If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic treats, then you are absolutely going to adore this Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe. These cookies capture that irresistible cake-like texture wrapped in the cozy sweetness of melty chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows, all in one bite. It’s like your favorite childhood snack and a fresh homemade cookie had the most delightful baby. Once you try them, they’ll easily become your go-to comfort dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays its part perfectly to create those soft, chewy cookies that burst with flavor. The yellow cake mix builds the tender base, chocolate chips add pockets of richness, and mini marshmallows bring that whimsical gooeyness that’s just pure joy.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This is your cookie’s fluffy foundation, bringing sweetness and that classic cake flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Ensures the cookies stay moist and tender rather than dry and crumbly.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together and add structure.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Add bursts of rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complement the sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows (1/2 cup): Melt and create delightful chewy pockets inside every bite.
- Sprinkles (1/4 cup, optional): A fun colorful touch that brings a festive vibe.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, fragrant depth that rounds out all the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies come off easily and bake evenly. Preparing your tools early makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir everything together until the batter looks smooth and well mixed. You’ll notice the batter is a lovely base that’s ready to embrace all the yummy add-ins next.
Step 3: Flavor Boost
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the batter. These two ingredients work behind the scenes to enhance every other flavor, making your cookies taste rich and well-rounded.
Step 4: Fold in the Fun
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles if you’re using them. Mixing carefully ensures everything is evenly spread throughout the dough so every cookie gets that perfect bite of sweetness and gooeyness.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Remember to leave space between them as the cookies will spread a bit while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if the centers look a little soft; that’s exactly how they should be to ensure a tender, cake-like texture once cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right without losing any of the softness inside.
How to Serve Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fantastic as-is, you can amp up their presentation by dusting them with a little powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate on top for a gourmet touch. A few extra mini marshmallows placed on still-warm cookies add that extra inviting gooey look.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or warm hot chocolate for a comforting snack time. They also work beautifully alongside simple vanilla ice cream, making for a lovely dessert afterward.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! You can stack a few of these cookies with thin layers of frosting or cream cheese filling for an impromptu cookie sandwich. Wrapping them individually with colorful ribbons also makes them perfect gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy that delightful softness over multiple snack sessions.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when you are ready to indulge.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven. This quick heat-up will revive the melty chocolate and marshmallow, making every bite irresistibly soft and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the yellow cake mix offers a classic, buttery flavor, experimenting with vanilla, funfetti, or even chocolate cake mix creates delicious variations on the Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter or coconut oil as alternatives, which will add a slightly different richness. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the fat you choose.
Do the mini marshmallows melt completely inside the cookies?
They mostly melt into soft, chewy pockets rather than disappearing completely, which gives the cookies delightful gooey bites without overwhelming the texture.
Can I skip the sprinkles in the recipe?
Yes! The sprinkles are entirely optional, added mainly for a colorful, fun touch. The cookies will still be deliciously sweet and soft without them.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers might remain a bit soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender and cake-like.
Final Thoughts
This Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe is such a joyful treat to whip up anytime you want a quick, comforting dessert. It combines familiar flavors with effortless baking steps to deliver cookies that taste like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t wait to try this recipe—you deserve a little sweetness and nostalgia in your day!
Print
Little Debbie Cake Mix Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 22m
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these fun and easy Little Debbie Cake Cookies, inspired by the classic snack cakes. Made from yellow cake mix, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and optional sprinkles, these cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with bursts of sweetness. Perfect for a quick treat or playful dessert, they’re simple to prepare and bake in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Flavor: Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, mixing gently to combine.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles (if using) to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm as they cool.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, do not overbake; cookies should be just lightly golden on the edges.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a fun, colorful touch to the cookies.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid baking until fully hard in the center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
