Get ready to bring extra cheer to your cookie trays with these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies! Quick, colorful, and nearly foolproof, they’re the ultimate shortcut to holiday happiness. Imagine a cookie that’s irresistibly soft inside, delightfully crisp at the edges, and loaded with festive red and green candies—it’s like a Christmas party in every bite. This recipe captures those nostalgic holiday flavors and wraps them up in a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised by how a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients transform into something pure magic. Each piece brings something delightful to the cookies: softness, sweetness, holiday color, or that telltale chocolate chip crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to get baking:
- Vanilla or white cake mix (15.25 oz): Serves as your effortless base, giving you perfectly flavored, soft cookies with almost no measuring required.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and ensures a tender, chewy bite every time.
- Large eggs (2): Hold everything together and help give the cookies their delightful rise and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the cookie’s warm, cozy flavor, making them taste homemade even though they’re so simple.
- Mini chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Add rich, melty chocolate in every mouthful.
- Red and green M&M’s (1/2 cup): Instantly signal “holiday!” while adding pops of crunch and color.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Sprinkles mean celebration, and they lend the cookies extra sparkle and festive flair.
How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s evenly hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a small step that saves time and ensures perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix Up the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a thick, smooth dough. This part is so satisfying—the batter comes together quickly, thanks to the cake mix, but don’t forget to scrape down the sides to catch every bit.
Step 3: Add the Fun Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, and holiday sprinkles. This is where the classic Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies start to look and feel festive! Be careful not to over-mix so the sprinkles don’t bleed their color too much—you want those bright pops to shine through.
Step 4: Shape and Arrange the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out dough and roll each bit into balls with your hands. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart since they’ll spread a bit as they bake. This step is perfect for little helpers and makes the cookies feel homemade and special.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch for the edges to look set while the centers remain just slightly underbaked—that’s the secret to soft, chewy middles. Don’t overdo it! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes; it finishes the bake without drying them out.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want extra festive flair, press a few more M&M’s or sprinkles onto the tops while the cookies are still warm. It gives you even more color and that irresistible bakery-style look, making sure your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies truly steal the show!
How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies
Garnishes
Pile your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies high on a platter and add a flourish of extra holiday sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For extra charm, tuck a few candy canes around the cookies or add a festive ribbon to your serving tray. These small touches make your cookies the centerpiece of any holiday spread.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing these cookies with a mug of steaming hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or even a cold glass of milk—Santa’s favorite classic combo! If you’re feeling extra fancy, set out some caramel sauce for dipping, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make warm cookie sundaes for a dreamy winter dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with red and green ribbon for easy gifting, or stack them in a festive tin with parchment between layers. You can even build a “cookie tower” by layering the Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies with small chocolate truffles or mini marshmallows for a stunning edible centerpiece. However you serve them, these cookies bring instant holiday joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, stash your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh and yummy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holidays—or spontaneous cookie cravings. If your house is anything like mine, they won’t last more than a few days!
Freezing
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies freeze like a dream. Lay cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for any last-minute celebration or late-night treat.
Reheating
To bring back that “just-baked” magic, pop a cookie (or three!) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll warm up beautifully, and the chocolate chips get perfectly gooey again. If you’re reheating more, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick and keep the outsides nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While vanilla or white cake mix gives you the classic look and flavor, feel free to try chocolate or even spice cake mix for a twist. Each one brings its own festive personality to your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies.
How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
The key is to avoid overbaking. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers are slightly underdone; they’ll continue firming up as they cool, locking in that irresistible texture.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, and they’ll love it! These are perfect for little helpers—mixing, scooping, and especially decorating with sprinkles and M&M’s. It’s a fantastic holiday baking activity with zero stress and all the fun.
What’s the best way to ship these cookies?
Since Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are soft but sturdy, they travel well. Stack them with layers of parchment or wax paper in a snug tin or food-safe container, and fill any gaps with extra sprinkles or tissue to keep them from moving around.
Are there any dairy-free or gluten-free options?
You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and a dairy-free cake mix if needed. For gluten-free cookies, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free cake mix—the results will be just as festive and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in search of a holiday cookie that’s sure to please everyone, look no further than these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies. They’re easy, festive, and full of cheerful flavor—which means you get more time enjoying the fun and less time fussing in the kitchen. Give them a try this season and let your kitchen fill with the sweet scent of homemade holiday magic!
Print
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa 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 Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are a quick and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Using a simple cake mix base, these cookies are loaded with mini chocolate chips, colorful M&M’s, and fun holiday sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop dough into balls, place on baking sheet, and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly underbaked.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive touch, press additional M&M’s or sprinkles on top post-baking.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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