Crunchy, chewy, intensely chocolatey. All words that describe these cookies perfectly. They are simple, elegant and perfectly semi-sweet with a consistency somewhat like a brownie and the flavor of Dutch chocolate cake. All that is well and good, but there’s a story in these simple little cookies and it starts with the following words.
They never should have existed.
These perfect little bites were the result of a failed experiment. What originally was supposed to be the outside of a whoopie pie got a bit overcooked on the first round. They ended up far too crisp for their original intent. Fortunately they were perfect for snacking. From a simple assembly of a box of cake mix thrown together with some butter and an egg, something wonderful was born.
This recipe is the perfect example of how a kitchen disaster can turn out to be an epiphany. Even though the end product was completely unsuited for its intended purpose, we discovered a new family favorite. The recipe is simple, quick and painless to make. Cleanup is minimal and the results are great. So really, it wasn’t a failure at all.
The point? Always sample your failures. Even if they completely fail, take what you learned on to the next round. Who knows; maybe, just maybe, your next “failure” will be a raging success.
Recipe: : Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 18.5 ounce package chocolate cake mix
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low for 2-3 minutes, or until combined into a thick dough.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Place on center rack in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until cracks form in the surface of each cookie.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks until completely cooled, about 30 minutes.
Share and enjoy!
What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:
Well… Since these were a complete accident, I suppose I would have cooked them a few minutes less. Considering how well they turned out though, perhaps some chocolate chips next time?
Links to other recipes like this:
- Cheating Part 1: Cake Mix Cookies, from the Big Red Kitchen
- Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, from Simple Nourished Living
- Cake Mix Cookies, from Created by Diane
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My name is Jerry Russell, and I'm a blogger. Since 2007 I've been writing about food and recipes at 
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I love cake mix cookies! I always use the kind of cake mix that has pudding mix in with it as well, I find it makes them extra moist and chewy. And chocolate chips are a very nice thing. Or craisins. Or both!
I just stumbled across your blog and was smitten with the title since I do all my cooking by the seat of my pants. I too have turned a would-be pie into a crumble with great success. Adding chocolate chips is a no-brainer – they greatly enhance everything!
I love happy kitchen mistakes. Its always nice when it works out in the end! They look scrumptious, even if they aren’t what they were suppose to be.
Russell,
Kitchen mistakes can lead to the most wonderful things sometimes. I’m just glad we got to share this one with all of you.
I was having a huge chocolate craving and was looking for a way to use up an extra cake mix. These really hit the spot! Any luck with the whoopie pie recipe? I’ve been working on that one for awhile now. ;)
We’re actually planning one with blondies, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’m glad the cookies worked for you!