If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and wonderfully simple treat to brighten your holiday baking, the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful recipe takes the guesswork out of cookie baking by using a cake mix base, which keeps the cookies soft, tender, and bursting with holiday spirit thanks to vibrant red and green sprinkles. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute Christmas party or a cozy afternoon of baking with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful batch of these festive treats. Each component is simple yet plays a key role in making these cookies perfectly soft, flavorful, and visually appealing.
- White or vanilla cake mix: The foundation of the cookie that brings a moist, tender crumb and sweet vanilla flavor.
- Large eggs: They bind the dough together and add richness to the texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a soft bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: Adds festive color and a fun crunch that’s perfect for Christmas.
- Optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s: These add extra bursts of sweetness and a playful texture.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. This small prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix Your Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until you form a soft dough. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky — that’s exactly what you want for soft and tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in half of your red and green sprinkles, along with any optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s. This step disperses the holiday cheer throughout every bite and makes your cookies even more delightful.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie with your palm to encourage even baking and a perfect shape.
Step 5: Final Sprinkle Touch
Before baking, sprinkle more red and green sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies to give them a bright, festive look. This final touch is what makes these cookies so irresistible and picture-perfect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop the cookies into your oven for 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be set but keep the centers soft for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are charming on their own, but you can jazz them up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra festive flourish. Adding edible glitter or tiny candy canes on the side adds a special holiday sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, placing cookies alongside spiced cider or peppermint tea can create a festive and comforting spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your cookies on a holiday-themed platter or arrange them in a cookie jar decorated with ribbons and bows. For gift-giving, stack them between parchment paper in a pretty box or tie groups together with twine and a festive tag. Presentation makes these treats feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps the cookies soft and maintains that delightful texture you love.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the warmth and softness of the cookies, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked feeling, making them taste like they just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix works best for a classic flavor and light color, you can experiment with yellow or even spice cake mixes to add a unique twist to your cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free cake mix, this recipe is easily adaptable. Just ensure all other add-ins like sprinkles and chocolate chips are gluten-free too.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm and chilled briefly if it feels very soft. Also, flattening the cookies lightly helps control spreading and gives them a nice shape.
Can I add other mix-ins besides sprinkles and chocolate chips?
Definitely! Nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chunks are all fantastic additions that complement the festive theme and add extra texture.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies remain soft and fresh for about 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday baking and sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and festive charm of this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe. It’s a recipe that welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create something joyful and delicious together. I can’t wait for you to try it out, share it with your favorite people, and fill your holiday season with sweetness and smiles.
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, a quick and easy treat made from a simple vanilla cake mix dough loaded with colorful sprinkles and optional white chocolate chips or M&M’s. Soft, chewy, and perfectly festive, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations & Mix-ins
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar, divided
- Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Fold in sprinkles and mix-ins: Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles along with the white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form cookie balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions and roll them into balls with your hands.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten and decorate: Press each dough ball lightly with your palm to flatten slightly, then sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top for a festive look.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or gift: Serve these colorful cookies on a platter for a holiday party or package them as delightful holiday gifts.
Notes
- For best results, use a good-quality cake mix with vanilla or white cake flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if you want less spread and thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to customize with other festive sprinkles or candies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
