These bright and colorful Fruity Pebbles cake mix cookies are quick, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion. With the sweet taste of vanilla and crunch from the cereal, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Fruity Pebbles Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the ease of cake mix with the fun, colorful crunch of Fruity Pebbles cereal. They're perfect for bake sales, birthday parties, or anytime you need a quick, cheerful dessert. With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these vibrant cookies ready in under 30 minutes. The soft, chewy texture paired with the crunch of cereal creates a uniquely satisfying cookie experience that appeals to both children and adults. Plus, they're endlessly customizable with different cake mixes or add-ins!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
White cake mix forms the perfect base for these cookies, providing structure and a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the fruity cereal. It's the secret to making these cookies so quick and easy to prepare.
Vegetable oil adds necessary moisture and helps create that soft, chewy texture we all love in a good cookie. It blends seamlessly with the other ingredients without adding any competing flavors.
Eggs act as the binding agent in this recipe, holding everything together while adding richness. They help create that perfect cookie texture that's slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Fruity Pebbles cereal is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature colorful appearance and fruity flavor. The cereal stays slightly crunchy even after baking, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft cookie base.
Sprinkles are optional but add even more color and fun to these already festive cookies. You can use any type of sprinkles you have on hand, or skip them entirely if you prefer to let the Fruity Pebbles shine on their own.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the Fruity Pebbles cereal and sprinkles, if using, until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 18 cookies. The preparation takes just 10 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of baking time, for a total time of 20 minutes from start to finish. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, making them a reasonable treat for occasional indulgence.
Variations
Different Cake Mix Flavors: Try using funfetti, yellow, or even chocolate cake mix for a different base flavor.
Cereal Swap: Substitute Cocoa Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Lucky Charms for a different flavor profile.
White Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate for an extra sweet touch.
Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor.
Holiday Themes: Use seasonal sprinkles and coordinating colors of cake mix for holidays throughout the year.
Birthday Cake Version: Add ¼ cup of rainbow jimmies to the batter along with the cereal for a birthday cake flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Counter Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft.
Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Thawing: Simply leave frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes to thaw.
Cookie Dough Storage: If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Refreshing Stale Cookies: If your cookies begin to harden, place a piece of bread in the container overnight to help soften them, or warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! While white cake mix works perfectly with the colorful Fruity Pebbles, you can experiment with vanilla, yellow, or even strawberry cake mix for different flavor combinations.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Over-spreading typically happens if the dough is too warm or there's too much oil. Try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking or adding an extra tablespoon of cake mix to thicken the dough.
Can I make these cookies larger?
Absolutely! For larger cookies, use a 2-tablespoon scoop and increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes, watching carefully for golden edges.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underdone, but they'll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted and cooled butter for the vegetable oil. This will give the cookies a slightly richer flavor, though the texture may be a bit different.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
While not absolutely necessary, parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. If you don't have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure your Fruity Pebbles are gluten-free (most versions are, but always check the packaging to be sure).
Can I add other mix-ins besides Fruity Pebbles?
Definitely! White chocolate chips, dried fruit bits, or even small marshmallows work well in this recipe. Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about ¾ cup.
Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit for dry cookies. Remember that they continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. Also, make sure you're measuring the oil accurately.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Conclusion
These Fruity Pebbles Cake Mix Cookies are more than just a treat—they're a simple way to bring color, fun, and nostalgia to your dessert table. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these cookies require minimal effort but deliver maximum enjoyment. Their vibrant appearance makes them ideal for parties and celebrations, while their quick preparation time means you can whip them up whenever a craving strikes. The combination of soft cookie base with crunchy cereal pieces creates a delightful textural experience that keeps people reaching for "just one more." Whether you're baking with kids or just looking for a cheerful treat to brighten your day, these Fruity Pebbles cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Fruity Pebbles Cake Mix Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bright and colorful Fruity Pebbles cake mix cookies are quick, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion. With the sweet taste of vanilla and crunch from the cereal, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
1 box white cake mix
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup Fruity Pebbles cereal
¼ cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the Fruity Pebbles cereal and sprinkles, if using, until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Sprinkles are optional but add extra color and fun to the cookies.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft in the middle.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
