Light, pillowy, and joyfully simple, Cool Whip Cookies are the kind of homemade treat that manage to charm everyone—from seasoned bakers hunting for something new to kids just starting out in the kitchen. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll transform a box of cake mix and a tub of Cool Whip into dazzling little crinkle cookies, perfect for sharing at potlucks or as a last-minute sweet fix. These cookies emerge from the oven with chewy edges, soft centers, and a snowy, powdered sugar coating that makes them look as festive as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cool Whip Cookies:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor – chocolate, lemon, strawberry, etc.)
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Cool Whip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your tools ready means you won’t have to scramble once your dough comes together.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your chosen cake mix, the thawed Cool Whip, and the egg. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together. The dough will look thick and sticky—that’s what you want! If you have extra time, chilling the dough for about 15 to 20 minutes will make rolling much easier.
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a cookie scoop works wonders) and use your hands to roll each one into a ball. Next, drop each dough ball into a shallow bowl of powdered sugar, turning to coat it generously until it’s cloaked in white. This not only adds charm but also helps keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sugar-dusted dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops have that delightful crinkled look. Don’t overbake—you want the middles to stay super soft!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll firm up a bit), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This short wait is the hardest part, but it makes all the difference in achieving the perfect texture.
How to Serve Cool Whip Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Cool Whip Cookies even more, try a sprinkle of colored sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of extra powdered sugar once they’re cool. For parties, adding edible glitter or festive sprinkles gives them a playful touch that matches any occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cool Whip Cookies alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re hosting guests, a platter of these cookies with fresh fruit and a pot of coffee feels instantly warm and welcoming.
Creative Ways to Present
Cool Whip Cookies stack beautifully in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift, or you can layer them on a dessert stand for an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. Another fun idea: sandwich two cookies with a bit of buttercream or jam for a soft, colorful cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a smart choice for busy weeks or bake-ahead party platters.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer between sheets of wax paper in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months; just let them thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
While Cool Whip Cookies don’t require reheating, if you love a just-baked taste, pop a couple into a microwave for 7 to 10 seconds. This will restore a little of that fresh-from-the-oven softness and heighten their aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake mix or does it have to be store-bought?
You can absolutely use a homemade cake mix if you prefer or need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just be sure it contains enough sugar, leavening, and flour to mimic a typical boxed cake mix for best results.
What flavors work best for Cool Whip Cookies?
Almost any cake mix flavor works beautifully. Chocolate and lemon are classic choices, but red velvet, spice cake, or funfetti provide fun twists. Try your favorite and experiment to discover new combinations!
Why should I chill the dough before rolling?
Chilling helps firm up the sticky dough, making it infinitely easier to roll into balls and coat with powdered sugar. It also helps the cookies hold their shape a bit better as they bake.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can seek out a non-dairy whipped topping to substitute for Cool Whip and make sure your cake mix is dairy-free. The results will be very similar—just check all labels!
My Cool Whip Cookies didn’t spread much. What went wrong?
If your cookies stayed too round, it might be that the dough was chilled for a bit too long, or your oven runs a little cool. They’ll still be tasty, but you can flatten the dough balls very slightly with your palm before baking next time for a classic crinkle shape.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Cool Whip Cookies yet, you’re in for a treat that’s seriously easy and endlessly delightful. With just a few pantry staples, you can create soft, crinkly cookies that always get rave reviews—give them a try and watch them disappear!
