If you’re craving a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is your new holiday go-to. Combining the ease of a boxed cake mix with colorful sprinkles and a tender, soft texture, these cookies come together in just minutes but deliver big on flavor and holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking to share with family, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies offer a cheerful bite of Christmas magic with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role in creating that tender, flavorful cookie that’s bursting with holiday cheer and just the right texture.
- White or vanilla cake mix: The base of the cookie provides moisture, sweetness, and a soft crumb texture.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness to the dough.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and tender while ensuring the dough is easy to handle.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and deep flavor that complements the cake mix.
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar: Brings vibrant festive colors that make these cookies stand out.
- Optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s: For a touch of sweetness and extra pops of color and texture.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This step is key for achieving that perfect soft cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Festive Fun
Gently fold in half of your red and green sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or festive M&M’s right into the dough. This sneaky addition means you get delightful bursts of color and sweetness inside each cookie, not just on top.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on your baking sheet about two inches apart—this spacing helps them bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 5: Add More Sprinkles and Flatten
Press the dough balls down slightly with your palm to flatten. Then sprinkle the tops with the remaining red and green sprinkles for that extra pop of holiday sparkle that everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for cookie edges that are set but centers still soft—this balance keeps them chewy and tender.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them firm up a bit. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to dazzle on your holiday platter or go into gift tins for friends and family.
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of extra charm, dust cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or dribble white chocolate over them. A few extra sprinkles or edible glitter can take these festive treats from adorable to absolutely magical.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic holiday duo. They’re also wonderful alongside a cheese board or fresh fruit for an unexpected but delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a clear jar with layers of colored sugar or wrap sets in festive parchment tied with ribbon for gifting. You can also use cookie cutters to press the dough into holiday shapes before baking, adding a personalized touch to your celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cake Mix Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps retain their soft texture and festive flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for holiday gatherings, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Warm previously baked cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven to refresh their softness. This little trick brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white or vanilla is classic for this recipe, chocolate or funfetti cake mixes can add a new twist. Just be mindful that stronger flavors will change the cookie’s character.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute with a neutral oil like canola or even melted coconut oil. Avoid using strongly flavored oils that could overshadow the vanilla.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix allows you to enjoy these cookies with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your sprinkles and mix-ins are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm when shaping and keep the cookie balls spaced a couple of inches apart on the baking sheet. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain shape.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is perfect for little helpers, especially when it comes to mixing, rolling dough, and adding sprinkles. It’s a festive activity that doubles as a tasty reward.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate the season with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick festive treat, these cookies deliver on the magic of the holidays in every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved tradition in your home!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a quick and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with a simple cake mix dough enhanced with colorful sprinkles and optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s, they bake into soft, chewy cookies that bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s
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 Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir together until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Add Festive Mix-ins: Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles along with the white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s if using, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten and Decorate: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand. Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie for extra festive flair.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or Package: Serve the festive cookies on a platter or package them as holiday gifts to share the joy.
Notes
- For best results, do not overbake to maintain soft centers.
- You can customize the mix-ins with different holiday candies or nuts according to preference.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap the dough balls or baked cookies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
