How to Make Cool Whip Cookies Recipe in 20 Minutes

Sometimes the best desserts don’t come from hours in the kitchen or complicated ingredient lists. They come from quick, clever recipes that taste like they took much more effort than they really did. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Cool Whip Cookies Recipe—a sweet treat that takes just four ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

These cookies are a baker’s dream: soft, chewy, a little bit fluffy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you want a refreshing lemon cookie for summer, a red velvet treat for the holidays, or a chocolate fix for a late-night craving, this recipe has you covered.

If recipes like Cake Mix Pancakes or our easy Cinnamon Rolls have won you over, these cookies will quickly become your next favorite.

A Sweet Story: The Origins of Cool Whip Cookies

Every recipe tells a story, and Cool Whip Cookies are no exception. My introduction to these cookies came through my grandmother, who had a box of handwritten recipe cards that she treasured. Among them was a simple note titled “Lemon Whippersnappers.”

The recipe called for just a few pantry staples and, of course, a tub of Cool Whip. She told me it was given to her at a church gathering back in the 1970s, and since then it became a family favorite. What made the cookies special wasn’t just their taste—it was the memory of baking them together, dusting our hands in powdered sugar, and waiting eagerly by the oven door.

Over time, I’ve tested many versions of this recipe. Chocolate, red velvet, funfetti—you name it. But each variation still carries a bit of that original charm: homemade goodness without the fuss.

The 4 Magical Ingredients for Cool Whip Cookies

Part of what makes this easy cookie recipe irresistible is its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items—just these four key players:

1. Cake Mix – This is the base that provides structure and flavor. Popular choices include lemon, chocolate fudge, red velvet, and vanilla. For fall, try carrot cake mix; for something nutty, butter pecan works beautifully.
2. Cool Whip (Whipped Topping) – Use the frozen Cool Whip brand topping, thawed in the fridge. Avoid homemade whipped cream—it doesn’t have the same texture or stability to hold the dough together. Learn more about Cool Whip products on the official Kraft Heinz website.
3. 1 Large Egg – Don’t skip on size here. A large egg adds the right amount of moisture and binds the mix perfectly.
4. Powdered Sugar – The finishing touch. Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates a delicate crackled effect and just the right amount of sweetness.

How to Make Cool Whip Cookies in 4 Easy Steps

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: you can break it down into just four foolproof steps.

• Mix the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg. Stir until smooth. Don’t be alarmed if the dough feels sticky—that’s exactly how it should be.
• Shape into Balls – Scoop portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.

• Arrange on a Baking Sheet – Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave space between them so they can expand.

Pro Tip: A silicone mat ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

• Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The cookies will puff up, form a beautiful crinkle top, and have a soft center. Remove from the oven and let them cool before transferring.

Personalize Your Cool Whip Cookies: Fun Variations

One of the reasons these cake mix cookies have stood the test of time is their versatility. You can transform the recipe to suit any mood or occasion. Here are a few favorite variations:

• Birthday Bash – Use Funfetti cake mix for colorful, sprinkle-filled cookies that kids love.
• Chocolate Lovers – Try Devil’s Food Cake mix and stir in mini chocolate chips for double the chocolate goodness.
• Nutty Crunch – Butter Pecan cake mix with chopped pecans gives a crunchy, toasty flavor.
• Holiday Spirit – Red velvet cookies rolled in powdered sugar look festive and pair beautifully with cream cheese frosting.
• Citrus Freshness – Lemon cake mix creates a tangy, refreshing cookie perfect for spring.

For more quick desserts, try our 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies—another fan-favorite recipe with minimal effort.

How to Store Cool Whip Cookies

Fresh cookies are heavenly, but these store surprisingly well if you know the tricks.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Avoid Refrigeration: While it may be tempting, refrigeration tends to dry them out. The only exception is lemon cookies, which some bakers prefer chilled.

Cool Whip Cookies Recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 box (15–16 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg until sticky dough forms.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat with powdered sugar, and place on baking sheet.
4. Bake 10–12 minutes until cookies crackle and puff up. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition (per cookie, approx.): 95 calories, 3g fat, 15g carbs, 1g protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Cool Whip Cookies without cake mix?
The cake mix is essential for the texture and structure, but you can experiment with homemade dry cake mix substitutes if needed.

2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Not recommended. Homemade whipped cream doesn’t have the same consistency and will cause the dough to be runny.

3. Why is my dough so sticky?
Sticky dough is completely normal in this recipe! Just chill it for 15 minutes or use nonstick spray on your hands when rolling.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The tops should be cracked, and the cookies should look set but still soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients. Bake in batches to avoid overcrowding your baking sheet.

Connect & Share Your Baking Experience

Food brings people together, and these cookies are meant to be shared. Try this recipe, and let us know how yours turned out! Did you add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts? Share your favorite variation in the comments below.

For more easy dessert inspiration, explore our recipes like Batard Bread Recipe or the soft and chewy Cast Iron Skillet Cookie. Both are fantastic if you love simple, no-fuss baking.