✔ Updated · fixed amounts and bake time, step photos and storage tips
Devil's food fudge cookies are my favorite shortcut bake: a box of devil's food cake mix turns into chewy, fudgy cookies in about 20 minutes. I stir in walnuts and chocolate chips, and Max is always first in line for a warm one.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Pull them while the centers still look soft. Overbaked cake mix cookies turn dry and cakey; underbaked ones stay fudgy.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Five ingredients, starting with a box of cake mix.
- Soft and fudgy, like a brownie in cookie form.
- Twenty minutes, start to finish.
Why Cake Mix Makes Great Cookies
Cake mix already has the flour, sugar, cocoa and leavening measured out, so you only add eggs and oil. Using less liquid than the cake directions turns it into a thick, fudgy cookie dough instead of a batter. It's my go-to when I need cookies fast.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Roll them tall. Taller, rounder dough balls keep the centers soft and fudgy while the edges set.
- Check early. My oven runs hot, so I always check the first tray a minute early and adjust the timing for the rest.
- Use a neutral oil. Vegetable or canola oil keeps the chocolate flavor clean. Melted butter works too and tastes richer.
- Mix up the add-ins. Pecans, peanuts, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or chopped candy bars all work.
- Don't eat the raw dough. Cake mix contains raw flour and the dough has raw egg, so wait for the cookies.
Devil’s Food Fudge Cookies
24
cookies10
minutes10
minutes140
kcal20
minutesSoft, fudgy cake mix cookies: a box of devil’s food cake mix stirred with eggs and oil, plus chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, scooped into balls and baked at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and set at the edges. Makes about 24.
Ingredients
1 box (about 15 oz) devil’s food cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Directions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Stir the cake mix in a large bowl to break up any lumps. Add the eggs and oil and mix until a thick, smooth dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon balls and set them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until puffed, crackly on top and set at the edges. The centers should still look soft.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
Storing and Freezing
Let the cookies cool completely first, because warm cookies steam in the container and turn soft and sticky. Then keep them airtight at room temperature for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
More Cookies to Bake
Next, try my white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, buckeye brownie cookies, Bisquick chocolate chip cookies or no-bake peanut butter cornflake cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are devil's food cookies?
They're soft, deep chocolate cookies made from devil's food cake mix, which is darker and richer than regular chocolate cake mix. Eggs and oil turn the mix into a fudgy cookie dough.
Can I use regular chocolate cake mix?
Yes. Any chocolate cake mix works, though devil's food gives the darkest color and richest flavor. Results vary a little by brand, so check the first tray early.
Why are my cake mix cookies flat?
The dough was too warm, the oil was overmeasured or the cookies were baked on a hot sheet. Chill the dough for 15 minutes and always scoop onto a cool baking sheet.
How long do devil's food cookies last?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. A slice of bread in the container keeps them soft. Avoid the fridge, which dries them out.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes, or warm for a few seconds in the microwave.
🎄 Christmas baking? Browse our Christmas cookies and holiday desserts, plus edible gifts and a baking schedule.
Very good and easy to make.
Very Awesome!
These sound so good.
well, these look too good, And you could even use PB or mint chips. OK you are making me hungry!
Lovely recipe
These look yummy and would be a quick fix when having company over for tea…. I’ve pinned this one to save. thanks for sharing. 🙂
Looks delicious!
Looks so good! Shared on FB!
Looks great on a cold Sunday morning.
Sounds simple to make and yummy!
Looks delicious
Yummy
Gotta go shopping have to make these they sound so yummy thanks