The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out all those delightful recipes, and Cake Mix Christmas Cookies top the list for many home bakers. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they’re also a great way to bring a splash of festive color to any holiday table. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that combines convenience with holiday cheer, these cookies made with cake mix are exactly what you need!
With just a few ingredients, you’ll have soft, chewy, colorful cookies ready to share or gift. Let’s walk through each step and make the season even brighter with these delicious treats!
Why Choose Cake Mix Christmas Cookies?
Perfect for Busy Holiday Schedules
December can be a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and gathering with family and friends. Using cake mix as a cookie base is a time-saver that lets you whip up a batch in no time. Unlike traditional cookie recipes, this one requires minimal ingredients and comes together in a matter of minutes.
Customizable and Fun for All Ages
What’s great about cake mix cookies is that you can easily customize them with festive additions like red and green sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes. It’s a fun and versatile recipe, perfect for kids to help with, too!
Ingredients for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
This Christmas cookie recipe requires just a few pantry staples:
- 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive look
- Optional Add-ins: White chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, or mini marshmallows
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll have a festive cookie that is quick, easy, and budget-friendly.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Preheating is essential to achieve the perfect bake.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Don’t worry if the dough is thick—it’s just the right texture for shaping into cookies.
Step 3: Add Festive Mix-Ins
For that holiday charm, fold in half of your red and green sprinkles and any optional mix-ins you’ve chosen, like white chocolate chips or M&M’s. These additions make each cookie more colorful and delicious!
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Decorate
Lightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers. Then, sprinkle more red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie. This final touch gives the cookies a festive look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. For the best results, avoid overbaking—the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or package as a lovely homemade gift!
Notes and Tips for the Perfect Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
To ensure your cake mix Christmas cookies come out perfectly each time, consider these handy tips:
1. Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors
While white or vanilla cake mix is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake. Each variety brings its unique flavor to the cookies.
2. Add a Twist with Mix-Ins
The options for mix-ins are endless! You can add anything from crushed peppermint candies for a minty taste to mini chocolate chips for extra richness. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts.
3. Baking Time Variations
Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check on your cookies around the 9-minute mark. If they seem to be browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
4. Storing Your Cookies
Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week and can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies are meant to be a treat enjoyed during the festive season. Here’s a quick breakdown of their nutritional profile per cookie:
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 2%
Though not a health food, these cookies are a small indulgence that can be enjoyed in moderation. The festive season is a perfect time for a bit of sweetness!
FAQs About Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Yes! Feel free to switch things up with chocolate, red velvet, or spice cake mix. Each one brings a different twist to the cookies, letting you get creative with flavors.
To keep the cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Absolutely! Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version. Make sure any additional sprinkles or mix-ins are also gluten-free.
For an extra touch, add a few drops of peppermint extract or sprinkle in some cinnamon to the dough. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a beautiful finish.
Yes! This recipe doubles easily, so if you’re baking for a large crowd or a holiday cookie exchange, go ahead and double the ingredients.
Why These Cookies Make a Great Holiday Gift
Giving homemade Christmas cookies as a gift is a wonderful way to share holiday joy. These cake mix cookies are budget-friendly, quick to make, and look beautiful in a festive tin or bag. They’re also easy to make in batches, so you’ll have plenty to go around!
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies offer a delightful way to spread the holiday cheer. With a few simple ingredients and some holiday spirit, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the holiday baking begin!
More Relevant Recipes
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Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are festive, easy-to-make treats that are perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. With minimal ingredients and endless customization options, they’re a go-to for quick holiday baking that brings colorful cheer to any cookie platter!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar
- Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s for added flavor and color
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to keep the cookies from sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything blends smoothly and forms a soft dough. This dough will be thick, so a sturdy spoon will come in handy for mixing.
- Add Mix-Ins: Once your dough is ready, fold in about half of the red and green sprinkles, along with any optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or M&M’s. This adds a festive touch and a bit of crunch to each cookie.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
- Decorate: Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers, then sprinkle extra red and green sprinkles on top. This final touch will give your cookies a little more holiday spirit.
- Bake: Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the centers still look soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re fully cooled, your cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Pack them up in a festive tin for a sweet homemade gift, or serve them at your holiday gathering!
Notes
- Choose Your Cake Mix Flavor: While vanilla or white cake mix is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a twist!
- Add Extra Mix-Ins: If you want a burst of chocolate, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips. Crushed peppermint candies are also a fun option for a minty, holiday twist.
- Watch the Bake Time: Since every oven varies, keep an eye on the cookies around the 9-minute mark. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should look slightly underbaked for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg