If you’re looking for a sweet, colorful treat that bursts with flavor and love, this Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture with a fun pop of festive Valentine’s M&Ms and rich chocolate chips, all made surprisingly easy with a cake mix base. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or just want to spread some joy, these vibrant cookies will become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity—and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect cookie. From the soft butter that makes the cookies tender, to the pudding mix that adds moisture and richness, every element counts.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the dough and add moisture for a chewy texture.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, butter adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the sweet dough.
- 1 (14.25-oz) package vanilla cake mix: The base that provides both flavor and structure with a lovely crumb.
- 1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix: This secret ingredient keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle creaminess.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- 1 (10-oz) bag Valentine’s M&Ms (divided): These festive candies bring color, crunch, and that unmistakable holiday fun.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by placing the eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract into your stand mixer or a regular mixing bowl. Using the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, blend everything together on a low speed until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the texture light and tender.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix with the instant vanilla pudding mix. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Stir on low speed until a thick dough forms. Now, fold in half of the Valentine’s M&Ms along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips—this is where your cookies start getting their signature colorful, chocolaty charm.
Step 3: Roll and Chill the Dough
Roll the dough into roughly 2-tablespoon-sized balls. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, no worries—pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. Once rolled, cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours. This chilling step is crucial to developing the flavors and ensuring a nice shape during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the sheet with about 2 inches between each to give them room to spread. Before baking, press a few of the reserved Valentine’s M&Ms on top of each ball for that extra festive touch. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms turn just a little golden—watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes. This allows them to set and finish baking gently from residual heat. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be devoured or gifted!
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, garnish your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle them with white chocolate for a decadent look. Fresh edible rose petals or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can add an elegant, unexpected touch that matches the Valentine’s Day theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of warm vanilla or caramel-flavored coffee, or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweet richness. You can also serve them alongside fruity smoothies or a light berry salad to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or party platters, arrange the cookies on a heart-shaped platter or in small decorative boxes lined with tissue paper. Tie packages with pink or red ribbons and add a small tag with a personalized message to make your Valentine’s Day gift extra special. Creating cookie gift jars layered with parchment paper and Valentine’s candies is another charming idea that will delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for your festivities.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container. They hold up well frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving to enjoy their soft texture.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage, pop them in a preheated 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out. Microwaving for 10 to 15 seconds also works if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it or they might become too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake mix?
Absolutely! Using a chocolate cake mix will give your cookies a richer, chocolate-forward flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips and M&Ms, perfect if you want an extra indulgent spin.
Do I have to use the instant vanilla pudding mix?
While the pudding mix adds extra moisture and softness, you can technically omit it if needed. Just know the texture might be less tender and a bit cakier without it.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips as well. Semi-sweet provides a nice balance of sweetness, but feel free to customize based on your preference.
Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and improves the flavor. Skipping this step might result in thinner, crispier cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
How do I keep the M&Ms from melting too much during baking?
Adding half the M&Ms into the dough and saving the other half to place on top right before baking helps keep their bright colors and crisp texture intact, ensuring those festive pops of color stand out perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that feels effortless but yields amazingly tasty results. The blend of colorful candies, luscious chocolate chips, and that soft, moist crumb creates cookies that everyone will love. So grab your mixing bowl, invite a friend or loved one to help, and make some sweet memories this Valentine’s Day with these irresistibly charming cookies!
Print
Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies are bursting with vanilla flavor, studded with chocolate chips and colorful Valentine’s M&Ms for a festive touch. Easy to make with a mix of cake mix and instant pudding, they’re perfect for a quick sweet treat or sharing with loved ones on a special day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (14.25-oz) package vanilla cake mix
- 1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)
- 1 (10-oz) bag Valentine’s M&Ms, divided
Instructions
- Combine wet ingredients: Place 2 large eggs, 8 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer or a regular bowl. Using the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer with a beater attachment, mix on low speed until creamy and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture light.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer and blend on low speed until a thick dough forms. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and half of the Valentine’s M&Ms to evenly distribute the mix-ins.
- Roll and chill: Shape the dough into approximately 2 tablespoon-sized balls. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling. Once rolled, cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (and up to 12 hours) to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the chilled dough balls on the sheet about 2 inches apart. Press a few of the reserved Valentine’s M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball for a festive look. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms just start to turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to set. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying or storing.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it before rolling is highly recommended.
- You can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a festive presentation, press extra Valentine’s M&Ms on top just before baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies will appear slightly underdone in the center for the best chewy texture.
