Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

Easy Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe: Festive Joy in Each Bite

Sweet surprises await when you blend a classic cake mix into delightful christmas cookies that sparkle with festive charm.

Seasonal baking becomes effortless with this simple yet magical method.

Festive gatherings call for treats that bring smiles and warmth to every table.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something extraordinary, turning an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of joy.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a delectable experience that captures holiday cheer.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and tradition, inviting you to savor the moment.

Your kitchen will soon fill with the irresistible aroma of homemade happiness.

Come bake these cookies and let the magic begin!

What Makes Cake Mix Christmas Cookies So Easy

  • Streamline Holiday Baking: Transform a simple cake mix into delightful Christmas cookies with minimal effort and maximum festive cheer.
  • Customize Flavor Explosion: Toss in M&Ms, peppermint bark, or chocolate chips to create personalized cookie variations that spark joy and surprise.
  • Kid-Friendly Cookie Craft: Engage children in a fun baking activity where they can roll dough balls, choose mix-ins, and feel proud of their delicious creations.
  • Quick Festive Treat: Prepare these cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous holiday celebrations.

Ingredients for Colorful Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

For the Base:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient and quick way to create soft and flavorful cookies with minimal effort.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cookie dough.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.
For the Mix-Ins:
  • M&Ms, Peppermint Bark, Chocolate Chips: Add festive colors, crunch, and extra sweetness to the cookies.
For the Optional Garnish:
  • Milk: A classic accompaniment that complements the cookies' sweetness.

How to Bake Christmas Cookies from Cake Mix

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some holiday baking magic.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Magic

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Cake mix
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs

Whip everything together until a luscious dough emerges.

Gently fold in festive mix-ins:
  • M&Ms
  • Peppermint bark
  • Chocolate chips

Step 3: Shape Delightful Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into cute little 1-inch spheres. Place these jolly balls on an ungreased baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookie edges look set but the centers remain wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 5: Cool Down

Let the cookies hang out on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and become irresistibly scrumptious.

Step 6: Celebrate And Enjoy

Grab a cold glass of milk, share these festive treats with friends and family, and savor the holiday cheer in every delicious bite.

Tips to Bake Soft and Festive Holiday Cookies

  • Swap cake mix flavors to create unique holiday cookie variations that match your taste preferences.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes for softer, chewier cookies that melt in your mouth.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
  • Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday flair and a delightful crunch.

Fun Variations for Cake Mix Holiday Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use certified gluten-free M&Ms for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegetable oil, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create plant-based festive cookies.
  • Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace M&Ms with chopped nuts, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining holiday flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute cake mix with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and add crushed pecans for a low-carb alternative.

Holiday Pairings for Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Cold, whole milk complements the sweet, soft texture of Christmas cookies, creating a classic holiday indulgence.
  • Enhance with Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich, warm chocolate with a hint of peppermint perfectly matches the festive cookie flavors, offering a cozy seasonal experience.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold ice cream contrasts delightfully with warm, freshly baked cookies, adding a luxurious dessert moment.
  • Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic spices in chai balance the cookie's sweetness, providing a sophisticated and comforting holiday drink pairing.

Best Storage Tips for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Warm cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds to restore soft texture. Check carefully to avoid overheating and maintain cookie quality.

Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to regain original softness and bring back delicious flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, absolutely! Experiment with flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti to create unique Christmas cookies.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your baking sheet isn’t too warm. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.

  • Are these cookies good for gifting?

Definitely! These cookies are perfect for holiday gift packages and cookie exchanges. They’re festive, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw before baking.

Print
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Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday Cake Mix Christmas Cookies deliver sweet seasonal cheer with minimal effort. Bakers can quickly whip up these delightful treats that sparkle with holiday spirit and bring joy to family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) chocolate cake mix

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup M&Ms
  • Peppermint bark squares, chopped
  • Chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Create a festive dough by blending cake mix, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until a cohesive mixture develops.
  2. Gently incorporate M&Ms, peppermint bark, and chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution of holiday-themed ingredients.
  3. Craft uniform 1-inch spherical dough portions, strategically positioning them approximately 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking surface.
  4. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and position the cookie-laden tray in the center rack for precise 10-minute baking, watching for golden edges and tender centers.
  5. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, enabling initial stabilization and preventing crumbling.
  6. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction and texture refinement.
  7. Serve these whimsical holiday treats alongside a chilled milk accompaniment, perfect for spreading seasonal cheer with family and friends.

Notes

  • Customize the cake mix flavor to match your holiday theme, like using red velvet for a festive touch.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker cookies.
  • Swap vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer, more decadent texture that enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance; watch closely to prevent overbaking and maintain a soft, chewy center.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 154 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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