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How to Make Cookie Mix Better

Published: Mar 28, 2025

Store-bought cookie mix is a convenient shortcut to get that fresh-baked goodness, but with a few creative hacks, you can take it from basic to bakery-quality. If you want to enhance flavor, improve texture or even experiment with fun cookie ideas and add-ins, these super sweet tips will help you take store bought cookie dough recipes to the next level.

Scrumptious Additions to Packaged Cookie Dough Mix

Got some packaged cookie mix and want to make it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen? Say no more! Whether you’re working with sugar cookie dough, chocolate chip mix or anything in between, we’ve got the ultimate list of fun, flavorful and downright delicious cookie add-ins.

  • Chocolate Chips: Fold in HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips for a classic, gooey upgrade.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: Choose REESE’S Peanut Butter Chips for a nutty, yet rich flavor.
  • Cinnamon Chips:  Add some warmth and spice to your recipe with HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips.
  • Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to take the sweetness up a notch.
  • Bacon Bits: For a fun sweet and salty twist, incorporate crispy bacon pieces in your dough or as a topping.
  • Caramel Bits: Add chewy caramel pieces to create an incredibly indulgent texture.
freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on cooling rack

Make Cookies Better with Flavorful Syrup Mixes

Why settle for plain when you can turn your cookies into masterpieces? Mixing in our sweet syrups isn’t just a genius hack, it’s a baking game-changer. Imagine sugar cookies with a caramel drizzle or a swirl of strawberry mixed in. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a rookie in the kitchen, these syrups can make your treats extra delish in just a few delicious steps!

Cookie Mix Hacks to Enhance Cookie Texture

From adjusting fat content to tweaking the baking process, these simple tricks will have your cookies looking, and more importantly tasting, like they were made from scratch.

Adjust Fat Content

The secret to the perfect cookies? It’s all in the fat! The type and amount of fat you use can completely transform your cookie’s texture. Whether you love them soft and chewy or crisp and snappy, these simple tweaks will help you bake up the ultimate batch.

two sticks of butter

Butter

Melted butter is your best friend if you’re after cookies with a rich, chewy bite. It creates a dense, fudgy texture that makes every bite indulgent.

measuring cup filled with oil

Oil

Swapping out some of the butter for vegetable oil will create more spread, which means your cookies will be thinner.

block of cream cheese

Cream Cheese

Want cookies that practically melt in your mouth? A few tablespoons of cream cheese will give you soft, pillowy treats that will help create the perfect moist cookie recipe.

Modify Baking Process

Take your cookies from good to "OMG, who made these?" with just a few store bought cookie dough hacks! Small changes in baking techniques can make a big difference in your final recipe.

  • Chill Your Dough: Pop your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. Not only does this prevent cookies from spreading flat, but it also deepens the flavors, making each bite more delicious.
  • Change the Baking Time: Are you team gooey or team crispy cookie? Slightly underbake your treats for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, or let them go a little longer go get golden, crunchy perfection.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Nobody likes a cookie that’s been stuck to the baking sheet. Use parchment paper to ensure even baking, easy cleanup and cookies that slide right off.
freshly baked hershey kiss blossom cookies

Frequently Asked Questions