The holidays are a time to indulge in festive treats, and these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies make the perfect holiday dessert! Not only are they simple and quick to make, but they’re also easily customizable, bursting with holiday cheer thanks to vibrant red and green sprinkles. These cookies are ideal for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or as thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
This recipe uses a boxed cake mix as its base, which makes preparation a breeze, even for beginners. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a holiday favorite and how you can make them with just a few ingredients.
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Using cake mix for cookies is one of the best-kept baking secrets! Cake mix cookies are incredibly soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet. Here are a few reasons why these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are bound to become your holiday staple:
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients, these cookies are ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for last-minute treats!
- Customizable for the Holidays: You can switch up the sprinkles or add festive mix-ins like white chocolate chips, M&M’s, or even a hint of peppermint for added holiday flair.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies are adorable, delicious, and easy to package. Wrap them in a festive tin or gift bag, and you’ve got a simple, homemade gift that everyone will love.
Now that you know why they’re so special, let’s go through each step to make these delightful treats.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix: Using a cake mix base provides a soft, sweet foundation for these cookies and cuts down on preparation time.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their chewy texture.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Oil keeps these cookies soft and moist, ensuring they don’t dry out.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the sweetness and provides a delicious flavor base.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: Essential for adding festive color! These sprinkles will make your cookies stand out on any holiday dessert table.
- Optional Add-Ons: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s make for a fun and tasty variation. You could even add crushed peppermint candy for a seasonal twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the dough tender.
Step 3: Add Festive Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles or colored sugar and any optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into small balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. Flatten the dough balls slightly with your palm to give them a nice cookie shape.
Step 5: Decorate and Bake
- Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie for extra holiday cheer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them firm up slightly while staying soft and chewy inside.
Creative Variations and Tips
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are already a festive treat, but here are a few ideas to make them even more magical:
- Peppermint Twist: Add a half-teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and top each cookie with crushed candy canes before baking.
- Nutty Addition: For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough. These will add a slight savory element to the sweet cookies.
- Drizzle of Icing: Once cooled, drizzle a little vanilla or chocolate icing over each cookie for an added decorative touch.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, then decorate with sprinkles for a delicious two-tone treat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Storing and Gifting Your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or making ahead of time:
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Gifting Tips: Wrap these cookies in festive holiday packaging like cookie tins, clear bags with ribbons, or small gift boxes. They make thoughtful and delicious homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Kids
Baking these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies is a great activity for families. Here’s why kids will love them:
- Fun to Make: Kids can help stir the ingredients, roll the dough, and add sprinkles. This is a fun and interactive way to teach them basic baking skills.
- No Mixer Needed: Since the dough is easy to stir by hand, even young bakers can help with this recipe.
- Personalized Decorations: Let your kids add their favorite sprinkles or candies, allowing them to personalize their cookies.
- Quick Baking Time: These cookies bake in just about 10 minutes, so there’s minimal waiting time. This is perfect for younger children who may not have the patience for lengthy recipes.
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Conclusion: A Sweet, Simple Holiday Tradition
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a delightful and easy way to bring holiday joy into your home. With their bright colors and delicious flavor, they’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the simplicity of using cake mix means you can whip up a batch even in the busiest of holiday seasons.
If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert to add to your holiday traditions, these cookies are the answer! Don’t forget to check out our website for more festive recipes, and happy baking!
Fun Facts about Cake Mix Cookies
Did you know that cake mix cookies date back to the 1940s? During World War II, cake mixes became popular because they were an easy way for families to bake without rationing multiple ingredients. The idea of turning cake mix into cookies came later, but it quickly gained popularity as a simple, adaptable baking shortcut! Today, cake mix cookies have become a go-to recipe, especially during the holiday season. With countless cake mix flavors and endless possibilities for mix-ins, each batch can be unique, making these cookies a timeless holiday tradition.
Another fun fact is that by altering the cake mix flavor, you can make a whole new cookie recipe! For example, try a chocolate cake mix with crushed peppermint candy for a “Peppermint Mocha” cookie, or red velvet mix with white chocolate chips for a striking “Red Velvet Christmas Cookie.” Experimenting with flavors is half the fun, and it’s a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen.
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Cookie Swap
If you’re planning to make these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies as part of a holiday cookie swap, here are a few tips to make the event even more memorable:
- Prepare an Inviting Cookie Table: Set up a beautifully decorated table with plates or trays for each cookie variety. Place cards or signs in front of each tray listing the cookie name and any notable ingredients (like nuts or gluten) to inform guests with allergies or dietary preferences.
- Encourage Cookie Diversity: Suggest that each guest brings a unique cookie flavor or design. This way, everyone leaves with a delicious variety of cookies, each with its own holiday twist.
- Provide Festive Takeaway Boxes: Get small boxes or festive bags so guests can take home a sampling of cookies. You can find holiday-themed packaging online or at craft stores, which makes for an adorable presentation.
- Set Up a Hot Cocoa Station: Pair your cookies with a hot chocolate station! Offer marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and a few different hot chocolate flavors to create a warm, welcoming environment.
These holiday swaps are a fun way to spread holiday cheer, and you can’t go wrong with cookies like these! Hosting a cookie swap with Cake Mix Christmas Cookies is a lovely tradition that can be enjoyed year after year. With their festive colors and delicious taste, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or festive M&M’s into the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the dough balls slightly with your palm.
- Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie for extra holiday cheer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, serve your festive cookies on a platter or package them as holiday gifts!
Notes
Notes
- Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares (chopped up)
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate toffee bits
- Crushed candy cane
- Chopped pecans