If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Cake Mix Christmas Cookies absolutely deserve a spot in your holiday baking lineup. These cookies come together in a flash, thanks to the magic of cake mix—just a few staple ingredients, a fistful of colorful sprinkles or M&M’s, and you’ll have a batch of chewy, chewy cookies that taste like Christmas joy itself. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cookie exchange, baking with the kids, or just need a quick and easy sweet for the season, this recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors and holiday cheer you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor, and these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies nail it every time. Every ingredient here has a specific part to play: the cake mix provides sweetness and structure, the oil keeps things tender, eggs bring richness, vanilla adds warmth, and those bright sprinkles or candies offer a festive pop in every bite.
- Cake Mix: Go for a standard box of vanilla or white cake mix—it’s the shortcut that gives these cookies their soft texture and classic flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Using half a cup gives you chewy, delightfully moist cookies instead of crisp or dry ones.
- Large Eggs: Two eggs add essential structure, richness, and that homemade cookie consistency everyone loves.
- Vanilla Extract: One little teaspoon perks up the flavor and deepens the sweet, bakery-style aroma.
- Red and Green Sprinkles or Mini M&M’s: A generous sprinkling of these will make your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies look straight out of Santa’s workshop—ditch the plain cookies and go all in on festive color!
- Almond Extract (Optional): Just half a teaspoon gives the cookies a subtle, nutty sweetness that feels extra special.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by setting the scene: preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a total breeze, so you can focus on the fun part—baking and eating!
Step 2: Mix Together the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect time to add the almond extract for that bakery-quality flavor. Mix everything just until a soft dough forms; it’s tempting to over-mix, but a gentle hand guarantees soft and tender cookies.
Step 3: Add the Festive Touch
Fold in your red and green sprinkles or mini M&M’s with care. Mixing these in by hand helps distribute those pops of color evenly, so every cookie bakes up looking merry and bright. Plus, folding gently keeps the sprinkles from breaking and the dough perfectly soft.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out generous tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls—they don’t have to be perfect! Place each dough ball onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for a little spreading room as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just set and a center that still looks slightly soft—that’s the secret to irresistibly chewy Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The wait is the hardest part!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a few extra festive sprinkles or mini M&M’s on top for an added burst of color and crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully if you want them to look snow-kissed, or go all out and drizzle with melted white chocolate for a gourmet finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies with classic holiday sippers, like hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, warm apple cider, or a cozy mug of coffee. For a true cookie platter experience, add in a few contrasting bites, like salty pretzels, chocolate-dipped fruit, or even a handful of mixed nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive! Stack your cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a bright ribbon for easy gifting, or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a holiday-themed napkin for your dessert table. You can even nestle them in a decorative tin for a nostalgic touch that feels straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cake Mix Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to four days—if they last that long! Tuck a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their perfectly chewy texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding just a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If your cookies are feeling a tad firm after a few days or after freezing, perk them up by warming each cookie in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. They’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven again—chewy, melty, and totally irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, funfetti, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist. Just mix and match your add-ins—think white chocolate chips with red velvet cake mix, or crushed peppermint candies with chocolate cake mix—for a new holiday favorite every time.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the batch size to fit your needs. Just keep the ingredient ratios the same, and watch your baking time—smaller cookies may bake a minute faster, while larger batches may need an extra minute or so in the oven.
Are these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! The simple, one-bowl prep makes this a perfect project for little helpers. Kids especially love rolling dough balls and adding colorful sprinkles or candies—just be sure to handle the oven step yourself.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required here! That’s part of the magic—Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are designed to go straight from bowl to oven, making them perfect for last-minute holiday cravings or busy baking marathons.
How can I customize these cookies for other holidays?
Swap the red and green sprinkles for pastel colors at Easter, orange and brown for Halloween, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day. You can also use different cake mix flavors to suit the celebration—it’s a super versatile recipe you’ll reach for all year round.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making and sharing Cake Mix Christmas Cookies—they’re quick, colorful, and unfailingly delicious, no matter how you customize them. If you want a surefire way to spread cheer (and deliciousness) this season, give these cookies a try. Your oven, your friends, and your holiday spirit will thank you!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a quick and festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Using a simple cake mix base, these cookies are loaded with colorful sprinkles or mini M&M’s for a cheerful touch. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles or mini M&M’s
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the sprinkles or mini M&M’s.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are great for holiday cookie exchanges and can be customized with different flavors of cake mix or festive add-ins.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
