January 26, 2012

Patti Cakes


Call it ironic (or maybe sacrilegious!) but even though I love to bake from scratch I actually tend to prefer store-bought or box mix  treats.  Crazy, right? - but that's how I roll.   

I first tasted the fudge marble version of Patti Cakes many years ago when I was visiting Jill and her family in Cape Cod one summer.  After one bite I was hooked.  Their moniker comes from a close family friend who's famous for them.  I've seen them called other things, e.g., cake mix cookies, but I just like the name "Patti Cakes" above all others.


The cookies are super soft and chewy and such a snap to make that it's ridiculous.  All you need is a box of Duncan Hines cake mix, an egg, some oil and water...that's it!  Couldn't be easier.  These would be a great addition to any kids party or for a Super Bowl gathering next week.

I don't know why it took me so long to ask for the recipe and make them myself, but now that I've got it you can be sure I'm making them again and again.

NOTE: I've only made the cookies using the fudge marble or lemon cake mixes.  I haven't tested if the recipe works for other flavors but if you have let me know!

Fudge Marble Patti Cakes 

Makes about nine 4" cookies (you'll yield more cookies if you make them smaller)

1 package (18.25 oz) Duncan Hines Fudge Marble Cake Mix
1 large egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 tbsp water, divided
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove chocolate packet from cake mix box. 

Combine dry cake mix, egg, oil and 3 Tbsp. water in large mixer bowl. Beat until smooth. 

In a small bowl mix chocolate packet and 1 tbsp water until thoroughly combined.  Add about 2/3 cup of the yellow cake batter dough to the chocolate mixture.  

Mix the chocolate chips, if using, to the yellow dough thoroughly and then lightly swirl in the chocolate dough.  Don't over mix here because you want to keep the marbling effect! 

With a #20 ice cream scoop (or 1/3 cup measure) drop the cookie batter on to parchment lined baking sheets.  Bake for about 14 minutes, rotating baking sheets at the halfway point.  Cookies should be light brown around the edges.  Let cool completely on the baking sheet.


Lemon Patti Cakes

Makes about nine 4" cookies (you'll yield more cookies if you make them smaller)

1 package (18.25 oz) Duncan Hines Lemon Cake Mix
1 large egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp water
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine dry cake mix, egg, oil and 3 Tbsp. water in large mixer bowl. Beat until smooth. 

Put the powdered sugar on a plate.  With a #20 ice cream scoop (or 1/3 cup measure) portion out the cookie dough.  Drop the tops of the dough in to the powdered sugar and then place them sugar side up on parchment lined baking sheets.  Bake for about 14 minutes, rotating baking sheets at the halfway point.  Cookies should be light brown around the edges.  Let cool completely on the baking sheet.

7 comments:

  1. No worries...store bought mixes from time to time, is quite okay. I do the same thing...;)
    What matters is that what we serve our families are great tasting treats and no doubt, full of love! Thanks for a great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2/02/2012

    I make these, but add a little bit of poppy seeds to my mix. So yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is such a fabulous idea! I agree with you, I actually really enjoy cake made from a box...guilty, but true haha. I want to try these!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my word. I found this post on Pinterest and just made the marble ones with chocolate chips! They are sinfully good and quite addicting. Thanks (maybe not) for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Try adding heath bar bits instead of chocolate chips. They add a nice little sweet crunch. Love these!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous11/27/2014

    Tried these they are the best kids loved them even I was surprised at how good these were!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The lemon ones are awesome! I use lemon juice instead of water and add lemon zest. Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a pretty crackle effect. Lower the temp to 325, cook a little longer, do not let them brown. They were a huge hit at a church pot luck, recipe requests right and left, and are even better the next day.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...