Vacuum Cleaner Cookies
Vacuum Cleaner Cookies are rich, chewy bars featuring a buttery cake layer topped with toasted coconut and pecans. Their delightful combination of sweetness and crunch makes them perfect for potlucks, casual gatherings, or as a comforting treat. Easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine melted margarine, dry yellow cake mix, and one egg. Stir until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Pat the mixture evenly into a well-greased 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Beat in the remaining eggs and powdered sugar.
- Stir in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.
- Spread the coconut and nut mixture evenly over the base layer.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Cut into bars before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or swapping out the pecans for walnuts. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar slightly. Make sure to let the margarine cool before adding the eggs to prevent curdling. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cake mix from other baking projects.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a delightful dessert spread, serve them alongside Fruit Jello Salad (Makes One Dish) or Aunt Kay'S Corn Casserole for a comforting meal. They can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vacuum Cleaner Cookies contains roughly 128 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. Just make sure to melt the butter before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will add a richer flavor to the cookies.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but it will still yield delicious results.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
To make these cookies more chocolatey, you can fold in some chocolate chips or swap out a portion of the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. This will create a rich, decadent treat that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).