When the craving for something sweet strikes, there’s nothing quite like a warm cookie fresh from the oven. Enter my Chewy Chocolate Cake Cookies—an unexpected twist on your typical chocolate dessert that combines the richness of cake with the delightful chewiness of a cookie. The moment you crack open the oven door, you’re enveloped in the intoxicating aroma of melted chocolate mingling with a hint of vanilla.
I promise these cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they come together in a flash! With just a handful of ingredients, including chocolate cake mix, pudding, and even a secret star—mayonnaise—they transform into soft, pillowy bites that disappear faster than you can bake them. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or looking to impress with your baking skills, these cookies are the perfect answer to those fast-food blues. Get ready to elevate your dessert game and satisfy your sweet tooth like never before!
Why are Chocolate Cake Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich chocolate goodness, delivering a decadent experience that chocolate lovers will savor.
Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have these delightful cookies ready in no time!
Unique Texture: The combination of cake and cookie creates a soft, chewy treat that’s both comforting and fun to enjoy.
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite toppings, such as nuts or caramel pieces, to personalize your treat.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
For those who love easy and delectable recipes, check out this delicious variation on chocolate cookie recipes.
Chocolate Cake Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix – The foundation of these cookies, delivering rich chocolate flavor and sweetness. Substitution note: You can use any chocolate cake mix to suit your preference.
• Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix – Enhances moisture and boosts that delightful chocolate taste. Substitution note: Swap in vanilla pudding mix for a lighter taste profile.
• Mayonnaise – This unexpected ingredient acts as a binder and adds luscious moisture, creating the perfect chewy texture. Note: Sour cream works as an excellent substitute for a tangy twist or choose Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
For the Chocolate Goodness
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Bursting pockets of melted chocolate that elevate each cookie bite. Substitution note: Dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer experience.
• Chopped Walnuts – Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to your cookies. Substitution note: Omit for nut allergies or replace with pecans for a different nutty vibe.
Whether you’re making these Chocolate Cake Cookies for a gathering or just for a sweet treat at home, these ingredients will transform your baking into something truly special!
How to Make Chocolate Cake Cookies
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, pudding mixes, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth, creating a rich, chocolatey base for your cookies.
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Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed for bites of chocolate goodness in every cookie.
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Form Cookies: Using a teaspoon, scoop the dough and shape it into balls. Place them on greased baking sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie so they can expand while baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. They should puff up and develop a cracked surface—this is the sign they’re ready!
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, letting the flavors fully develop.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt for an added gourmet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Cake Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This helps to maintain that marvelous chewy texture while allowing the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake as directed. For serving, these cookies are just as delicious after resting a bit—allow them to cool slightly for enhanced flavor! Prepared ahead, these treats will bring joy to your sweet cravings without the last-minute rush!
Chocolate Cake Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and personalize these cookies with delightful twists and swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Replace mayonnaise with unsweetened applesauce or a dairy-free yogurt for a softer texture; perfect for vegan diets!
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Nut-Free: Omit walnuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for that added crunch while keeping it allergen-friendly.
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Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor; the results will surprise even the most discerning chocolate lovers!
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Zesty Twist: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note that beautifully complements the chocolate.
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Chewy Extra: Incorporate old-fashioned rolled oats to add a chewier texture; they’ll still be soft and absolutely scrumptious!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a warm heat that beautifully contrasts the sweet chocolate.
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Chunky Chocolate: Upgrade to chocolate chunks instead of chips for larger pockets of molten chocolate in every bite, making each cookie a decadent experience.
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Dessert Mash-Up: Layer a spoonful of cookie dough and dollop of peanut butter before baking for a surprising chocolate-peanut butter combination!
Embrace these variations to make your Chocolate Cake Cookies uniquely yours! Your baking journey just got a lot more exciting!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Cake Cookies
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Don’t Overbake: Take your cookies out when they’re puffy and just set; overbaking can lead to a dry texture, losing that chewy bliss you crave.
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Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate chips; this will amplify the rich taste of your Chocolate Cake Cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If you want more defined cookie shapes, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking—it enhances both texture and appearance.
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Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add caramel or peanut butter chips, or replace walnuts with your favorite nuts for a twist—an easy way to keep these cookies exciting!
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Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cake Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for a delightful treat every day.
Fridge: If you prefer a colder cookie experience, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 weeks, although they may lose a bit of their softness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: To revive the warmth and gooeyness, reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Enjoy your Chocolate Cake Cookies as if they were just freshly baked!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cake Cookies?
When it comes to delicious treats, pairing is everything! Let’s craft a delightful meal around these chewy delights.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy, cool scoop perfectly complements the warm, rich chocolate cookies, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: Sweet strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness that brightens the palate after each chocolate bite. Toss them into a bowl for a simple yet vibrant side!
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Milkshake: A classic chocolate milkshake offers an extra indulgent touch, enhancing the chocolate bliss while providing a smooth, creamy companion.
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Coffee: A rich espresso or a warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness, inviting cozy conversation over freshly baked creations. The bitterness cuts through the richness perfectly!
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Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, serve chocolate-dipped fruits alongside the cookies, allowing guests to explore their flavor combinations. This interactive option adds layers of sweetness!
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Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that rounds out the soft texture of the cookies beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate each cookie, adding a luxurious finish to your sweet treat.
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Mint Tea: After indulging, a soothing cup of mint tea helps cleanse the palate, brightening the flavors of chocolate while offering a light end to your meal.
Cookie lovers rejoice! With these pairings, you’ll elevate your dessert experience and impress your family and friends!
Chocolate Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What types of chocolate cake mix can I use?
Absolutely! You can use any chocolate cake mix to suit your taste. Whether it’s a classic fudge or a darker chocolate mix, your cookies will be just as delicious.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Cake Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps keep their delightful soft and chewy texture intact!
Can I freeze Chocolate Cake Cookies?
Yes! To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag where they’ll last for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw at room temperature before indulging!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than expected, it could be due to warm dough. Next time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help maintain their shape and achieve that perfect chewy texture!
Are there any dietary considerations with your Chocolate Cake Cookies?
For those with nut allergies, feel free to omit the walnuts or substitute them with pecans. If you’re looking for a lighter option, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Always adventurous in your baking, I often find there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be puffy and have cracks on the top. A good indicator is to take them out when they are still slightly soft in the center. This ensures they remain chewy and moist after cooling!
Decadent Chocolate Cake Cookies for Chewy Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, pudding mixes, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
- Using a teaspoon, scoop the dough and shape it into balls. Place them on greased baking sheets.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.