Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

The Jolliest Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet surprises happen when you blend cake mix into festive christmas cookies that sparkle with holiday magic.

Seasonal baking can feel intimidating, but this simple recipe changes everything.

Colorful sprinkles and rich flavors combine for a delightful treat anyone can master.

Christmas memories start in the kitchen with minimal effort and maximum joy.

Mixing ingredients becomes a celebration of connection and warmth.

Your friends and relatives will adore these quick, delectable morsels that come together in minutes.

One bite promises to transport you straight to cheerful holiday moments.

Why Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Are Holiday Perfect

  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: These holiday sprinkle cookies require simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Create Festive Memories: Decorating cookies with sprinkles becomes a delightful activity that brings families and friends together during special moments.
  • Customize Your Celebration: Swap out holiday sprinkles or chocolate chips to match different seasonal themes and personal preferences, making these cookies versatile for various occasions.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With straightforward preparation and minimal steps, these cookies deliver maximum joy and deliciousness without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need For Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

For the Base:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient foundation that provides structure and flavor for the holiday cookies.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a rich, soft texture in the cookies.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender, soft cookie consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
For the Mix-Ins:
  • White Chocolate Chips, M&M's: Bring festive colors and sweet bursts of chocolate throughout the cookies.
For the Coating and Finishing:
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Provides a colorful and festive exterior to the cookies.
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps prevent sticking when forming dough balls and adds a delicate sweet finish.
  • Salt: A small pinch that enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

Steps To Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Fast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set the oven to 350°F and cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a pristine surface for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Mix The Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until a smooth, consistent dough emerges.

Step 3: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

Gently incorporate:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Colorful M&M's

Ensure even distribution throughout the cookie mixture.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt to elevate the overall taste profile.

Step 5: Prepare Sprinkle Station

Pour holiday sprinkles into a shallow dish for coating.

Step 6: Shape The Cookies

Dust hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into small, consistent balls.

Step 7: Coat With Festive Sprinkles

Roll each dough ball generously in holiday sprinkles, creating a vibrant exterior.

Step 8: Arrange On Baking Sheets

Place sprinkle-covered cookies on prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.

Step 11: Optional Final Touch

Dust with additional powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.

Step 12: Serve And Store

Allow cookies to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately.

Baking Tips For Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Prevent Sticky Dough: Dust hands with powdered sugar to easily shape cookie balls without mess.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweet chocolate and vanilla notes in the cookies.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Space cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet for consistent golden edges and soft centers.
  • Maintain Freshness: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious for several days.
  • Customize Sprinkle Coverage: Roll dough balls generously in holiday sprinkles for maximum festive color and crunch.

Festive Versions Of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these festive treats.
  • Vegan Celebration Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free white chocolate chips, and choose vegan-friendly M&M's for a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Winter Cookies: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for added crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Festive Option: Use sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free candy alternatives to create a lighter, more diet-conscious cookie.

What Pairs With Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Pair with Festive Hot Chocolate: Brew a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to complement the sweet, sprinkle-coated cookies. The warm, velvety drink balances the cookie's crunch and adds a cozy holiday touch.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside these cookies for a delightful contrast. The cool, creamy texture perfectly offsets the warm, crispy cookie edges.
  • Combine with Sparkling Cinnamon Cider: Pour a chilled glass of sparkling cinnamon cider to enhance the cookie's festive flavor profile. The spicy, bubbly drink adds a refreshing twist to the sweet treat.

Store Cake Mix Christmas Cookies The Right Way

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing sticking.
  • Carefully wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for best results.
  • Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve freshness.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 8-10 seconds or place in preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

Top Questions About Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Are these cookies good for holiday parties?

Perfect for festive gatherings! These colorful sprinkle cookies are crowd-pleasers that look cheerful and taste delicious, making them ideal for potlucks, family celebrations, and seasonal events.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. The dough balls can also be frozen for up to 2 months, giving you flexibility for last-minute baking.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

Not at all! Basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheets, and parchment paper are all you need. Even a standard home mixer or just a whisk will work perfectly.

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Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Cookies emerge from a simple cake mix, creating delightful holiday treats that sparkle with seasonal cheer. Sweet magic happens when you blend easy ingredients into cheerful, sprinkle-studded cookies perfect for sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box cake mix (yellow or white)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Mix-ins and Decorations:

  • 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Holiday Additions:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup red and green M&M’s
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your festive treats.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, blending until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
  3. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie mixture.
  4. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
  5. Pour the holiday sprinkles into a separate shallow dish, preparing for the coating process.
  6. Dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into small, uniform balls.
  7. Generously roll each dough ball in the holiday sprinkles, ensuring a festive and colorful exterior.
  8. Arrange the sprinkle-coated cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers appear slightly soft.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. Dust with additional powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday sweetness if desired.
  12. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like funfetti, red velvet, or chocolate for unique variations.
  • Swap traditional sprinkles with holiday-specific colors for themed celebrations throughout the year.
  • Reduce oil by 1 tablespoon for slightly less dense cookies if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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