Few things in life beat the aroma of warm cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen, and these Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies bring that joy in the simplest way possible. With just a handful of ingredients and one bowl, you can whip up soft, chewy cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you’re just craving a sweet treat without the fuss.
What makes these snickerdoodles extra special is their base: classic yellow cake mix. It gives the cookies a perfectly tender texture and a hint of buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon coating. You won’t need to chill the dough or sift flour—just mix, roll, and bake. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-keep.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
This is a dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The cake mix simplifies the process, while still giving you those classic snickerdoodle notes: cinnamon warmth, a soft interior, and those signature crackly tops. They stay moist for days and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prep-ahead treats or holiday cookie boxes.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix creates that buttery snickerdoodle base we love, you can experiment with white cake mix for a milder flavor or spice cake mix for a fall twist. Just be sure to choose a standard 15.25 oz box. If using a chocolate or strawberry cake mix, keep in mind it will shift the flavor from traditional snickerdoodle to something more unique—which can be a fun variation!
Ingredients for the Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies
The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients it needs, yet the results are always bakery-worthy. Each component plays a key role in flavor and texture:
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is the shortcut star of the recipe. It eliminates the need for flour, baking soda, and sugar, streamlining your prep.
- Eggs: These bind the dough and give the cookies structure and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cookies soft and moist. You can also use melted butter if you prefer a deeper flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough, it creates that sweet crisp coating on the outside.
- Ground Cinnamon: The essential spice that gives snickerdoodles their classic taste.

How To Make the Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside for rolling your cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a thick dough forms. It may seem sticky, but that’s perfect for this recipe.
Step 3: Roll and Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake
Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool but stay wonderfully soft inside.
Storing and Serving These Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh out of the oven, but they stay soft and chewy for several days in an airtight container. They also freeze well for up to three months—just pop them in a zip-top bag and thaw at room temperature. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing at potlucks, gifting during the holidays, or just stocking your cookie jar.
What to Serve With Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Hot Chocolate
Pair these cookies with a cozy mug of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Create a snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich with a scoop of vanilla between two cookies.
Apple Cider
Warm spiced cider brings out the cinnamon flavor even more.
Coffee
A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness and turns your snack into a pick-me-up.
Milk
Nothing beats the classic cookie and milk combo.
Whipped Cream Dip
Serve with a simple whipped cream or cream cheese dip for dunking.
Chocolate Sauce
Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip one half for an indulgent twist.
Fruit Platter
Balance the sweetness by pairing cookies with a tray of fresh berries, apple slices, or grapes.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved these snickerdoodle cookies, here are more fun spins on cookie classics to try next:
- Ooey Gooey Bars for that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Truffles when you’re craving a no-bake indulgence.
- Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for something chewy and fruity.
- Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars to use up sweets in a delicious way.
- Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a creamy, fruity bite.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with yellow cake mix or try something different? Add sprinkles? Dip them in chocolate?
I love hearing how others put their spin on this classic. If you have any questions or want help troubleshooting, feel free to reach out.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting sweets on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite indulgence!

Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cake Mix Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with cinnamon sugar flavor. Made with yellow cake mix, they’re the quickest way to enjoy classic homemade cookies with minimal ingredients and effort. A perfect cookie recipe for holidays, parties, or anytime sweet cravings strike.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
5. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
6. Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Notes
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet before transferring—they finish baking with residual heat.
Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.
Don’t overbake! They should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


