Introduction
There’s something truly special about a cookie that’s easy to make yet tastes like it came straight from a bakery. That’s exactly what you get with Cool Whip cookies! They’re light, soft, and melt in your mouth, all with just a few simple ingredients. If you love baking but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the perfect recipe for you.
I first discovered Cool Whip cookies years ago when my neighbor shared them at a holiday cookie exchange. I couldn’t believe they were made with cake mix and whipped topping! Since then, they’ve become my go-to for quick and delicious treats—especially when I need a dessert in a pinch.
Cool Whip cookies are one of the easiest and most delightful treats to bake. If you love simple and nostalgic desserts, check out this Vintage Cake Easy Guide for another classic recipe!
Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special and why you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
Table of Contents – Find Exactly What You’re Looking For!
What Are Cool Whip Cookies?
A Simple, Delightful Cookie Made with Cool Whip
Cool Whip cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with just four ingredients—Cool Whip, cake mix, an egg, and powdered sugar. Instead of butter or oil, Cool Whip adds the moisture, making these cookies incredibly light and airy.
The best part? They require zero fancy baking skills. Just mix, roll, and bake! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely turns on the oven, you can whip up a batch of these cookies with ease.
Why They’re a Favorite for Home Bakers
These cookies have stood the test of time because they’re:
✔ Quick and easy – Perfect for last-minute baking needs.
✔ Super soft and chewy – Thanks to the Cool Whip, they have an irresistible texture.
✔ Customizable – You can make them in any flavor just by changing the cake mix!
✔ Perfect for holidays or everyday treats – Great for gifting, parties, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
If you’ve never made cookies with Cool Whip before, you’re in for a real treat. Now, let’s look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients for Perfect Cool Whip Cookies
How Do You Make Cookies with Cool Whip?
Making Cool Whip cookies is as easy as mixing, rolling, and baking. You only need four simple ingredients to create these soft, pillowy treats.
✔ 1 box cake mix (any flavor you love) – This is the base of your cookies, so choose your favorite! Lemon, chocolate, and strawberry are all popular choices.
✔ 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed) – This replaces the butter or oil, giving the cookies a light and airy texture.
✔ 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
✔ ½ cup powdered sugar – For rolling the dough balls, which gives the cookies a slightly crisp, crackly exterior.
That’s it! No butter, no extra sugar, and no complicated steps. Just four simple ingredients to create a batch of homemade cookies in no time.
Can Cool Whip Be Used in Baking?
Absolutely! Cool Whip isn’t just for topping pies. It works wonderfully in baking because it adds moisture and fluffiness without weighing down the dough. The airiness of Cool Whip makes these cookies soft and tender instead of dense like traditional cookies.
If you’re wondering whether you can substitute regular whipped cream for Cool Whip, the answer is no. Cool Whip has stabilizers that help it hold its structure, whereas homemade whipped cream would break down and become too runny for this recipe. Stick with Cool Whip for the best results.
With your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking. Let’s move on to the simple step-by-step method to make these cookies absolutely perfect every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cool Whip Cookies
Mixing and Baking Your Cookies to Perfection
Making Cool Whip cookies is so simple, it almost feels like magic! In just a few steps, you’ll have soft, delicious cookies that everyone will love.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure your Cool Whip is thawed and your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg.
- Stir everything together until fully blended. The dough will be sticky—don’t worry, that’s normal!
💡 Tip: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
Step 3: Roll the Dough in Powdered Sugar
- Place ½ cup powdered sugar in a small bowl.
- Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion out dough.
- Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
💡 Tip: Lightly greasing your hands or using a spoon can help if the dough sticks.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly cracked on top.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Tip: The cookies will look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Are Cool Whip Cookies Soft or Hard?
Cool Whip cookies are soft and chewy, almost like little cake bites. The Cool Whip makes them light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you prefer crispier edges, bake them for an extra 2 minutes but be careful not to overbake.
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s talk about common baking problems and how to fix
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Are My Cool Whip Cookies Flat?
If your cookies spread too much and turn out flat, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix! Here are the most common reasons and how to prevent them:
✔ The dough was too warm – Cool Whip cookies have a sticky dough, so if it’s too warm, the cookies will spread too much. Fix: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
✔ Too much Cool Whip – Using extra Cool Whip can make the dough too soft. Fix: Stick to the exact 8-ounce measurement.
