Jolly Christmas Cookies: A Magical Cake Mix Recipe

Baking these delightful Christmas cookies with cake mix provides a shortcut to festive magic.

Holiday treats burst with flavor and simplicity when using this clever baking technique.

Soft, chewy textures emerge from a few simple ingredients that anyone can master.

Rich flavors and colorful sprinkles transform ordinary moments into special memories.

Festive baking doesn’t require professional skills or complicated steps.

These cookies bring warm smiles and sweet joy to your holiday table.

You’ll love how quickly these treats come together for unexpected celebrations.

FAQs

• Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you like. Vanilla, chocolate, funfetti, or red velvet work great and will create unique cookie variations.

• Do I need a mixer to make these cookies?

No, you don’t need a mixer. You can easily mix the ingredients by hand using a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or spatula.

• How can I make my cookies look more festive?

Add extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking. You can also choose seasonal colors to match holidays or special occasions.

• What if my dough seems too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before forming cookies. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to handle.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients That Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Fun

• Cake Mix: Provides instant sweet foundation with perfect texture and flavor profile.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and creates rich structure for cookies.
• Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in final cookie texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting background note to cookie's overall taste.
• M&Ms or Sprinkles: Brings festive color, delightful crunch, and playful visual appeal to cookies.

• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and ensures even cookie browning.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Creates uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.

Tools for Creating Festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and mixing dough.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Perfect for creating uniform, evenly sized cookie balls.
• Baking sheets: Two lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and maintain crisp edges.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Quickly

• Whip Together the Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in cake mix, eggs, oil, and a splash of vanilla. Stir until everything blends smoothly. The mixture will feel thick and rich. Gently fold in most of your colorful M&Ms, saving a few for topping.

• Chill Out

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for a quick 20-minute rest. This helps your cookies stay nice and plump, preventing them from spreading too much.

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your festive treats.

• Shape Your Delights

Scoop out round cookie balls and place them on the prepared sheets. Give each one a gentle press and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top for extra pizzazz.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Look for golden edges while the centers remain soft and tender.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies hang out on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once they’ve chilled out, they’re ready to devour!

Holiday Toppings for Brightening Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

• Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Cookies
• Refrigerate dough for 20-30 minutes to prevent cookie spread and create a thicker, chewier texture. Cold dough helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Top cookies with extra M&Ms or sprinkles just before baking for a festive, colorful appearance. Press toppings gently to ensure they stick to the cookie surface.
• Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Check ingredient labels to ensure complete gluten-free status.
• Experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, funfetti, or red velvet to create unique cookie variations. Each mix brings its own delightful twist to the recipe.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to keep cookies soft and fresh.

How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies on a Cookie Tray

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive red or green tray, creating a colorful display that screams Christmas cheer. Sprinkle extra M&Ms around the edges for a playful touch.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons. Attach a cute gift tag for a personalized homemade treat that spreads joy to friends and family.
• Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside cold milk, hot cocoa, or creamy vanilla ice cream. The cookies' soft texture and vibrant colors make them a perfect companion to winter comfort drinks.
• Kids' Decorating Station: Set up a fun activity where children can add extra sprinkles, drizzle melted chocolate, or create unique designs on their own cookies. Provides entertainment and delicious results.

Store Your Christmas Cookies to Keep Them Soft and Cheery

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Frozen cookies stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Prepare cookie dough balls in advance. Refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze unbaked dough for 2 months. Bake directly from refrigerated or frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Add a slice of bread to your storage container to keep cookies soft and chewy. Replace bread slice every 1-2 days to maintain perfect texture.

Festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies deliver delightful holiday cheer with minimal effort. Sweet crumbles and cheerful sprinkles make these simple treats perfect for seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (170 g) red and green M&Ms or festive sprinkles
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, blending until a smooth, uniform dough forms with a rich, glossy appearance.
2. Mix-in Integration: Incorporate most of the M&Ms or sprinkles into the dough, reserving a portion for final decoration, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Chill and Stabilize: Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes to firm up the consistency, preventing excessive spread and maintaining cookie shape during baking.
4. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), situating the rack centrally and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
5. Shaping and Decorating: Scoop uniform dough portions onto prepared sheets, spacing them one inch apart. Gently flatten each mound and garnish with remaining M&Ms or sprinkles.
6. Baking Process: Slide trays into the preheated oven, baking for 9-11 minutes until cookie edges turn golden and centers appear slightly soft but set.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before serving or storing.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to maintain a light, tender cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Strategic Chilling: Refrigerate dough for at least 20 minutes to control spread and enhance flavor development, especially in warm kitchens.
• Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie shapes, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
• Decorative Placement: Reserve some M&Ms or sprinkles to press on top of cookies just before baking for a vibrant, intentional appearance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg