If you are looking for a fun, festive, and oh-so-easy holiday treat, this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, buttery cookies bursting with holiday spirit thanks to vibrant red and green sprinkles and optional bursts of white chocolate or festive M&M’s. This recipe takes the stress out of holiday baking with a simple cake mix base that yields fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for celebrations, gifting, or cozy evenings by the fire. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes during the busiest time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each element plays a crucial role: the cake mix gives the cookies their soft texture and wonderful flavor, eggs bind everything together, oil adds moisture, and vanilla extract rounds out the taste with a warm, sweet note. Then the colorful sprinkles and optional mix-ins bring the festive magic that makes these cookies truly special.
- White or vanilla cake mix: This is the foundation for soft, tender cookies with a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for holiday flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs help bring structure and richness to the dough, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and a tender crumb without overpowering the light taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warmth and a hint of sweet aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: These bring the cheerful holiday colors and a slight crunch to every bite.
- Optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s: For extra bursts of sweetness and added texture — perfect for those who love a little surprise in their cookies.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white or vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This simple mix is the secret behind the cookies’ tender texture.
Step 3: Fold in Sprinkles and Optional Mix-ins
Gently fold half of your red and green sprinkles along with any optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s into the dough. This is where the cookie starts to feel truly festive and fun, with little pops of color and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give each cookie enough room to spread just right. Then, flatten each dough ball slightly with your palm for that classic cookie shape.
Step 5: Add Decorative Sprinkles and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining red and green sprinkles over the flattened dough balls to amp up the holiday cheer. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and inviting.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause helps them firm up just enough without losing that homemade softness. Now they’re ready to serve or package up as delightful holiday gifts!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles bring instant festive joy, don’t hesitate to get creative. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can elevate these cookies into a stunning treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving adds a snow-dusted magic that’s perfect for holiday tables.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages that warm your soul. Think rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, a spiced chai latte, or even a classic peppermint mocha. The soft, buttery cookie texture complements the creamy richness of your favorite holiday drinks perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything during the holidays! Arrange these colorful cookies on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches, ornaments, or twinkling lights. For gifting, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons, or layer them in small holiday-themed tins for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe treats will stay fresh for up to a week stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to preserve their softness and vibrant sprinkles.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for holiday parties, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their delicious texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For that just-baked warmth, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix is classic and lets the sprinkles shine, other flavors like funfetti or lemon can add a fun twist. Just pick one that complements your holiday vibe.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe doesn’t require chilling, which makes it perfect for quick holiday baking sessions. The dough’s texture is ideal for scooping and baking right away.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but it might change the cookie’s texture slightly. Vegetable oil keeps these cookies moist and tender, while butter could make them denser and more cake-like.
How do I make these cookies less sticky?
If you find the dough a bit sticky to handle, dust your hands lightly with flour or chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling. This helps with shaping while keeping the cookies soft when baked.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
They are fantastic gifts! Their eye-catching colors and soft texture make them a holiday favorite. Just package them in airtight containers or festive wrapping for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
If you want a no-fuss, cheerful bake that captures the spirit of the season, this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s simple enough for last-minute baking but impressive enough to wow family and friends. Grab that cake mix, sprinkle in your holiday cheer, and enjoy the sweetest part of your celebrations!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these easy and festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. Made with a simple cake mix and a few additional ingredients, these soft and colorful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with family and friends. Adorned with red and green sprinkles and optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s, they bring both flavor and holiday cheer to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar
- Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles along with white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s if using. This incorporates colorful bursts and added texture into the dough.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll each into a ball. This helps ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Flatten and decorate: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand, then sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top for extra holiday decoration.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly tender.
- Cool down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your festive cookies on a platter for parties or package them as delightful holiday gifts.
Notes
- Use white or vanilla cake mix for the best flavor base.
- Optional mix-ins like white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s enhance color and taste.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft centers.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix.
- To make dough handling easier, chill dough for 15 minutes before scooping.
