Easy Pancake Mix Cookies (Gluten-Free Option)

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Indulge in the convenience of semi-homemade Pancake Mix Cookies crafted with Kodiak Cakes pancake mix. This recipe makes 20-22 chocolate chip cookies that taste like classic buttery Toll House cookies! Gluten-free option included.

a platter of pancake mix chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk and more cookies on a cooling rack behind it

If you’ve only been flipping pancakes with pancake mix, you’ve been missing out. From pumpkin and blueberry muffins to banana bread, pancake mix proves it’s capable of much more than pancakes. But it gets even better –picture gooey, buttery, soft-baked chocolate chip cookies!

Yes, you read that right –pancake mix cookies are a thing, and they’re about to become your new favorite treat. And, spoiler alert: Kodiak Cakes buttermilk pancake and waffle mix is the game-changing mix that takes chocolate chip cookies to the next level.

On top of that, Kodiak Cakes also has a gluten-free pancake mix. Some gluten-free pancake mixes leave much to be desired regarding texture, but this one delivers the same delicious results. Seriously, they are the best-tasting gluten-free cookie that I have ever eaten! My family couldn’t even tell the difference!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Convenience. They turn out like a classic chewy chocolate chip cookie with minimal ingredients, as pancake mix already contains many essential dry ingredients.
Consistency. You can skip the hassle of measuring a bunch of individual dry ingredients and bake perfect cookies every time, thanks to the pre-measured and well-balanced ingredients in the pancake mix.
Versatility. Whether you make pancake mix cookies with Kodiak Cakes mix or another mix sitting in your pantry, this is a fun way to use up a common ingredient in a new and unexpected way.
Gluten-free option. You can easily substitute Kodiak’s gluten-free pancake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing decadence.

Ingredients you’ll need

ingredients for cookies made with Kodiak pancake mix measured out on a counter

Butter. Butter helps create a soft, pleasantly chewy texture and rich flavor. Be sure to soften the butter at room temperature before getting started.
Light brown sugar. The molasses in brown sugar gives the cookies a subtle caramel-like taste. To cut back on the refined sugar, you can use coconut sugar here (though your cookies won’t be as sweet).
Egg. A room-temperature egg helps hold the ingredients together, creating a moist, cohesive dough.
Vanilla extract. Good-quality pure vanilla extract intensifies the sweet caramel notes. Almond extract also works here.
Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk Pancakes Mix. You can make these Kodiak pancake mix cookies with Kodiak’s regular or gluten-free mix.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips. I like using half mini chocolate chips and half regular chocolate chips!
Chopped nuts. Like pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Nuts are optional, but the crunchy bits taste amazing within a soft, tender cookie.

How to make cookies with pancake mix

collage photo of steps for making pancake mix chocolate chip cookies: creamed butter in mixer, batter mixed in bowl, batter scooped on a cookie sheet and baked cookies

Step 1: Prepare for baking. Preheat the oven to 350℉, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients. In a stand mixer (or bowl with a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix on medium speed until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add pancake mix and mix-ins. Add the pancake mix and blend until just combined. Then, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.

Step 4: Bake. Using a tablespoon-size scoop, drop the dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space in between for the cookies to spread, and bake until they look slightly underdone with lightly golden edges (10-12 minutes). Pour yourself an ice-cold glass of milk, and enjoy!

baked pancake mix cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

Recipe tips

Mind the consistency. Pay attention to the texture of the dough. If it’s crumbly and dry, add a bit more butter. If it’s too wet, incorporate more pancake mix until you achieve a moist yet cohesive cookie dough texture.
Chill your cookie dough. This isn’t mandatory, but after mixing the dough, I highly recommend chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour (preferably an hour). This gives the flour time to fully hydrate and keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Mind the cookie size. Consistency is critical for even baking, so use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure perfect portions of dough and drop them on the baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
Keep a close eye during baking. For soft, chewy cookies, you want to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still appear slightly underdone.
Cool after baking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without hardening too much.

Variations

Experiment with different mixes – Besides regular and gluten-free pancake mix, try whole grain or specialty flavors to add a unique twist to your cookies. In the past, I’ve had success using Pamela’s gluten-free pancake mix to make cookies.
Customize with dried fruits. While chocolate chips and chopped nuts are a classic choice, feel free to get creative with dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, or raisins.
Customize with flavored chips/candy. Substitute or replace some chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, butterscotch, peanut butter, or mint chocolate chips. Or, try adding chopped candy bars (Snickers, Kit Kat, Reese’s, etc.), M&M’s, or toffee bits.

close up of a plate of chocolate chip cookies made with kodiak protein pancake mix

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store leftover pancake mix cookies at room temperature in an airtight container. You can place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft and fresh-tasting. Place wax paper between layers of stored cookies so they don’t stick together.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can flash-freeze the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQ

Are pancake mix cookies healthy?

I do not consider this recipe in particular a healthy cookie recipe. In addition to the pancake mix, it still has a good amount of butter and sugar. However, they are quick, easy, and super tasty! Select a good-quality pancake mix and ingredients that align with your health and wellness goals to make a healthier version.

Can you substitute pancake mix for flour in cookie recipes?

In many instances, yes, you can substitute pancake mix for flour in cookie recipes. Just know that pancake mix typically contains additional ingredients and leavening agents, so adjustments may be needed in the recipe to account for these differences.

If you love this pancake cookie recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!

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a platter of chocolate chip cookies with a rack of cookies underneath

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Amee Livingston

Hi, I'm Amee and I'm completely obsessed with all things fitness, recipe makeovers, and creating tasty, time-saving, recipes. Born and raised in South Carolina, I have a deep love for southern food culture. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Cancer Exercise Specialist, recipe developer, and freelance content creator. I believe that anyone can be an amazing home cook, and there's nothing better than family time around the table!