If you’re looking for a joyful, fuss-free treat that instantly brings sparkle to your holiday table, these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a dream come true. With a soft, chewy texture and vibrant bursts of red and green, each bite delivers nostalgia and cheer without any of the usual baking stress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen, this shortcut recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch of festive cookies that everyone—from Santa himself to the youngest elves—will adore. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can truly make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredibly, you’ll only need a handful of staple ingredients to make your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies shine. Each one pulls double duty—delivering flavor, creating the perfect texture, or turning every cookie into a showstopper of color and fun. Here’s what you’ll use and why:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix: The secret shortcut! This delivers that classic, fluffy cookie texture with minimal effort and lends the perfect neutral base for festive add-ins.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich, buttery flavor and keeps the cookies tender—make sure it’s soft so it blends right in.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving your cookies a wonderful, chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with sweet, warm notes that instantly make anything taste like the holidays.
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles or nonpareils: Sprinkles are the star here, adding both crunch and color that scream “Christmas!”
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional): For extra decadence and creamy pockets of sweetness in every bite—totally optional, but delightful.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your dough is. While you wait, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep clean-up a breeze and ensure your cookies slide right off—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Mix Up That Dough
In a big mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir everything together. At first, it might look crumbly, but keep going—a thick, luscious dough will come together in just a minute or two.
Step 3: Add the Festive Flair
Here’s where the magic happens! Gently fold in your red and green sprinkles and, if you’re using them, those creamy white chocolate chips. Take care not to overmix—you want the sprinkles to stay plenty vibrant and not bleed into the dough too much.
Step 4: Scoop Onto the Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart (the cookies will spread a little). If you want your cookies extra pretty, add a few more sprinkles or chips on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop those beauties in the oven for 9–11 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges and wonderfully soft centers—the perfect holiday cookie texture. Resist the urge to overbake; they’ll keep firming up as they cool!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them set up and makes moving them a breeze. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). Grab a glass of milk or cocoa and enjoy the first taste of the season!
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-festive flourish, dust your freshly baked cookies with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of edible glitter or even more holiday sprinkles on top can add both sparkle and flair—nobody can resist a cookie that twinkles!
Side Dishes
These vibrant cookies are perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Create a holiday dessert platter with other Christmas treats like peppermint bark or fudge for a cozy, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or pile them high in festive tins for sharing. For parties, stack them cake-stand-style for a showy centerpiece, or serve with assorted sprinkles so everyone can customize their own cookie masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days—perfect for snacking, sharing, or sneaking a cookie with your morning coffee throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on your holiday baking, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a sweet craving (or guests!) strike.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This brings back a touch of gooeyness, especially if you included chocolate chips. Warm cookies are pure holiday magic!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake mixes make delicious variations. This recipe is super flexible—just swap in your favorite box mix for a completely new twist every time.
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No sprinkles? No problem! You can use colored sugars, festive M&Ms, or even chopped nuts for holiday color and crunch. The cookies will still taste amazing and look merry.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes—Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are perfect for little helpers! Kids love stirring, scooping, and, of course, decorating with sprinkles. It’s a wonderful way to make holiday memories together.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Watch for the edges to look set and slightly golden, while the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. Take them out on the softer side for the perfect chewy cookie once cooled.
What’s the best way to package these for gifting?
Let the cookies cool completely, then tuck them into festive tins, boxes, or clear bags. Add a pretty ribbon or tag for the perfect homemade gift that looks (and tastes) like you spent all day baking!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, joyful recipe that captures the wonder of the holidays, these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies should be your new go-to. They’re fast, festive, and endlessly fun—give them a try, and watch smiles appear and holiday spirit rise with every batch you bake!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that are quick and easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifts. Using a simple cake mix base, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive colors and flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles or nonpareils
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can switch up the sprinkles for other holidays or use chocolate cake mix for a richer version.
- For extra flair, press a few additional sprinkles or chips into the tops before baking.
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