Baked Cake Mix Cookies? Absolutely!

One of the many advantages of these cake mix cookies is their freezer-friendly nature. If you’ve baked a big batch or simply want to save some for later, freezing is an excellent option. To ensure the best results, I highly recommend freezing them flat on a baking sheet first. This initial step, often called “flash freezing,” prevents the cookies from sticking together. Once they’re individually frozen solid, you can transfer them to a large Ziploc bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. This way, you can grab just one or two at a time without wrestling with a giant, frozen cookie cluster – a great idea in theory, but incredibly inconvenient in practice!

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen treat, simply take the desired number of cookies out of the freezer and let them thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes. They’ll be ready to enjoy, offering that fresh-baked taste and texture even weeks later. This makes them ideal for meal prep or having a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Valentines Cake Mix Cookies

Valentines Cake Mix Cookies made with just 3 ingredients in under 30 minutes! Quick & Easy Valentines dessert recipe for your special someone!

5 from 2 votes

Print
Pin
Rate

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Valentines Cake Mix Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Servings: 3

Author: Jessica & Nellie

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going to sleep

Ingredients

1 box White Cake Mix Box 16.25 oz
3 Egg whites
1/3 cup Coconut Oil melted

Easy Vanilla Cookie Icing

2 TBSP butter melted
2 TBSP milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Valentine’s Sprinkles & Candies

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Using an electric mixer, combine the cake mix and egg whites. The texture of the mixture will be similar to wet sand.
Add the coconut oil to the cake mix mixture. Combine until smooth. The cookie dough will be very thick and slightly sticky.
Allow the cookie dough to rest for a couple of minutes, this will make scooping and rolling easier. Scoop the cookie dough and then roll each ball to smooth the edges before arranging them on the parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, pulling them out when the cookies are puffy and the tops are no longer glossy. Let cool for 3-4 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Whisk icing ingredients together until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Spoon on top of cooled cookies, topping with Valentines candy and sprinkles, if desired.

Video

Tried this recipe?Mention @familycookierecipes or tag #familycookierecipes!

How Long Do Cake Mix Cookies Last? Storage Tips for Freshness

Once baked, you’ll want to ensure your delicious cake mix cookies stay fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining their soft, chewy texture and wonderful flavor. When stored correctly, fresh-baked cake mix cookies can last up to 3 weeks at room temperature. To achieve this, place them in an airtight container immediately after they have completely cooled. Keeping them away from air exposure helps prevent them from drying out and going stale.

However, if you’ve made a large batch and don’t anticipate finishing them within this timeframe, the freezer is your best friend for longer storage. As mentioned earlier, flash-freezing them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag will prevent them from sticking together. Frozen cookies can maintain their quality for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

For best results and to prevent any unwanted flavors from being absorbed, always store your cookies separately from other strongly scented foods.

More Irresistible Cake Mix Cookie Recipes You’ll Love!

The versatility of cake mix cookies knows no bounds! If you’re a fan of the ease and deliciousness of these Valentine’s treats, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic cake mix cookie recipes:

Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies: A perfect blend of sweet caramel and tart apple, ideal for fall.
Chocolate Caramel Cake Mix Cookies: Rich chocolate combined with gooey caramel for an indulgent treat.
Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: Classic thumbprint cookies with a delightful caramel center.
Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies: Elevate your favorite chocolate chip cookies with the addition of luscious caramel.
Caramel Apple Snickerdoodles: A spiced twist on snickerdoodles with hints of caramel and apple.

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies Every Time:

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure to ensure all your dough balls are the same size. This guarantees even baking across the entire batch.
Parchment Paper is Key: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, helps with even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze.
Watch for Doneness: Cookies are done when they look puffy and the tops are no longer glossy. They might still seem soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
Cool Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them set.
Flavor Variations: Don’t limit yourself to white cake mix! Experiment with strawberry, funfetti, red velvet, or even chocolate cake mixes to create a variety of flavors and colors.
Decorate with Love: For Valentine’s Day, use pink, red, and white sprinkles, heart-shaped candies, or even edible glitter to make your cookies extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Cookies:

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?: While you can use melted butter, keep in mind that butter will give your cookies a slightly yellowish tint, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for bright white Valentine’s cookies. It will also alter the flavor slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have egg whites, can I use whole eggs?: You can use whole eggs, but similar to butter, they will contribute a yellowish color to the cookies. The texture might also be slightly richer due to the added fat from the yolk. If color isn’t a primary concern, whole eggs are a fine substitute.
My dough is too sticky/dry, what should I do?: The consistency of cake mixes can vary slightly by brand. If your dough is too sticky, try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or a neutral oil until it comes together. Resting the dough for a few minutes also often helps with stickiness.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?: Yes, you can! Prepare the dough as directed, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Let the dough come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking, as it will be quite firm when cold.
How can I make these cookies softer or chewier?: For softer cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Pull them from the oven when they’re just puffy and the edges are barely set. For chewier cookies, you can try reducing the oven temperature by 10-15 degrees and baking for an extra minute or two, watching them closely. Also, ensuring your coconut oil is fully melted helps achieve a chewier texture.
Can I add other flavorings to the cookies?: Absolutely! A few drops of almond extract, lemon extract, or even a different flavored extract can be added to the cookie dough for a unique twist. You can also fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Making these 3-ingredient Valentine’s Cake Mix Cookies is not just about baking; it’s about creating joyful moments and sharing homemade love. Their simplicity, speed, and delicious taste make them an ideal choice for celebrating Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, heartfelt treat. Get creative with your decorations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delightful cookies with those you cherish!