Easy Sugar Crinkle Cookies (Cake Mix Recipe)

Make soft, chewy Sugar Crinkle Cookies with a box of white cake mix! Just five ingredients and a powdered sugar coating create beautiful cookies.

If you love soft, chewy sugar cookies with a beautiful crackled top, you're going to love these easy Sugar Crinkle Cookies! They're made with a box of white cake mix, a handful of simple ingredients, and a generous coating of powdered sugar. Best of all, they look like something from a bakery but couldn't be easier to make at home!

Sometimes the Simplest Cookies Are the Sweetest

I bake a lot. And I mean a LOT.

Most of the time, I'm baking for family, friends, neighbors, or whoever happens to be nearby when I pull something delicious from the oven.

Recently, I was preparing a few treats for a friend to share with her family. But there was one person I especially wanted to bake for: her brother.

You see, he has quite a few food allergies, which means he often misses out on the goodies I send over. Everyone else gets to enjoy the cakes, brownies, and cookies, while he's left watching from the sidelines.

And that makes me sad.

When my friend mentioned that her brother loves sugar cookies, I immediately started thinking about how I could make something special for him using ingredients that would work with his particular dietary restrictions.

That's when these easy cake mix sugar cookies came to mind.

I already knew that cake mix could make wonderful cookies, but I wanted something with that classic sugar cookie flavor and a pretty crinkled appearance.

So I grabbed a box of white cake mix, a couple of eggs, some oil, clear vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.

And just like that, these Sugar Crinkle Cookies were born!

Of course, what started as one batch of cookies for a friend quickly turned into a whole afternoon of experimenting with different cake mix flavors. But that's a story for another post!

What Are Sugar Crinkle Cookies?

Sugar crinkle cookies are soft, sweet cookies with a distinctive crackled appearance. Before baking, the cookie dough is rolled in powdered sugar. As the cookies expand in the oven, the surface separates into beautiful little cracks, revealing the cookie underneath.

Traditional crinkle cookies are often made from scratch, but this version starts with a box of white cake mix.

The cake mix already contains flour, sugar, and leavening ingredients, which means most of the measuring is done for you.

The result? A soft, tender cookie with a lightly crisp exterior and a beautiful powdered-sugar finish.

And because we're using white cake mix and clear vanilla extract, these have that familiar, sweet sugar cookie flavor.

Sugar Crinkle Cookie Ingredients

You won't need much to make these cookies!

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for rolling (about ½ cup, or as needed)

That's it! Just five simple ingredients, including the powdered sugar.

How to Make Sugar Crinkle Cookies from Cake Mix

These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy afternoons, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you're craving something sweet.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Place the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and clear vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.

Mix until everything is well combined and a soft, thick cookie dough forms.

The dough will be a little sticky. That's perfectly normal!

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

This helps when you're scooping and rolling the cookies.

Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into generous balls.

Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar, making sure it's coated on all sides.

Don't be stingy with the powdered sugar! That generous coating is what gives these cookies their beautiful crinkled appearance.

Step 5: Place on Baking Sheets

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving plenty of room between them.

Gently press each dough ball down just a little before baking. You don't want to flatten them completely, but a slight press helps them spread into a more traditional cookie shape.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F for approximately 9–10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread, developed their crackled tops, and are set around the edges.

The centers should still look soft.

Don't overbake! These cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

You'll end up with approximately 16–17 generously sized cookies, depending on your scoop.

What Do These Sugar Crinkle Cookies Taste Like?

These cookies have a lovely, sweet vanilla flavor that reminds me of a traditional sugar cookie, but with a softer, more tender texture.

The outside has just enough structure to hold that beautiful powdered-sugar coating, while the inside stays soft and delicious.

They're sweet without needing frosting, and they're pretty enough to serve at a party or tuck into a gift box.

And that crackled appearance? Absolutely gorgeous!

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Chill the dough. Even a short chill makes sticky cake mix dough easier to scoop and handle.

