If you adore the rich, fudgy charm of classic Texas sheet cake but want a fun, portable twist, the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture that irresistible chocolaty goodness with a soft, chewy texture and a luscious cocoa glaze that’s truly unforgettable. Imagine all the warm spices and deep chocolate flavor you love from that iconic cake, beautifully transformed into bite-sized treats perfect for sharing or sneaking straight from the jar. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a beloved Southern favorite in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of pantry staples and a boxed cake mix to build complex flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cake mix provides structure and chocolate intensity, eggs and oil add moistness and richness, while butter and cocoa powder deepen the chocolate notes. Powdered sugar in the glaze brings the ideal balance of sweetness and smoothness, making these cookies absolutely irresistible.
- Milk chocolate cake mix: The base that brings chocolate flavor and moist crumb structure to your cookies.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
- Canola oil: Keeps the cookies tender and moist without overwhelming the chocolate taste.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter: Adds a creamy richness and boosts the chocolate glaze’s flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these cookies decadently deep.
- Whole milk: Balances the glaze’s texture, making it perfectly smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze, giving the cookies a glossy finish.
How to Make Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Dough
Start by combining the milk chocolate cake mix with eggs and canola oil in a large mixing bowl. The cake mix serves as the foundation, and mixing it with eggs and oil creates a batter that will be slightly different from typical cookie dough but perfectly suited for these chocolate treats. Stir until everything is well incorporated, making sure there are no dry patches—this ensures your cookies bake up tender and rich.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocoa Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter thoroughly over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is crucial because it delivers that signature silky chocolate glaze that sets these cookies apart. Once combined, remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar to achieve a luscious, spreadable consistency.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box for sheet cake, typically around 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded spoonfuls of the prepared dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to give them room to spread slightly. Bake for about 12–15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft — this is key for that classic chewy cookie texture.
Step 4: Glaze and Cool
Once the cookies come out of the oven, immediately spoon or drizzle the warm cocoa butter glaze over each cookie. This allows the glaze to set into a smooth, shiny coating as the cookies cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet until fully cooled and the glaze has firmed up, so every bite bursts with fudgy goodness.
How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These Texas sheet cake cookies are wonderful on their own, but sprinkles of chopped pecans or a light dusting of sea salt can add a delightful contrast to the richness. You can also garnish with a few mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of white chocolate for an eye-catching touch and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement their deep chocolate flavor. If you want a more elaborate dessert pairing, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a refreshing balance that enhances the indulgence without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack the cookies in a decorative jar or box lined with parchment paper, maybe tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a cozy coffee gathering, or sandwich two cookies with a scoop of flavored ice cream for an irresistible ice cream cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their moistness and flavor for up to 4 days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time or save extras for later, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep their best quality for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy the warm, melty texture of freshly baked Texas sheet cake cookies, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven before serving. The glaze will soften beautifully, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While milk chocolate cake mix is recommended for that classic flavor, you can experiment with devil’s food or even German chocolate cake mix to add new twists. Just keep in mind the flavor profile might shift slightly.
Is it necessary to make the glaze, or can I skip it?
The glaze is a signature element of the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe, adding moisture, shine, and extra chocolate flavor. Skipping it might leave the cookies a bit less decadent, so I highly recommend including it for the full experience.
Can I substitute the canola oil with another oil or butter?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with melted vegetable oil, light olive oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor. Just avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the chocolate.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for cookies with set edges but still soft centers. They may seem slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool, yielding the perfect chewy texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Since the main ingredient is a boxed cake mix, using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix would be necessary. Check labels to ensure all ingredients, including the glaze components, are gluten-free before proceeding.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun and delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of Texas sheet cake beyond the traditional style, the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s a quick bake, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family or treating yourself to something special. Once these cookies are out of the oven and glazed, I promise they’ll become a staple in your chocolate dessert rotation. Happy baking!
Print
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding cooling and glazing time)
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Texas Sheet Cake Cookies combine all the flavors of the classic Texas sheet cake into a delightful cookie form. Rich and chocolatey with a moist texture and topped with a smooth cocoa glaze, these cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for an easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 Box of Milk chocolate cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup canola oil
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk chocolate cake mix, eggs, canola oil, softened unsalted butter, and cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, consistent dough forms.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop the dough into tablespoons and place them spaced apart on the baking sheet. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze: While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and whole milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk or sugar to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the warm cookies to coat the tops. Allow the glaze to set and harden before serving, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain a moist texture reminiscent of the original cake.
- The glaze can be flavored with a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can use light or dark cocoa powder for different intensity in chocolate flavor.
