Cool Whip Cookies are a fun, quick, and delightful treat that are both soft and chewy, with a texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies, made with minimal ingredients, offer a perfect balance of sweetness, lightness, and a unique, airy fluffiness thanks to the Cool Whip in the batter. Ideal for bakers of all levels, these cookies require only a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, allowing you to try various cake mix flavors and add-ins to suit any taste or occasion!
Why We Love This Recipe
Cool Whip Cookies have earned a place in our hearts for a few irresistible reasons:
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With only a few ingredients – Cool Whip, cake mix, an egg, powdered sugar, and M&M’s – these cookies deliver a surprising depth of flavor and texture. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that tastes like you spent way more time on it.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the Cool Whip, these cookies have a unique, cloud-like softness that melts in your mouth, offering a delightful contrast to the M&M’s crunchy candy shell.
- Endless Flavor Possibilities: From chocolate to lemon to funfetti, the versatility of cake mix flavors lets you customize these cookies to suit any occasion or craving. Adding seasonal or holiday-themed M&M’s can make them even more festive!
- Perfect for All Ages: With their fun colors and soft texture, these cookies are loved by kids and adults alike. They’re easy enough for kids to help make, making it a fun, family-friendly baking project.
- Quick, Simple, and Ready in Minutes: From mixing to baking, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, bake sales, or an afternoon snack.
These Cool Whip Cookies combine everything we love about homemade treats: simplicity, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia – all with a fun twist!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Used to dust the cookies before baking, giving them a slight crunch and sweetness on the outside.
- 1 box (16.25 ounces) white cake mix (or any flavor you like): This is the foundation of the cookie, providing the flavor and structure.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together, giving structure to the cookies.
- 2 1/2 cups Cool Whip: Adds the airy, fluffy texture that sets these cookies apart from others.
- 1 cup M&M’s, divided: Adds color, texture, and extra chocolate flavor to the cookies.
Nutrition
Each Cool Whip Cookie (based on a yield of approximately 24 cookies) contains the following estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 105
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on the specific cake mix and M&M’s used.
This nutritional breakdown makes Cool Whip Cookies a sweet treat that’s relatively light and perfect for occasional enjoyment!
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking sheet.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, and Cool Whip. Stir until well blended. The dough will be sticky due to the Cool Whip, so don’t be alarmed.
- Incorporate M&M’s: Fold in 3/4 of the M&M’s, reserving the rest for topping.
- Shape the Cookies: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop portions of the dough (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Drop each ball into the powdered sugar, rolling it around until fully coated.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches between each cookie. Gently press a few of the reserved M&M’s onto the top of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking as this can affect the softness of the cookies.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies fresh, as their soft texture is best when they’re warm or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, Cool Whip Cookies can be made ahead of time! While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can bake them and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’d like to make the dough ahead, you can prepare it, roll it into balls, and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Simply defrost and bake as directed when ready.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Cool Whip Cookie dough freezes well. Shape the dough into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and flash-freeze on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
3. What other flavors can I try?
The sky’s the limit with flavor combinations! Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips for a chocolate-peanut butter delight.
- Lemon cake mix with white chocolate chips for a citrusy treat.
- Red velvet cake mix with cream cheese frosting for a classic twist. Experimenting with different flavors keeps this recipe fresh and exciting!
4. Can I use other types of mix-ins besides M&M’s?
Definitely! You can add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, crushed Oreos, or even nuts. Play around with textures and flavors to make these cookies your own.
5. Why is the dough so sticky?
The Cool Whip adds a unique texture that makes the dough sticky. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar helps to manage the stickiness and makes it easier to handle.
Conclusion
Cool Whip Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that anyone can enjoy. Their unique texture and endless flavor options make them a standout treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of simplicity and deliciousness. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative with flavors and mix-ins, giving you the freedom to make each batch unique.