Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Introduction

I first made these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit! The combination of a soft, chewy texture with the festive sprinkles on top brought a touch of holiday joy to the occasion. My relatives, including the kids, couldn’t stop reaching for more. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, even for someone with limited baking experience. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of holiday spirit to their cookie plate without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they look so cute with the red and green sprinkles, making them a great treat to bring to holiday parties. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar
• Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Add mix-ins: Gently fold in half of the sprinkles (red and green), white chocolate chips, or M&M’s, depending on your preference.
4. Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Decorate: Flatten the dough balls slightly with your fingers and top each cookie with additional sprinkles.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The edges should be set, while the centers remain soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts:

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150-160 calories

Preparation time:

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 9-11 minutes

How to Serve:

• Serve these cookies on a festive platter to share with family and friends during holiday gatherings.
• Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
• Add them to a holiday cookie exchange box for a sweet treat to share.

Additional Tips:

1. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You want them to be soft in the middle for the perfect chewy texture.
2. Add extra flavor: For a little twist, add a teaspoon of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough.
3. Use different cake mixes: Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors (like chocolate or strawberry) for a unique spin on these cookies.
4. Chill the dough: If you have the time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to make the cookies slightly firmer and easier to shape.
5. Use festive mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! Use peppermint candies, crushed up gingerbread cookies, or colored chocolate chips to change things up.

Recipe Variations:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Swap the white cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to make chocolatey versions of these cookies.
• Peppermint: Add a teaspoon of crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist.
• Sprinkles: Use different colored sprinkles for various holidays or occasions (e.g., pastel sprinkles for Easter or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays).

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these cookies with a holiday dessert spread, including cakes, pies, and other festive treats.
• Package them in clear gift bags or boxes to give as holiday gifts to teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.
• Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual (no thawing necessary).
• Baked cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ:

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes! Chocolate, strawberry, or even lemon cake mixes work great.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the regular cake mix.
3. Can I add more sprinkles?
   Absolutely! You can add as many sprinkles as you like for a festive touch.
4. Can I use butter instead of oil?
   Yes, you can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil in the recipe.
5. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
8. Can I use a hand mixer to make the dough?
   Yes, a hand mixer can be used to mix the dough, but be careful not to overmix.
9. How do I make these cookies chewier?
   Underbake them slightly, and they will be soft and chewy.
10. What other mix-ins can I use?
    You can add mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even crushed candies for variety.

Conclusion:

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a quick, easy, and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With minimal ingredients and preparation, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift exchange, or just to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to save this recipe, as it’s a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire!

Print