Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.

These easy cake mix cookies have a beautiful orange color and light orange citrus flavor from the orange flavored cake mix and grated orange peel.
1 box (2 layer size) orange cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and orange peel. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until combined.
Drop the cookie batter by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes or until cookies are almost firm.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
For a more intense orange flavor, use both the orange cake mix and a dash of orange extract in the batter.
Serve the cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for extra orange flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for added richness.
Use a silicone baking mat instead of an ungreased baking sheet for easier removal.
If you prefer crispy cookies, leave them in the oven for an additional minute or two.
Mix in some oats for added texture and chewiness if desired.
You can substitute the orange cake mix with another flavor such as lemon, chocolate, or vanilla, but it will obviously change the flavor of the cookies. If you change the cake mix you should use another flavoring in place of the orange peel that complements the cake mix flavor.
If you don't have grated orange peel, you can substitute it with a few drops of orange extract for flavor, though the taste may vary.
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter to provide additional flavor and texture to the cookies.
The cookies are done when they are slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
You can add a few drops of orange food coloring to the batter along with the orange cake mix to boost the color of the cookies.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Yes, these cookies can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.
A tablespoon-sized scoop is usually ideal, creating cookies that are about the size of a golf ball. If you want larger cookies, adjust accordingly but keep an eye on baking time.
You may substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil; this will give the cookies a richer flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.
Electric Mixer: For combining the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and grated orange peel until the ingredients are well mixed. An electric mixer makes the process quicker and smoother compared to manual mixing.
Mixing Bowl: To hold the ingredients while mixing the cookie batter. A large bowl is necessary to accommodate the cake mix and other ingredients without making a mess.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the vegetable oil and the grated orange peel needed for the recipe.
Baking Sheet: For placing the cookie batter before baking. An ungreased baking sheet is required to allow the cookies to bake properly without sticking.
Cooling Rack: To transfer the cookies after baking for cooling. This allows air circulation around the cookies.
Spoon: For dropping spoonfuls of cookie batter onto the baking sheet.
Spatula: A spatula can be useful for transferring cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.
reviews & comments
July 26, 2013
I love cake mix cookies and these turned out great with lots of orange flavor. I made an icing for them using orange extract (so the icing was white but had more orange flavor).