4th of July Cake Mix Cookies

I made these festive red, white, and blue cookies entirely from a box mix—just 4 ingredients for the dough, dipped in melting chocolate and topped with sprinkles. They come together in under 10 minutes and bake in 8–10, making them perfect for last-minute celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this recipe transforms a simple cake mix into colorful holiday treats. It’s fuss-free, kid-friendly, and the vibrant chocolate coating makes them party-worthy. Plus, they’re moist, sweet, and delightful with milk.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Box of vanilla or white cake mix

• Eggs

• Vegetable oil

• Vanilla extract

• Red melting chocolate

• White melting chocolate

• Blue melting chocolate

• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

directions

1. In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.

2. Chill dough for 20 minutes for easier handling.

3. Scoop 1–1½″ balls onto parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350 °F for 8–10 minutes; don’t overbake.

4. Cool completely, then dip each cookie halfway into melted colored chocolates.

5. Immediately add patriotic sprinkles before chocolate sets.

6. Let cookies firm up, then serve with a cold glass of milk.

Servings and timing

• Serves: About 22 cookies

• Prep time: 10 minutes + 20 min chill

• Cook time: 8–10 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 38 minutes

Variations

• Skip the chocolate dip and mix sprinkles or candy (like red/blue M&Ms) directly into dough.

• Swap cake mix flavor—chocolate or red velvet work, but vanilla really makes the colors pop.

• Use different melting chocolate colors to match holidays or themes.

storage/reheating

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.

• I freeze baked cookies or dough balls—dough lasts up to 6 months, cookies for one week in the fridge.

• No reheating needed—serve at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cake mix cookies?

Yes! I freeze either the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies. I use an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw baked cookies before serving.

Can I use a chocolate or red velvet cake mix?

Absolutely—many cake mix flavors work. I prefer vanilla or white cake so the red, white, and blue decorations stand out best.

Is chilling dough necessary?

Chilling helps make the dough easier to scoop and bake. I sometimes skip it, but handling may be a bit stickier.

What sprinkles can I use?

Red, white, and blue jimmies, nonpareils, mini stars—pretty much any festive sprinkles add charm. I even mix in tiny candy pieces.

How do I prevent over-baking?

Cookies are ready when edges set and centers look soft. I remove them at 8 minutes and allow carryover baking on the sheet if needed. Over-baking causes dry cookies.

Conclusion

I adore this recipe for its speed, simplicity, and cheerful colors. It’s ideal for a patriotic spread, BBQ, or potluck—the kind of recipe that both kids and adults enjoy. Plus, I can customize colors and mix-ins for any theme. Totally a go-to when I need festive, no-stress treats!