Some recipes stay in families for generations, passed down with love and a little bit of mystery. This chocolate chip cookie recipe is one of those! It’s been a family favorite for years, making over four dozen cookies, which is perfect for big gatherings or just keeping the cookie jar full for a while (if they last that long!).
While most cookie recipes allow for experimentation, this one is nearly perfect as-is. But if you love tweaking recipes, remember this tip: More brown sugar = chewier cookies. Less brown sugar makes them crispier.
The real secret ingredient in this recipe? Yellow cake mix! It gives the cookies a softer texture and a slight cake-like consistency, making them extra special.
So, let’s jump in and make some deliciously rich, chocolatey cookies that will disappear in no time.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible cookies, you’ll need:
- 4 cups (1-ounce squares) unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups yellow cake mix (any favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If your oven heats unevenly, consider using double baking sheets to prevent over-browning on the bottom.
2️⃣ Melt the Chocolate & Butter
- In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together until smooth.
- Stir well and let it cool slightly.
3️⃣ Sift the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the:
Cake mix Flour Baking soda Baking powder Salt - Set this aside.
4️⃣ Beat the Sugar & Eggs
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the: White sugar Brown sugar Eggs Vanilla extract
5️⃣ Combine Chocolate & Egg Mixture
- Slowly stir the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugar mixture.
- Mix well until everything is blended.
6️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients & Sour Cream
- Gradually mix in the sifted dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream.
- Stir until combined and smooth.
7️⃣ Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Add the semisweet chocolate chips and gently fold them in.
8️⃣ Scoop & Shape the Cookies
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the edges start turning dark brown.
- For smaller cookies, reduce the baking time.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use Cake Mix for Extra Softness
- The yellow cake mix adds moisture and structure, making these cookies thicker and softer than traditional ones.
Control the Chewiness
- More brown sugar = chewier cookies
- Less brown sugar = crispier cookies
Avoid Burnt Bottoms
- If your oven heats from the bottom, consider using double baking sheets. This prevents over-browning and keeps cookies evenly cooked.
Let the Dough Rest (Optional but Recommended!)
- If you have time, let the cookie dough chill for 30 minutes before baking.
- This helps the flavors deepen and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Experiment with Chocolate Chips
- Try using milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- You can also mix in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even caramel bits for variety!
Enjoy Your Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!
These cookies are perfect for any occasion family gatherings, bake sales, holiday celebrations, or just an after-dinner treat.
The combination of buttery, chocolate-rich dough and the unique addition of cake mix makes them irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Warning: These cookies disappear fast! If you’re baking for a crowd, you may want to double the batch.
