These Grandma’s Soft Apple Pie Cake Mix Cookies are tender, chewy, and filled with warm apple pie flavor in every bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a convenient cake mix base, they come together quickly while delivering that nostalgic, homemade taste. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday trays, or an everyday sweet treat, these cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a soft, bakery-style texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Soft, chewy texture with warm apple pie flavor
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings
• Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly recipe
• Uses a cake mix for consistent, foolproof results
• Smells amazing while baking

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup finely diced apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a thick dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the finely diced apples and brown sugar until evenly distributed.
5. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
6. Scoop out 1½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
7. Roll each ball lightly in powdered sugar if desired.
8. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 20–30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar mixture into the dough for extra spice flavor.

Apple Walnut Cookies
Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Caramel Apple Cookies
Mix in 1/3 cup soft caramel bits for a rich caramel twist.

Spiced Apple Raisin Cookies
Add 1/3 cup raisins and an extra pinch of cinnamon for a classic apple-raisin combination.

Glazed Apple Cookies
Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh apples, refrigeration is recommended if keeping longer than 2 days. Refrigerated cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing
Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating
Warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to restore softness and enhance the apple pie aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, spice cake mix or white cake mix both work well and slightly change the flavor profile.

What type of apple works best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their texture well during baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer.

Why are my cookies too cakey?

This recipe naturally produces soft, cake-like cookies. Avoid overmixing to maintain the ideal texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes helps control spreading.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, just ensure your cake mix is dairy-free and skip any optional glaze made with milk.

Can I add oats to the recipe?

You can mix in 1/2 cup quick oats for a heartier texture.

Why are my cookies too moist?

The apples release moisture while baking. Make sure they are finely diced and not overly juicy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients. Bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Soft Apple Pie Cake Mix Cookies bring together the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie with the simplicity of a cake mix recipe. Soft, warmly spiced, and filled with tender apple pieces, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time.

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