Pancake Mix Cookies

These pancake mix cookies are the easiest way to make chocolate chip cookies! They're soft and chewy, with chocolate chips in each bite and a delicious buttermilk pancake flavor. The best part is that you need just a handful of ingredients and one bowl to make them!

Why I Love These Pancake Mix Cookies

I’ve always kept a box of pancake mix in my pantry for quick breakfasts, but over time, I realized it can be used for so much more than just pancakes. I’ve experimented with using pancake mix to make biscuits, crepes, and even muffins—and while all of those turned out great, these pancake mix cookies are hands down my favorite.

They’re soft and chewy in the middle with perfectly crisp edges, and that hint of pancake flavor makes them taste a little nostalgic. What I love most is how reliable this recipe is. I’ve baked it more times than I can count, and every single batch comes out perfect. Using pancake mix as the base means fewer ingredients and less measuring since the flour, baking powder, and baking soda are already built in. The simplicity is a game-changer when I'm craving cookies.

If you’ve ever wanted an easy cookie recipe that’s foolproof and delicious, this is it—and once you try these cookies made with pancake mix, you may never go back to making chocolate chip cookies the old way again.

Ingredients Needed

• ½ Cup butter- I use unsalted butter since the pancake mix has salt in it.
• ¼ Cup granulated sugar and brown sugar- Creamed with butter to make a light and fluffy mixture and give the cookies that classic sweet flavor.
• 1 Egg- essential to bind the ingreidents.
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract- a must-have ingredient when making cookies for the best flavor.
• 1 ½ Cup pancake mix- I used Krusteaz buttermilk pancake mix, but any pancake mixes will work great!
• ¾ Cup chocolate chips- for classic cookies. You can change it up by using white chocolate chips, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.

How To Make Cookies with Pancake Mix

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light in color and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix them into the butter-sugar mixture until smooth. 

Step 3: Make the Dough

Add the pancake mix of your choice to the bowl and gently mix it with the rest of the ingredients with a rubber spatula. Then, fold in the chocolate chips until they're evenly incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Scoop around two tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet - an ice cream scoop works great - leaving two inches of space between the cookies as they spread. Bake both batches of cookies one at a time for 10-12 minutes until they're lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet and serving. Enjoy!

 Expert Tips To Make The Best Pancake Mix Cookies Recipe

• Don’t overmix the dough. When adding the pancake mix, stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. For the best texture in these pancake mix cookies, keep the mixing light and gentle. I suggest using a rubber spatula to mix the batter.
• Adjust the bake time for your texture preference. If you love cookies that are soft and slightly gooey in the center, bake them for about 6-8 minutes. For cookies that are a little firmer, leave them in for 9–10 minutes. Either way, check them during the last couple of minutes to make sure they’re baked exactly how you like.
• Cool on the baking sheet for crispy edges. Letting the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after they come out of the oven helps them set and gives the edges a crisp finish while keeping the centers tender. If you prefer them extra soft, transfer them to a cooling rack right away and enjoy them hot.
• Space the dough evenly. Pancake mix cookies spread as they bake, so leave at least 2 inches between scoops of dough to avoid them merging together. This ensures evenly shaped cookies with golden edges.
• Experiment with add-ins. While chocolate chips are a classic, you can mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, M&Ms, peanut butter chips, caramel chips, or white chocolate for a fun twist. Since the cookies made with pancake mix are so versatile, the flavor combinations are endless.

How To Store These Pancake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room temperature: Store any leftover cookies at room temperature in an airtight container or sealed bag for about a week or two. I always add a slice of bread with the cookies. I know it sounds weird, but the bread soaks up any extra moisture and keeps the cookies soft and fresh.
• In the freezer: To keep them for longer, you can also store the cookies in a freezer bag for about 8 months. I think they're amazing frozen, but you can let the cookies either thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also warm up a cookie in the microwave for about 15 seconds. 

Pancake Mix Cookie Recipe FAQS

Can I use pancake mix to make cookies?

Yes, cookies can be made with pancake mix, and that's exactly what this recipe is all about! The pancake mix takes the place of the flour, baking powder, and salt to work as a leavening agent in the cookies.

Can I use any brand of pancake mix to make cookies?

Yes—most brands like Bisquick, Krusteaz, or Aunt Jemima will work great. Since pancake mixes vary in sweetness and leavening, taste the dough and adjust sugar or mix-ins if needed. This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to whatever brand you have.

Can I make pancake mix cookies without eggs?

Yes! If you don’t have eggs—or prefer not to use them—you can substitute with a ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or plain Greek yogurt per egg. The cookies will be slightly softer and more cake-like, but still delicious.

Can I freeze pancake mix cookie dough?

Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake the cookies, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time and check on the cookies as they bake.

What other recipes can be made with pancake mix?

There are endless possibilities of recipes that can be made with pancake mix! If you love this recipe, you have to try making one of these:

• Funnel cake with pancake mix: Light, crispy, and dusted with powdered sugar—just like at the fair. Pancake mix makes it quick and foolproof.
• Air fryer Oreos: A fun carnival-style treat made in minutes. The pancake mix coating gets fluffy and golden around each Oreo.
• Kruzteaz waffles: Use your favorite brand of pancake mix to whip up crispy, fluffy waffles for breakfast.
• Sheet pan pancakes: Bake pancake batter in a sheet pan for an easy, no-flip breakfast that feeds a crowd.

With a single box of pancake mix, you can make everything from breakfast staples to carnival-style desserts—making it one of the most versatile pantry ingredients you’ll ever keep on hand.

Other Cookie Recipes To Try Next

• Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
• Sour Cream Cookies
• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• No Bake Christmas Cookies
• Small Batch Sugar Cookies