Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix Cookies are soft and chocolatey. Crumbled walnuts and chocolate candies add texture, color and extra flavor.
This dessert is easy to make with a box of chocolate fudge cake mix and a few additional ingredients.
Crumbled walnuts and chocolate candies are optional mix-ins.
Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix Cookies are very good without optional ingredients.
Good to know if you have picky eaters (friends and family).

This dessert is a mouth-watering variation of one of my popular recipes: Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies.

This recipe is a variation of Betty Crocker’s Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies.
In my adjusted version, the cookie dough is chilled because it doesn’t spread while baking and is easier to manage (less sticky). Also added mix-ins.
Cookies turned out great!

Helpful Tips For Beginners: How To Read & Follow A Recipe
Reading a recipe is an important life skill. It starts with knowing how to read a recipe’s ingredients, follow the instructions, prep ingredients, and knowing what equipment to use.
The following tips and strategies will help beginners or experienced cooks follow any recipe and create a delicious dish.
Start with clean hands and organized kitchen. Wash hands thoroughly. Make sure kitchen and countertops are clean before starting.
Create a relaxing environment. Play favorite music while in the kitchen. I love listening to classical or gospel music.
Thoroughly read the recipe’s ingredients and instructions. Visualize doing each step which will help you avoid missing a step.
Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are prepped. For example, 1 cup of chopped walnuts is not the same as walnuts, chopped (measure whole pecans and then chop).
Know the assumptions. For example, when my recipe calls for “sugar,” use granulated sugar. If brown sugar is an ingredient, it will be written that way.
Figure out the timing. Check the listed “prep time” and “total time” to be sure you have enough time to complete the recipe.
Look for the words “meanwhile” or “at the same time,” which indicates two or more steps can happen simultaneously.
My prep time doesn’t include bringing cold butter up to room temperature. Be sure to include in your timetable.
Watch Recipe Videos. If you’re a visual learner (like me), watch recipe videos. Perfect for when you’re learning a new skill or just want to see how a recipe is made.
Mise en place is a super time saver. This French cooking term translates as “putting in place.” It means prepping/measuring ingredients and chopping food before you start cooking. It’s the perfect way to get organized and avoid missing an ingredient or missing a step in the instructions.
Organize your tools and kitchen equipment. Mise en place isn’t just for ingredients. Before starting, make sure you have parchment paper, aluminum foil, measuring cups, measuring spoons, the right pans, mixing bowls, and other equipment.
Make notes in your recipe. Note any special prep instructions and highlight cooking times. Make note of ingredients omitted, favorite substitutions and creative twists.
The notes will be very helpful the next time you make this recipe.
Enjoy!

Prep Time | 1 hour |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Servings |
cookies
|
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened Do not use margarine.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix I used a box of "Super Moist Chocolate Fudge" cake mix.
- 1/2 cup crumbled chocolate candies (optional) I used a small package (1.69 ounces) of M&M's . Use more if desired.
- 1/2 cup crumbled fresh walnuts (optional)
Ingredients
|
![]() |
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In medium sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Using a large spoon or an electric mixer, cream together until smooth.
- Pour in dry cake mix. Use a sturdy spoon to stir together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls or larger if preferred.
- Place 1" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. Flatten lightly.
- Roll each ball in crumbled walnuts or crumbled chocolate candies. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 11 to 15 minutes OR until soft and puffy. Baked cookies will be very tender and will look like they're not done. They will firm "slightly" while cooling. Avoid over baking because the cookies will be dry.
- Move to rack or large platter for cooling.
- Makes 20 to 24 cookies depending on size.
- Store cookies in a container with an airtight lid. Keep refrigerated.