Name: Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix (Devil’s Food recommended); ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil; 2 large Eggs; 1 tsp Baking Powder; ¼ cup Butter; 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; ⅓ cup Heavy Cream; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar; 2 cups Chopped Pecans (divided)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving that classic rich chocolate flavor in a fun, handheld treat, the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies capture everything you love about the iconic Texas sheet cake—moist, deeply chocolatey, and topped with luscious chocolate icing and crunchy pecans—but in cookie form, perfect for parties, casual snacking, or anytime you want a little chocolate love. They’re quick to make and wonderfully indulgent, blending ease and decadent taste in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of three dark chocolate cookies is placed on a gold wire rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie is topped with a thick, shiny layer of dark chocolate glaze that ripples slightly at the edges. The top cookie has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft, crumbly dark brown texture inside. Crushed pecan pieces are scattered on top of the glaze on all three cookies and around the rack, adding a rough tan and light brown contrast to the dark chocolate. The image has a close-up focus, making the texture and glossy chocolate stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step towards cookie bliss. Each one plays a crucial role in shaping the cookies’ rich texture, luscious flavor, and irresistible appearance.

Chocolate Cake Mix: Using a devil’s food mix ensures an intensely chocolaty base that’s moist and tender.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and contributes to the cookie’s soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies just the right lift for a soft, cakey texture.
Butter: Essential for the decadent chocolate icing’s smoothness and flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor in the icing without added sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Makes the icing creamy and spreadable, adding luxurious texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances and balances all the chocolate notes.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing for that perfect spread.
Chopped Pecans: Bring a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast that finishes the cookies beautifully.

How to Make Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix and baking powder thoroughly. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent so your cookies rise perfectly soft and cakey.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable oil and crack the eggs into the bowl. Stir the mixture with a sturdy spoon until it forms a thick, cohesive dough with no streaks of dry mix. This thick dough is key to the cookies’ sturdy yet tender texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop to portion out level spoonfuls of dough placing them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. This spacing is crucial because the dough will spread while baking, creating perfectly sized cookies.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain soft. This balance keeps the cookies tender and moist, mimicking that classic sheet cake softness.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies cool, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and cocoa powder until smooth and well combined, creating a rich chocolate base.

Step 7: Sweeten and Flavor the Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add powdered sugar, whisking as you go until you reach a smooth, spreadable icing. If it thickens too much, a splash of cream will bring it back to perfect consistency.

Step 8: Add Pecans to Icing

Fold half of your chopped pecans into the icing, mixing well for bursts of nutty texture throughout the chocolate spread.

Step 9: Ice the Cookies

Quickly spread a generous tablespoon of the chocolate pecan icing over the top of each cooled cookie. Working swiftly is important to keep the icing smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Top with Pecans

Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans evenly over the wet icing, pressing lightly so they stick. This finishing touch adds that signature crunch and visual appeal.

Step 11: Let Set

Allow your Texas Sheet Cake Cookies to rest until the icing firms up, about 20 to 30 minutes. This wait makes for a more satisfying bite and easier handling.

How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

You can elevate your Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe even more by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder over the icing before it sets. Fresh raspberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also add a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate and crunchy pecans.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. For a decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chopped pecans and chocolate chips nearby for guests to customize their indulgence. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine makes them delightful homemade gifts and party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Texas Sheet Cake Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them well sealed ensures the cookies stay moist and the icing remains soft rather than hardening or cracking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months and thaw nicely at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place briefly in a low oven to gently soften the icing and warm the cookie center. This quick heat brings out all the chocolate goodness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix in the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While devil’s food cake mix gives a deep chocolate flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate cake mixes or even chocolate brownie mixes for subtle variations in texture and taste.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the icing?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the icing may be less rich and slightly thinner. Adjust the powdered sugar to reach the right spreadable consistency.

Are pecans necessary in this recipe?

Pecans add a wonderful crunch and traditional flavor, but if you’re allergic or prefer something else, walnuts or even toasted almonds work nicely, or feel free to leave the nuts out altogether.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and just-as-delicious treat.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 days. For longer enjoyment, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Recipe is a wonderfully indulgent twist on a beloved classic that’s simple enough to whip up anytime. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these cookies bring all the rich chocolate flavor, soft texture, and delightful crunch in one unforgettable bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it fast become a favorite in your cookie jar and your heart!