✔ Oven temperature is too low – A lower oven temperature can cause cookies to spread before setting. Fix: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F before baking.
✔ Not enough powdered sugar coating – Rolling the dough thoroughly in powdered sugar helps the cookies hold their shape. Fix: Make sure each ball is well coated before baking.
What Makes Bakery Cookies So Soft?
If you love those bakery-style, ultra-soft cookies, here are a few tips to achieve that texture at home:
✔ Use cake mix with pudding – Some cake mixes have pudding in the mix, which helps make cookies extra soft and moist.
✔ Don’t overbake – Cool Whip cookies should be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
✔ Add a teaspoon of cornstarch – This secret ingredient helps create a tender, bakery-style texture.
✔ Store cookies properly – Keeping them in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps them stay soft longer.
💡 Bonus Tip: Want a little crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft? Bake at 375°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for the remaining time.
Flavor Variations for Cool Whip Cookies
Fun Ways to Customize Your Cookies
One of the best things about Cool Whip cookies is how easily you can change the flavor just by using a different cake mix! Whether you love fruity, chocolatey, or spiced cookies, there’s a variation for you.
✔ Lemon Delight – Use lemon cake mix for a bright, citrusy cookie that tastes like sunshine. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings!
✔ Chocolate Lovers’ Dream – Try devil’s food or triple chocolate cake mix for a rich, fudgy treat. Add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
✔ Strawberry Shortcake – Use strawberry cake mix and add white chocolate chips for a cookie that tastes like berries and cream.
✔ Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Use red velvet cake mix and drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant dessert.
✔ Pumpkin Spice Magic – Try spice cake mix for a cozy fall-inspired cookie. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Best Flavor Combinations for Every Season
🌸 Spring & Summer: Lemon, strawberry, funfetti, or coconut cake mix for light and fruity flavors.
🍂 Fall: Spice cake, carrot cake, or butter pecan cake mix for warm, comforting flavors.
❄️ Winter & Holidays: Chocolate, red velvet, or peppermint cake mix for festive treats.
💡 Tip: Want to make them extra special? Roll the cookies in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a festive touch!
Now that you have some fun ways to switch up the flavors, let’s talk about how to store and freeze your cookies properly in Part 6: Storing and Freezing Cool Whip Cookies. Ready to continue?
Storing and Freezing Cool Whip Cookies
How Long Will Cool Whip Cookies Last?
Cool Whip cookies stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly. Here’s how to keep them tasting just as good as the day you baked them:
✔ Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft.
✔ Refrigerator: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
💡 Tip: Avoid stacking cookies directly on top of each other. If you need to, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Best Ways to Freeze and Reheat Them
Cool Whip cookies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead of time. Here’s how to store them for later:
✔ Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Let cookies cool completely.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes (this prevents sticking).
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
✔ Freezing Cookie Dough Balls:
- Roll the dough into balls but don’t coat them in powdered sugar yet.
- Place dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
✔ Reheating Cookies:
- If frozen, let cookies thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- To restore a freshly baked texture, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.
These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for meal planning and baking ahead. If you’re looking for a cozy pairing, try them with this Busy Day Soup Recipe for a comforting meal.
With these storage tips, you’ll always have fresh, delicious cookies on hand!
FAQs: Answering Key Questions
How Do You Make Cookies with Cool Whip?
Cool Whip cookies are incredibly easy to make! All you need is one box of cake mix, one tub of Cool Whip, one egg, and powdered sugar. Mix everything together, roll the dough in powdered sugar, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The result? Soft, crinkly cookies that melt in your mouth!
Are Cool Whip Cookies Soft or Hard?
Cool Whip cookies are soft and chewy, almost like little cake bites. The whipped topping keeps them light and airy, while the powdered sugar creates a delicate, slightly crisp exterior. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake them for an extra 1–2 minutes.
Can Cool Whip Be Used in Baking?
Yes! Cool Whip isn’t just for topping pies—it works great in baking, too. It adds moisture and fluffiness to cakes, cookies, and even no-bake desserts. Just keep in mind that Cool Whip is different from homemade whipped cream, as it has stabilizers that help maintain its texture.
