Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat, but sometimes you want something quick and easy. That's where these Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies come in. They combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with the convenience of boxed cake mix for a simple yet delicious dessert.

These cookies are great for those days when you're short on time but still want something homemade. You only need a handful of ingredients, and they come together in minutes. The cake mix gives the cookies a soft texture that works really well with the peanut butter. 

These Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are my go-to when I want to bake something with my kids or when we need a quick dessert for a potluck. The best part about these cookies is how they combine that classic peanut butter flavor we all love with the soft, cake-like texture from the mix.

I've found that using a cookie scoop makes the process even quicker and ensures all the cookies are the same size. This is especially helpful when baking with kids - they love using the scoop and rolling the dough balls in sugar. Speaking of that sugar coating - it adds a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft inside of the cookie.

These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They're great for an after-school snack, a late-night treat, or even breakfast (I won't tell if you won't!). And if you manage to have any leftovers, they stay soft for days at room temperature. 

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Peanut Butter - Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid natural peanut butter as it can affect the consistency of the cookies.
• Butter - Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easier mixing. This helps it blend well with the other ingredients.
• Eggs - These bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Room temperature eggs mix in more easily.
• Yellow Cake Mix - This is the secret to making these cookies so quick and easy. It provides the dry ingredients and some extra flavor.
• Granulated Sugar - Used for rolling the cookies before baking. It gives them a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.

How To Make Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla (if using). Stir these ingredients together until they're well mixed.

Add the cake mix to the bowl about a quarter of the package at a time, stirring between each addition. The dough will get pretty thick as you go. If it gets too hard to stir, you can use your hands to mix in the last bit of cake mix. Just make sure all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated with the wet ones.

Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl. This is for coating the cookies.

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form balls of dough. I used a 2.5” cookie scoop. They should all be about the same size for even baking.

Roll each dough ball in the bowl of sugar to coat it. Place these sugar-coated balls on your prepared cookie sheet.

Here's where we get that classic peanut butter cookie look: use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie. This will flatten them slightly.

Bake the cookies on the middle rack of your oven. They usually take between 9 to 12 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're set and lightly golden.

Once they're out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then use a spatula to carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before enjoying.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: To make in advance, scoop the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies anytime!

Store: These peanut butter cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they're completely cool before storing to prevent condensation. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor and texture.

Freeze: Once your cake mix peanut butter cookies are completely cool, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It's a good idea to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Variations

• Add chocolate chips. Mix in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a classic peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Try crunchy peanut butter. Replace the creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture in your cookies.
• Use a different cake mix. Experiment with chocolate or white cake mix instead of yellow for a flavor twist.
• Add candies. Fold in 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips or chopped peanut butter cups for extra peanut butter flavor.

Why do I need to use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern?

This step isn't just for looks. Pressing the cookies with a fork helps flatten them, ensuring they bake evenly. It's also a classic peanut butter cookie tradition that helps people identify them at a glance.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It's best to stick with regular creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter often has a different consistency and oil content, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Using it might result in cookies that spread too much or have a greasier texture.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create the right consistency in your cookie dough.
• When adding the cake mix, do it gradually. This makes it easier to mix and ensures all ingredients are well combined.
• If the dough becomes too thick to stir, don't hesitate to use your hands to mix in the last bit of cake mix.
• A cookie scoop is helpful for making uniform cookies. This ensures they all bake evenly.
• Be careful not to overbake. The cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they'll continue to set as they cool.

You will love these easy peanut butter cookies made from cake mix. Also, try these Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies and Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Cookies.

These Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your cookie cravings. They're soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies that taste like they took much more effort than they did!