If you’re searching for a fun, fuss-free way to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen, this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll create soft, festive cookies bursting with joyful colors and delightful flavors that are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even gifting to neighbors. These cookies capture the magic of the season without any stress, making them a favorite go-to recipe every holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you; each ingredient in this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen to ensure the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look. These staples come together quickly to create a soft, chewy cookie that’s brimming with holiday spirit.
- White or vanilla cake mix: The base that gives these cookies a tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavor.
- Large eggs: They bind the dough together while adding richness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and prevents dryness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to complement the cake mix perfectly.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: Instantly transform your cookies into a Christmas celebration.
- Optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s: For extra bursts of flavor and fun, these additions make the cookie even more special.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your favorite baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing. This helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until a soft dough forms; you’ll love how quick and smooth this comes together!
Step 3: Add Your Festive Extras
Gently fold in half of your sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or festive M&M’s if you’re using them. This step is where your cookies start turning into holiday masterpieces with vibrant colors and delightful textures.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Slightly flatten each one so they bake evenly, then sprinkle extra colored sugar or sprinkles on top for that eye-catching finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still hold a little softness. These cookies strike the perfect balance of chewy and tender.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed or packaged as thoughtful holiday gifts!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles in the dough already bring festive flair, finishing your cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate elevates their appearance and adds an extra touch of indulgence. You can also stick on a small peppermint candy or edible glitter to really wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday drinks. Serve them alongside a mug of rich hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, chilled eggnog, or even a warm cup of spiced tea to create a cozy holiday experience everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe cookies in cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for charming gifts. Alternatively, arrange them in a festive tin or stack them on a holiday-themed plate with a few fresh pine sprigs or candy canes for a gorgeous holiday display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season without any rush.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. Frozen Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe cookies will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies or bring out that just-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick step revives their soft texture and makes them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix is suggested for its mild flavor and color, you can experiment with chocolate or spice cake mixes to create tasty variations. Just keep an eye on the baking time.
Do I have to add the white chocolate chips or M&M’s?
Not at all. These add-ins are optional but highly recommended if you want extra flavor and festivity. The cookies are delightful even without them, thanks to the cake mix and sprinkles.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary preferences. Make sure to double-check other ingredients for gluten-free certification to keep them safe for sensitive eaters.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat and helps maintain a better shape.
Can I double the recipe for large gatherings?
Definitely! This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe scales well. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday game changer—simple, quick, and endlessly festive. Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone around your table. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a joyful tradition year after year. So grab that cake mix, gather your sprinkles, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a quick and delightful treat made from a simple white or vanilla cake mix combined with eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Loaded with colorful red and green sprinkles, and optionally white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in half of the red and green sprinkles along with the white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s if you choose to use them, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Decorate: Slightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon, then sprinkle extra red and green sprinkles on top for a festive appearance.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or Store: Once fully cooled, enjoy these holiday treats immediately or package them as gifts for friends and family.
Notes
- You can substitute the white or vanilla cake mix with yellow cake mix if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the dough balls before baking to reduce spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you prefer softer or crisper cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
