Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Recipe

by Jessica Selensky on September 5, 2026 0 comments

These Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies are made with cream cheese, cake mix and just a few other ingredients. The texture is soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges. When biting into the cookie, the flavor is rich and decadent, full of chocolate flavor without feeling heavy.

Close up shot of a chocolate cake mix cookie made with cream cheese that is topped with powdered sugar.

From the texture to the flavor, these cookies are absolute perfection and a box of cake mix is the secret ingredient!

If you love chocolate like myself, you will love my recipes for the Best Frosted Chocolate Cookies, Fudge Brownie Cookies (made with coffee!) and Chewy Chocolate Caramel Cookies with Pretzels.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Here are some tips as well as ingredient notes to help make this recipe at home. Scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients and their measurements.

Chocolate Cake Mix – Any brand of chocolate cake mix will work for this recipe. However, make sure it is about 15 oz.
Plain Cream Cheese – This should be in the block form and softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Adds great depth of flavor to the cookies. However, you could also use vanilla paste if that’s what you have on hand. And if you don’t have either, omit it completely, the cookies will still be delicious!
Egg – Use a large-sized egg for this recipe.
Salted Butter – You can also use unsalted butter. However, add a pinch of salt to strengthen the chocolate flavor. Either way, make sure the butter is softened so that it can easily be mixed.

Ingredients measured out in bowls to make the chocolate cake mix and cream cheese cookies.

Why You’ll LOVE These Cookies

I didn’t think I was going to love these cookies as much as I do. When you think of using cake mix to make cookies, it seems like a shortcut. But really you are creating a cookie that you have never had before!

Flavor – Rich, decadent and full of chocolate flavor without feeling heavy.
Texture – Soft and light with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Method – Just 5 simple ingredients are you are ready to make these cookies! Simple and easy-to-make batter in one bowl that requires no chilling time.

How to Make Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese

The full-detailed instructions are written in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed when following the directions.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
Make the batter
Scoop the cookies
Bake and let the cookies cool
Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract and an egg in a mixing bowl. — Add the softened butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla and egg to a. mixing bowl

Butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract and an egg mixed together in a mixing bowl. — Add the softened butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla and egg to a. mixing bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

What does cream cheese do for cookies?

They add moisture and lightness to these cookies, creating a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles and more. However, be careful to not use any mix-ins that would add liquid or moisture to the cookies as that would affect the final result.

How can I store leftover cookies?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before eating. You can also warm the cookies in 5 second increments if you prefer to eat them warm.