If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy and simplicity together, the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is a true holiday gem. This recipe transforms a basic boxed cake mix into chewy, colorful cookies that sparkle with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a last-minute gathering, or just craving a quick sweet snack with a festive twist, these cookies deliver delightful flavor and texture with minimal effort. You’ll love how the vivid sprinkles and optional mix-ins add bursts of color and fun, making these cookies as merry to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of chewy texture, rich flavor, and vibrant festive appearance. From the ease of the cake mix to the festive sprinkle pops, these ingredients come together seamlessly.
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix: The base that provides a tender crumb and sweet foundation for your cookies.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the dough while adding richness and structure.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of aromatic sweetness that elevates the entire batch.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: The festive touch that makes each cookie irresistibly fun and perfect for the holidays.
- Optional 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, these mix-ins bring joyful surprises in every bite.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This simple step prevents sticking and helps achieve those perfectly golden edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a soft dough. The consistency should be pliable but not too sticky—perfect for scooping onto your pan.
Step 3: Add Your Festive Mix-ins
Fold in about half of your red and green sprinkles, or, if you’re feeling indulgent, toss in white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s. This adds delightful spots of color and additional texture that make these cookies uniquely festive.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing lets them spread just enough without sticking to each other.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles on Top
Gently flatten each dough ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle extra red and green sugar or sprinkles on top to give each cookie that classic Christmas sparkle.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You want the edges to be set and the centers to remain soft, so be sure to watch closely. This will yield that perfect chewy texture every time.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up just a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they aren’t too fragile and helps lock in moisture.
Step 8: Share the Holiday Joy
Once cooled, your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is ready to be enjoyed or packaged beautifully for gifting. Nothing says holiday cheer better than a plate full of colorful, homemade cookies!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles on the cookies are the star garnish, you can elevate presentation by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling melted white chocolate for an extra festive look. Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter also add a charming holiday sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or classic eggnog for a cozy holiday vibe. These beverages complement the sweetness and add a comforting touch to your festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies into a festive tower tied with a satin ribbon, placing them in colorful tins with tissue paper, or arranging them on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by pine cones and holly sprigs. These presentation ideas make the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe an instant centerpiece for any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week or saving for unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to make these cuddly Christmas cookies ahead of time, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or let them sit in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive that just-baked softness and yummy aroma. This subtle heat brings back that fresh-baked feeling each time.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix offers a classic base, feel free to experiment with funfetti, chocolate, or spice cake mixes to create unique festive flavors.
What if I don’t have sprinkles? Can I omit them?
You can skip the sprinkles if needed, but adding them really makes these cookies pop with holiday spirit. Alternatively, chopped nuts or colored sugar crystals also work well as festive toppings.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Most boxed cake mixes contain gluten, so to make gluten-free cookies, choose a certified gluten-free cake mix. Always check labels thoroughly for your dietary needs.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just double the ingredients and bake in batches, ensuring cookies have enough space to spread out properly in your oven.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your baking sheet is chilled, and avoid adding extra oil beyond the recipe. Slightly flattening the dough balls helps control spreading, ensuring nicely shaped cookies every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and charm of the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to create holiday magic in your kitchen without fuss, bringing smiles to every face that tastes these colorful, soft, and festive bites. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite holiday tradition!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies that come together quickly using a white or vanilla cake mix. With a soft, tender texture and colorful holiday sprinkles or optional white chocolate chips or M&M’s, these 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
Decoration
- 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 grease it lightly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, stirring until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky and uniform.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in half of the red and green sprinkles and, if using, the white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s carefully to distribute 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 a spatula. Sprinkle extra red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy or Gift: Once cooled, enjoy these soft, festive cookies yourself, or package them as delightful holiday gifts for friends and family.
Notes
- If using white chocolate chips or M&M’s, make sure to fold them gently to avoid melting or breaking before baking.
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup.
- Cookies will be soft when you remove them from the oven; do not overbake to keep the tender texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can customize the sprinkles colors for other holidays or occasions.
