Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that hits all the right notes – rich, chocolatey, soft, and downright addictive – then you’re going to love this Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe. It’s like bringing the classic Texas sheet cake into cookie form, so you get all that decadent chocolate flavor and tender crumb in bite-sized goodness. Perfect for when you want something a little different from your usual cookie lineup or need a quick, show-stopping dessert to share.
I first tried these cookies when a friend brought some to a potluck, and honestly, I was hooked from the first bite. What makes the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe so special is how simple the ingredients are and how fast they come together, yet the end result tastes like you spent all afternoon baking. Plus, they’re super moist and topped with that luscious chocolate frosting, frosting-on-a-cookie kind of vibe that just makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is in the way everyday ingredients come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Shopping is a breeze because most pantry staples pull double duty here, and the cake mix keeps things foolproof and quick.
- Chocolate cake mix: Using a boxed mix gives these cookies their deep chocolate base while saving you time and effort – just pick your favorite brand.
- Eggs: They help bind everything and give the cookies their tender structure.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the cookies super moist without weighing them down.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for creaminess in the frosting without adding extra saltiness.
- Cocoa powder: Helps to enhance the chocolate flavor in the frosting, so it’s rich but balanced.
- Milk: Adds just the right touch of creaminess and thins the frosting to spreadable perfection.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash really brightens the chocolate notes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that silky texture you’ll love.
Variations
I love making this Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe my own sometimes – whether it’s tweaking the frosting or adding a sprinkle of something fun on top. Don’t be shy about customizing it to suit your taste or to fit the occasion.
- Nutty Add-ins: I once mixed chopped pecans into the dough for extra crunch, and it added a lovely contrast to the soft cookie texture.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough amps up the depth – great if you like a little kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to keep everyone happy at your gatherings.
- Frosting Variations: Try swapping vanilla extract for a hint of espresso or almond extract for a special twist.
How to Make Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — trust me, this prevents any sticky situations later on. In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until you get a thick, sticky dough with no dry bits. It’s tempting to keep stirring, but once it all comes together, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they can spread properly. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes – you’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t overbake because these cookies stay tender if you catch them just right!
Step 3: Make That Gorgeous Frosting
While your cookies are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and milk until silky smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar bit by bit until your frosting is glossy and spreadable. If it gets too thick, a splash more milk helps; too thin, toss in a little more powdered sugar. Finding that perfect balance makes all the difference.
Step 4: Frost the Cookies While Warm
Right after you pull the cookies from the oven, let them sit on the sheet for 2-3 minutes. While they’re still warm and soft, spoon about a tablespoon of frosting onto each cookie and gently spread it toward the edges. This warm frosting trick means it melts just enough to spread easily, then sets up beautifully as the cookies cool on a wire rack.
How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with just the frosting, but once in a while, I’ll sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. The salt scorches the sweetness in the most delicious way. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty touch if you’re serving these at a party.
Side Dishes
Since these cookies are rich, I like pairing them with something light like a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee. For a fun twist at get-togethers, you can serve them alongside simple vanilla ice cream or even a fresh fruit salad to balance things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special celebrations, I arrange these Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe cookies on a tiered cake stand or stack them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or mint leaves for a pop of color. Another fun idea is to drizzle extra melted chocolate or caramel over the top to dress them up for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature layered with wax paper to keep the frosting perfect and prevent sticking. They stay soft and delicious for about 3 days this way, which is great if you’re planning on indulging slowly or bringing some to work or school.
Freezing
One of my favorite hacks is to freeze the baked but unfrosted cookies. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. That way, they last up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I just thaw them at room temperature and frost fresh – the frosting always looks and tastes better when made just before serving.
Reheating
If you want that freshly-baked warmth, pop a frosted cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the frosting slightly and makes the cookie feel like it just came out of the oven. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might get too melty!
FAQs
-
Can I make this Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Make sure to choose a dairy-free cake mix and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the frosting. The texture and flavor stay just as delicious.
-
Why are my Texas Sheet Cake Cookies flat?
Given the dough uses cake mix and oil, these cookies naturally spread a bit while baking to achieve that soft, cake-like texture. To avoid too much spreading, make sure your dough is well chilled before baking and don’t over-oil your baking sheet. Also, spacing cookies properly helps keep them from merging together.
-
Can I use homemade cake mix for this recipe?
You can, but it might change the texture slightly since boxed cake mixes are formulated for consistency. If you go homemade, try to keep the dry and wet ingredient ratio similar and watch the baking time closely. The cookie dough might be less sticky, which can affect how the cookies bake and spread.
-
How do I prevent the frosting from hardening too fast?
If your frosting thickens quickly, gently rewarm it over low heat while stirring constantly. Adding a small splash of milk also helps keep it spreadable longer. Applying it to warm cookies helps it melt just enough to stay soft as it cools.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want comfort food that’s both simple and impressive. I love that it takes classic flavors and delivers them in a cookie that’s soft, chocolatey, and perfectly frosted. If you try it, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it brings you lots of moments of sweetness shared with friends and family!
Print
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Sheet Cake Cookies recipe transforms the classic rich and fudgy flavors of Texas sheet cake into soft, chewy cookies topped with luscious chocolate frosting. Made with a chocolate cake mix base and a smooth cocoa frosting, these cookies are quick to prepare, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (13.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms and no dry pockets of cake mix remain. The dough will be sticky.
- Portion Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers might still look slightly soft. Do not overbake them, as they will firm up while cooling.
- Make Frosting: While the cookies are baking, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Finish Frosting: Stir the vanilla extract and powdered sugar into the chocolate mixture. Whisk vigorously until the frosting is smooth and glossy. If it seems too thick, add another splash of milk; if it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Frost Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes after removing them from the oven. While they are still warm, spoon about a tablespoon of the warm frosting onto the center of each cookie, gently spreading it toward the edges.
- Cool and Set: Transfer the frosted cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The frosting will set and harden slightly as it cools. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to protect the frosting.
- Make Ahead: Bake cookies up to 24 hours in advance and frost the day of serving for best texture and appearance.
- Freezing: Freeze baked unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost fresh before serving.
- Do not overbake or the cookies will lose their soft cake-like texture.
- Frosting the cookies while warm helps the icing spread smoothly and set properly.
- If frosting thickens too quickly, gently rewarm it over low heat.
- Using a cookie scoop helps cookies bake evenly.
Keywords: Texas sheet cake cookies, chocolate cake mix cookies, soft chocolate cookies, chocolate frosted cookies, easy chocolate cookies, quick cookie recipe