Use plenty of powdered sugar. A generous coating creates those dramatic white cracks.

Give them room to spread. These cookies expand in the oven, so don't crowd the baking sheet.

Press the dough slightly before baking. This helps the cookies spread into a flatter, more traditional shape.

Don't overbake. Pull them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Let them cool before stacking. Warm cookies are delicate, and the powdered-sugar coating looks its best once they've cooled.

Fun Variations to Try

While I love these cookies just as they are, there are plenty of ways to dress them up!

Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

I couldn't help thinking how delicious these would be with a little buttercream frosting tucked between two cookies.

Vanilla buttercream would be wonderful, but cream cheese frosting would also be delicious.

Almond Sugar Crinkle Cookies

Replace some of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a slightly different flavor.

A little almond extract goes a long way, so start small!

Lemon Sugar Crinkle Cookies

Add a little fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.

Birthday Cake Crinkle Cookies

Stir in a few colorful sprinkles before chilling the dough for a fun birthday party treat.

Black and White Crinkle Cookies

Make a batch of these sugar cookies and a batch of chocolate cake mix crinkle cookies. Combine a small portion of each dough into one cookie for a fun black-and-white variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vanilla cake mix instead of white cake mix?

Absolutely! Vanilla or yellow cake mix should also work, though the cookies may have a slightly different color and flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Cake mix cookie dough can be sticky. Chilling it briefly makes the dough easier to scoop and roll in powdered sugar.

Why didn't my cookies spread?

Some cake mixes produce thicker dough than others. Gently pressing the dough balls before baking can help them spread more evenly.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes! Use a smaller cookie scoop and begin checking them a little earlier, since smaller cookies may bake more quickly.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months for best quality.

How should I store sugar crinkle cookies?

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 3–4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to help protect their delicate powdered-sugar coating.

Are these cookies allergy-friendly?

That depends entirely on the ingredients you use and the allergies involved. Check the labels on your cake mix and other ingredients carefully, and be mindful of cross-contact. These cookies contain eggs and typically contain wheat, so they aren't suitable for every dietary restriction.

More Sugar Cookies to Try

If you love these easy cake mix sugar crinkle cookies, you're in luck! I've got plenty of other sugar cookie recipes here at Out of the Box Baking, from old-fashioned favorites to soft, frosted cookies and beautiful cut-outs for special occasions. Here are five more recipes you'll want to add to your baking list!

The Ultimate Guide to Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

If you've ever wanted to master the art of cut-out sugar cookies, this is the place to start! You'll find plenty of helpful information for making beautiful cookies for holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations.

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best! These old-fashioned sugar cookies are perfect when you're craving a classic homemade treat that brings back memories of Grandma's kitchen.

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Grab your favorite cookie cutters and get ready to have some fun! These homemade sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with frosting, sprinkles, and all sorts of colorful embellishments.

Crumbl Copycat Pink Sugar Cookies

Love those pretty pink frosted cookies from Crumbl? You can make your own version at home! These are especially fun for Valentine's Day, baby showers, or anytime you're in the mood for a pretty pink treat.

Super Soft Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

If you're a fan of soft, tender cookies with a generous helping of frosting, these are calling your name! Cream cheese adds something special to the dough, and that luscious buttercream frosting takes them over the top.

Perfect Sugar Crinkle Cookies 

These delicious cookies are made from scratch and have that classic homemade sugar cookie goodness.

And if you're looking for more ways to turn a simple cake mix into something extraordinary, stay tuned! I've been experimenting with all sorts of crinkle cookie flavors, and I can't wait to share them with you.

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you'll give these easy Sugar Crinkle Cookies a try! Sometimes the simplest recipes turn out to be the most special, especially when they're made with someone you love in mind.

Whether you're baking for family, filling a cookie box, or making a little something for a friend, these soft, sweet cookies are sure to bring a smile.

Happy baking!

(Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?)

Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →