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Cool Whip cookies are a simple and delicious dessert made with cake mix, Cool Whip, and eggs. These cookies are light, airy, and have a slightly chewy texture that makes them irresistible. The best part? You only need three to four ingredients and minimal prep time!
These cookies are perfect for last-minute baking, family gatherings, or just satisfying your sweet tooth without much effort. With endless flavor possibilities, you can customize them to match any occasion or craving.
Ingredients & Variations
One of the best things about Cool Whip cookies is how simple they are to make. You only need a few basic ingredients, and you can easily customize them with different flavors and mix-ins.
Essential Ingredients
To make classic Cool Whip cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 tub (8 oz) of Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
That’s it! These four ingredients create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with minimal effort.
Flavor Variations
The type of cake mix you use determines the flavor of your cookies. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Classic Flavors
- Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies – Use devil’s food cake mix for a rich chocolatey taste.
- Vanilla Cool Whip Cookies – Use French vanilla cake mix for a soft, buttery flavor.
- Lemon Cool Whip Cookies – Use lemon cake mix for a bright, citrusy treat.
Creative Flavors
- Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies – Made with strawberry cake mix, these are fruity and colorful.
- Red Velvet Cool Whip Cookies – Use red velvet cake mix for a soft, festive cookie.
- Funfetti Cool Whip Cookies – Use Funfetti cake mix to create a fun, colorful batch.
Mix-In Ideas
Want to add more texture or flavor? Try these mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips – Works great with chocolate or vanilla cookies.
- White chocolate chips – Perfect for red velvet or lemon cookies.
- Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture.
- Sprinkles – Adds a fun, colorful touch for birthdays or holidays.
Dietary Adaptations
You can make Cool Whip cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure to verify that every ingredient is completely free from gluten. Double-check labels for any hidden sources, and when in doubt, opt for certified gluten-free products to ensure safety.
For a lower sugar version, use a sugar-free cake mix and a light version of Cool Whip.
These ingredient options make it easy to create endless variations of Cool Whip cookies! Want to move on to the step-by-step recipe? 😊
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cool Whip Cookies
Now that you know the ingredients and variations, let’s go through the simple steps to make these soft and chewy Cool Whip cookies.
Ingredients:
✅ 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
✅ 1 tub (8 oz) of Cool Whip (thawed)
✅ 1 egg
✅ ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg.
- Use a spoon or electric mixer to combine everything until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- The dough will be very soft and sticky—that’s normal!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of dough.
- Roll each scoop into a ball (it doesn’t have to be perfect).
- Drop the dough ball into the powdered sugar and roll it around until fully coated.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking.
Tip: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and have slight cracks on the surface.
- The cookies may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your light, fluffy, and delicious Cool Whip cookies!
Extra Tips for Success
✔ Don’t overbake! Cool Whip cookies should be soft and slightly chewy.
✔ Refrigerate the dough for easier rolling.
✔ Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
Baking Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cool Whip Cookies
Making Cool Whip cookies is easy, but a few expert tips can help you get the best texture, flavor, and appearance every time.
1. How to Handle Sticky Dough
Cool Whip cookie dough is softer and stickier than regular cookie dough, but these tricks will make it easier to handle:
✔ Chill the dough – Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.
✔ Use a cookie scoop – This prevents the dough from sticking to your hands.
✔ Grease your hands – Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray before rolling the dough.
2. Getting the Perfect Crinkle Look
One of the signature features of Cool Whip cookies is their crackly, crinkle-top appearance. Here’s how to get it just right:
✔ Roll generously in powdered sugar – A thick coating ensures a dramatic crinkle effect.
✔ Double roll the cookies – Roll once in powdered sugar, let them sit for a minute, then roll again before baking.
✔ Don’t flatten the dough balls – Let them puff up naturally in the oven.
3. Baking Time & Temperature Matters
✔ Bake at 350°F (175°C) – This is the ideal temperature for soft and chewy cookies.
✔ Don’t overbake! – The cookies should appear slightly soft and underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
✔ Use a light-colored baking sheet – Dark pans can cause the bottoms to burn.
4. Storing Cool Whip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and soft:
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
✔ Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
✔ Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Tip: Place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to keep them soft!
5. Can You Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! If you want to prepare the dough in advance:
✔ Refrigerate the dough – Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Freeze the dough – Scoop into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage & Serving Suggestions for Cool Whip Cookies
Now that your Cool Whip cookies are baked to perfection, let’s talk about how to store them properly and some fun ways to serve them!
How to Store Cool Whip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, soft, and delicious, follow these storage tips:
1. At Room Temperature
✔ Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
✔ If stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. In the Refrigerator
✔ Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
✔ Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Freezing Cool Whip Cookies
Cool Whip cookies freeze well! Here’s how to store them for later:
✔ Freeze baked cookies – Place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Freeze unbaked dough – Scoop the dough into balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.
✔ Bake from frozen – Add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time when baking frozen dough balls.
Fun Ways to Serve Cool Whip Cookies
Cool Whip cookies are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special with these serving ideas:
🍦 1. Make Ice Cream Sandwiches
✔ Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.
✔ Roll the edges in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts.
✔ Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.
🍫 2. Drizzle with Chocolate
✔ Melt white, dark, or milk chocolate and drizzle over the cookies.
✔ Let the chocolate harden before serving.
🎂 3. Turn Them into Whoopie Pies
✔ Spread a layer of whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, or frosting between two cookies.
☕ 4. Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
✔ These soft cookies are perfect for dipping into coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!
Perfect for Any Occasion!
Cool Whip cookies are great for:
🎉 Birthday parties – Use Funfetti cake mix for colorful cookies.
🎄 Holidays – Try red velvet for Christmas or lemon for springtime.
🎃 Halloween – Use chocolate cake mix and roll cookies in orange-colored powdered sugar.
💖 Valentine’s Day – Strawberry or red velvet Cool Whip cookies are a hit!
FAQs: Common Questions About Cool Whip Cookies
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cool Whip cookies, along with expert answers to help you troubleshoot and perfect your recipe.
1. Why is my Cool Whip cookie dough so sticky?
Cool Whip cookie dough is naturally very soft and sticky because of the Cool Whip. To make it easier to handle:
✔ Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
✔ Use a cookie scoop to avoid touching the dough too much.
✔ Grease your hands lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
It’s not recommended. Cool Whip is more stable than homemade whipped cream, which has more moisture and can affect the texture of the cookies. Stick with store-bought Cool Whip for the best results.
3. Do I need to refrigerate Cool Whip cookies after baking?
No, Cool Whip cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid area, refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.
4. Can I use any cake mix brand?
Yes! Any standard 15.25 oz cake mix will work, including brands like Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, or Pillsbury. If using a gluten-free cake mix, check for any extra ingredients needed.
5. My cookies didn’t crinkle—what went wrong?
To get the best crinkle effect:
✔ Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar.
✔ Double roll them for extra coverage.
✔ Don’t flatten the dough balls before baking—let them spread naturally.
6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Cool Whip cookies are great for prepping ahead:
✔ Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them later—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Cool Whip cookies are the ultimate easy, soft, and chewy treat that anyone can make! With just four simple ingredients, you can create a delicious batch of cookies in no time. Whether you prefer chocolate, lemon, strawberry, or red velvet, this recipe is endlessly customizable.
By following the tips and tricks shared in this guide, you’ll achieve perfect crinkle-top cookies every time. Remember to:
✔ Chill the dough if it’s too sticky.
✔ Roll generously in powdered sugar for the best crinkle effect.
✔ Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday celebrations. Plus, they store and freeze well, making them great for meal prep or last-minute desserts.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to start baking! Grab your favorite cake mix, a tub of Cool Whip, and get ready to enjoy some delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. 🍪💖