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.
