This one-size-fits-all cookie recipe is meant as a base for all kinds of embellished cookies.
It basically calls for a cake mix of any kind to which you add items to suit: nuts, candy, chocolate or other flavor chips, dried fruit — the list is endless.
You can also make a quick cookie with just a powdered sugar sprinkle.
Some combinations I’ve seen include devil’s food or white cake mix with chocolate chips and chopped nuts; white cake mix and granola or trail mix; red velvet and M&Ms; German chocolate cake mix with pecans and caramel.
You can try spice cake with nuts and raisins; cherry cake mix with chocolate chips and dried cherries; strawberry cake mix with mini chocolate chips and chocolate frosting; and devil’s food and peanut butter chips.
Design-to-suit cake mix cookies
1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
Up to 1 cup of chopped nuts, candy, chips, raisins, oatmeal, coconut and/or sprinkles
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
Combine the dry cake mix, egg, oil and 1/4 cup water until blended. Some mixes may need a teaspoon or so more of water to make a dough that sticks together.
At this point you can either make plain cookies (drop by rounded teaspoonful onto prepared cookie sheets), fold in the cup of other ingredients and then drop onto the cookie sheets, or roll dough into 1-inch balls and insert a candy (Rolo, Junior Mint, etc) or a whole nut or maraschino cherry or the like. In each case, leave about 2 inches between cookies.
Bake about 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are no longer shiny. (I would start checking at 8 minutes, since some candies may add so much sugar the dough will more easily burn.)
Makes about four dozen cookies.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