Why Are My Cool Whip Cookies Flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, here’s why:
✔ Dough was too warm – Chill for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
✔ Too much Cool Whip – Stick to the 8-ounce measurement.
✔ Oven temperature too low – Always preheat to 350°F before baking.
✔ Not enough powdered sugar coating – Roll each ball generously to help them hold their shape.
Is Cool Whip Just Whipped Cream?
Not exactly. While both are light and fluffy, Cool Whip is a stabilized whipped topping that holds its shape longer and has a slightly sweeter taste. Unlike homemade whipped cream, which is made from heavy cream and sugar, Cool Whip contains ingredients that keep it from melting too quickly.
How Long Will Cool Whip Cookies Last?
Cool Whip cookies stay fresh for 3–5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. To keep them soft, store with a slice of bread inside the container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
What Makes Bakery Cookies So Soft?
✔ Using cake mix with pudding – Adds extra moisture.
✔ Cornstarch – Helps create a tender, bakery-style texture.
✔ Underbaking slightly – Pull cookies out when they look a little soft in the middle.
Now that we’ve answered the most common questions, let’s move on to Part 8: Serving Suggestions & Pairings! Ready to continue?
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
The Best Drinks to Enjoy with Cool Whip Cookies
Cool Whip cookies are light, soft, and just the right amount of sweet, making them perfect for pairing with a warm or refreshing drink. Here are some of the best beverages to enjoy with these cookies:
✔ Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies. Try pairing chocolate Cool Whip cookies with a dark roast or lemon cookies with a light, citrusy blend.
✔ Tea: Herbal or spiced teas like chamomile, earl grey, or chai bring out the flavors in different cookie variations.
✔ Milk: You can never go wrong with classic cookies and milk! A cold glass of milk is the perfect companion to these soft, crinkly treats.
✔ Hot Chocolate: For a cozy winter treat, dip your cookies into a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
Fun Ways to Serve Them for Special Occasions
✔ Cookie Platter for Parties: Arrange different flavors on a serving tray with fresh berries and mini marshmallows for a beautiful, festive display.
✔ Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
✔ Holiday Gifting: Stack cookies in a mason jar or wrap them in a decorative tin with a ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
✔ Dessert Charcuterie Board: Pair cookies with chocolate-covered pretzels, fruit, and a drizzle of caramel for a fun dessert spread.
💡 Tip: Warm cookies for 5 seconds in the microwave before serving for an extra soft, fresh-from-the-oven experience!
Cool Whip cookies make a fantastic addition to any dessert table. For another delicious cookie idea, try these Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Ganache—rich, chocolatey, and perfect with a cup of coffee!
Now that we’ve covered serving ideas, let’s move on to Part 9: Personal Baking Tips for Success! Shall we continue? 😊
PART 9: Personal Baking Tips for Success (250 words)
How to Get the Best Texture and Flavor Every Time
Baking Cool Whip cookies is simple, but a few extra tricks can take them from good to absolutely irresistible! Here are my personal tips for making sure every batch turns out perfectly:
✔ Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading.
✔ Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized cookies, use a small scoop or tablespoon.
✔ Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar for a crinkled look.
✔ Don’t Overbake: Take cookies out slightly underdone; they firm up while cooling.
✔ Cool on the Baking Sheet: Let cookies set for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
My Favorite Tips for Foolproof Cookies
✔ Try Mixing in Extras: Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for a fun twist.
✔ Experiment with Flavors: Switch up the cake mix flavors to create seasonal cookies for any occasion.
✔ Double the Recipe: These cookies disappear fast—make an extra batch and freeze half for later!
With these simple tips, your Cool Whip cookies will turn out perfect every time.
Conclusion
Why Cool Whip Cookies Are a Must-Try Treat
There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—and that’s exactly what Cool Whip cookies are. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of soft, crinkly, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect go-to treat. Plus, with so many flavor variations, you can switch them up to match the season or your mood! From lemony summer cookies to chocolatey holiday delights, there’s a Cool Whip cookie for every occasion.
Encouraging Home Bakers to Have Fun in the Kitchen
If you’ve never baked with Cool Whip before, now’s the time to give it a try! This recipe is foolproof, perfect for beginners, and a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. So grab a box of cake mix, a tub of Cool Whip, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for more.
I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do—happy baking!