Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and, of course, baking! As someone who loves to bake but often doesn’t have the time to make everything from scratch, cake mix cookies have become my go-to for quick, easy, and delicious treats. I recently decided to try out Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, and they quickly became a family favorite. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, and with a few sprinkles of red and green, they’re as festive as they are tasty.

When I made these cookies for the first time, my kids couldn’t stop eating them. The combination of soft, chewy centers and a slight crunch from the edges made them irresistible. Plus, the fun of rolling the dough into balls and adding colorful sprinkles made it a perfect holiday baking activity to do together. This is a recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings joy to the kitchen—ideal for busy holidays when you still want to enjoy homemade cookies!

Ingredients

To make these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, you’ll need the following 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

These ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly. The cake mix provides a perfect base, and the other ingredients come together to give the cookies a rich flavor and festive appearance. You can also customize the cookies with optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or M&M’s for added flavor and color.

Instructions

Making these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies is a breeze! Here’s how you can do it:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together well.
3. Add the festive ingredients: Gently fold in half of the red and green sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or festive M&M’s into the dough. The colors will add a cheerful pop and make the cookies extra festive.
4. Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your palm to help them bake evenly.
5. Add more sprinkles: For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle more red and green sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie.
6. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be sure not to overbake them, as you want them to stay chewy.
7. Cool the cookies: Once they’re done baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly and makes them easier to move without breaking.
8. Serve or package: Once the cookies have cooled completely, serve them on a platter or package them as holiday gifts. They’re perfect for gift-giving, and they’re sure to bring joy to anyone who receives them!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

These nutrition facts are approximate and can vary depending on the size of the cookies and any variations you make to the recipe, such as adding chocolate chips or M&M’s.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

These cookies are quick to prepare, and you’ll have them out of the oven and cooling in no time. The recipe is perfect for busy holiday schedules when you need something delicious but don’t have the time for complex baking.

How to Serve

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Holiday Party: Serve the cookies on a festive platter for your next holiday gathering or cookie exchange. The red and green sprinkles make them visually appealing and perfect for the season.
• Gift Giving: These cookies are a great addition to a holiday gift box or tin. Package them with a ribbon for a homemade gift that everyone will love.
• With Hot Cocoa: These cookies are perfect with a warm mug of hot chocolate. The chewy texture pairs perfectly with a creamy, sweet drink.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t overmix the dough: Mix the dough just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
2. Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. If you overbake them, they’ll lose their chewy texture. Remove them as soon as the edges are set.
4. Chill the dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming the dough balls. This will make it easier to roll and shape the cookies.
5. Customize the sprinkles: Feel free to use any colored sugar or sprinkles you like. If you have holiday-themed sprinkles, it’ll add even more festivity to the cookies.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Cake Mix Christmas Cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for an extra dose of sweetness.
• Use other cake mixes: Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as chocolate or red velvet, for a fun twist on the traditional cookie.
• Add crushed candy canes: For a peppermint-flavored cookie, mix in some crushed candy canes to the dough before baking.
• Make them smaller: For bite-sized treats, scoop smaller portions of dough and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Cookie Trays: Serve these cookies as part of a cookie tray with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles.
• With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a festive dessert.
• At a Cookie Exchange: Bring these cookies to a holiday cookie exchange and share your festive treat with friends and family.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store or freeze your cookies:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
   Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer, such as chocolate or red velvet.
2. How long should I bake the cookies?
   Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
3. Can I add other types of chocolate?
   Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips.
4. What kind of sprinkles should I use?
   Red and green sprinkles work well for the holiday season, but you can use any type of colored sugar or sprinkles.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before forming the dough balls.
7. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
8. Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
   Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
9. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
10. Can I use egg substitutes?
    Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flax eggs or aquafaba if needed.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are an easy and delicious holiday treat that brings festive cheer to any gathering. They’re simple to make, customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting them to friends, or serving them at a party, these cookies will add a touch of sweetness and fun to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!

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