The holiday season is all about cozy vibes, sweet treats, and, of course, sharing delicious goodies with friends and family. And guess what? These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are about to become your new go-to dessert for everything from casual family gatherings to festive parties. Trust me, these little bites of joy are a game-changer. With just a cake mix, a handful of simple ingredients, and some holiday magic, you can whip up a batch of cookies that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (but really, you didn’t). So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories with every bite. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for any holiday gathering or even a cozy afternoon at home. Whether you’re baking with the kids or surprising your coworkers, these cookies will be the hit of the party. Plus, you can get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a dash of cinnamon—so they’ll never get boring!
Budget-Friendly
No need to break the bank. This recipe uses just a box of cake mix and a few simple pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly way to whip up something delicious and festive without the fuss.
Quick and Easy
If you’re short on time, this one’s for you! It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all levels. Seriously, if you can stir and drop dough on a cookie sheet, you’ve got this.
Customizable
This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can change up the flavors or add-ins to fit your vibe—more chocolate chips? Yes, please. Some holiday-colored sprinkles? Absolutely. Want to make them extra festive? Add a drizzle of icing on top. The choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing
These cookies are always a hit! They’re soft, sweet, and totally irresistible—perfect for a crowd. It’s one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to get requests for the recipe (and maybe a few “can I have one more?”).
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookies—simple ingredients that come together in no time.
Cake Mix
The star of the show! A box of cake mix provides the base for these cookies, giving them that soft, fluffy texture you love in a good cookie. You can use any flavor—yellow, white, or even chocolate!
Eggs
Just two eggs are needed to bind everything together, helping the cookies stay nice and soft in the middle.
Vegetable Oil
A little oil adds richness to the cookies and ensures they bake up perfectly tender and chewy.
Holiday Sprinkles (optional)
Because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle and color around the holidays? Throw in some festive sprinkles to give these cookies a fun, jolly twist.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to bake these festive treats? Let’s dive into the easy steps that will have your kitchen smelling like a holiday dream.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfect every time.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, cookie dough consistency. It’ll be thick, so don’t worry if it feels a little different than typical cookie dough.
Add Your Fun Extras
If you’re adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any other fun mix-ins, fold them into the dough now. Don’t overmix—just enough to evenly distribute them.
Scoop and Roll
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them out a bit, as they’ll spread during baking.
Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just start to turn golden brown, but the center still looks soft. This ensures they stay chewy!
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, it’s time to indulge!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are some ideas to serve them:
With a Hot Drink
Serve these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive spiced latte. The warm drink pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet cookies.
Cookie Platter
Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter for your holiday gatherings. Add some fun toppings like powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate to make them even more special!
As a Gift
Package a few of these cookies in a cute jar or festive tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
If you want to get a jumpstart, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just scoop, bake, and enjoy!
Experiment with Flavors
Want to shake things up? Try using chocolate cake mix for a rich, indulgent twist, or go all-out with fun flavor combinations like red velvet or gingerbread cake mix.
Make Them Gluten-Free
You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they’re suitable for your needs.
Store Your Cookies
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re so soft, you might need to hide a few for yourself before they disappear!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix. Chocolate, red velvet, and even funfetti all work great for these cookies.
Q2: How do I store leftover cookies?
A2: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and delicious!
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Q4: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A4: Yes! Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or an egg replacer to keep them egg-free.
Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A5: The cookies are ready when the edges are golden, and the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Q6: Can I add other mix-ins?
A6: Definitely! Add some crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or even chopped nuts to mix things up.
Q7: Can I make these cookies without the sprinkles?
A7: Of course! The sprinkles are optional, but they do add a fun, festive touch.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat the cookies?
A8: To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for a few minutes to warm them up.
Q9: How long do the cookies last?
A9: They’ll last about a week if stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them!
Q10: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A10: Absolutely! You can make the dough a day or two ahead, or even bake the cookies and store them for later enjoyment.
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are festive, quick, and loaded with holiday cheer! Perfect for family baking sessions, they’re customizable with M&Ms, peppermint bark, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes. A delightful treat for the holiday season
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup M&Ms
Optional Add-ins: - Peppermint bark squares, chopped
- Chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Crushed candy canes
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the M&Ms and any desired add-ins like peppermint bark or chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy with a glass of milk or share with loved ones during the holiday season
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Customize: Swap M&Ms for sprinkles or use white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- For extra holiday flair, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg