Ingredients

• 1 Lemon Cake Mix (15.25 ounces)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup of funfetti (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your cookie sheets by either lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs with the vegetable oil or melted butter. Gradually add the lemon cake mix, stirring until everything is well combined. This will be the base for your cookies!

3. Add Coconut and Funfetti

   Gently fold in the shredded coconut and funfetti (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavor!

4. Shape the Cookies

   Roll the cookie dough into small balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Aim for cookies about one inch in diameter for evenly-sized treats.

5. Bake

   Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

6. Cool

   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Why Make This Recipe for Doctored Cake Mix Cookies?

1. Quick and easy mixing process.
2. A multitude of cake mix flavors to choose from.
3. Every baking session can result in new, exciting cookie varieties.
4. Mix in flavors and knead in different ingredients using just basic white or yellow cake mixes.
5. Keep some cake mixes stocked in your pantry for quick and delightful cookie desserts.

Other Mix-In Suggestions

• Peanut butter chips
• Mint chocolate chips
• Butterscotch or toffee chips, lemon chips
• Sunflower seeds, chopped pretzels, or cereals as nut substitutes
• Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins
• For festive occasions, add chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips
• Chunks of white, milk, or dark chocolate
• Chopped candy bars or mint-filled chocolate candies
• Chopped unwrapped caramels, pistachios, macadamia nuts, or coconut
• Use pumpkin seeds for nut allergies
• Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain or frosted
• Add coconut and chocolate chips for a decadent twist
• For Chocolate Cake Mix Combinations:
• Combine coconut with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries
• Add a teaspoon of anisette extract with dark chocolate chips.
• Mix in a bit of cinnamon and allspice, and top with chocolate icing and pistachios.

Tips for Making Doctored Cake Mix Cookies

• Shape cookies into balls by hand using minimal flour or with a cookie scoop for uniformity.
• Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with extracts (1 teaspoon) mixed with assorted nuts or dried fruits.
• Consider tinting the cookie dough with food coloring for a colorful touch.
• Ensure cookies are completely cool before applying frostings.
• Don’t be shy! Spice things up with more aromatic spices in your dough.
• Use a lined cookie sheet or a silpat mat to simplify cleanup.
• Before baking, roll cookies in granulated sugar for a sweet coating.
• Mix some cinnamon into your frosting to enhance the flavor.
• Feel free to get creative with ingredients when using different flavored cake mixes, adding nuts, chocolate, sprinkles, or dried fruits.
• Freeze un-frosted cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost as per your liking!
• You can create a well in the cookie center to add a spoonful of peanut butter, chocolate chips, or your favorite jelly.