Introduction to Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that wonderful time of year filled with twinkling lights and cozy gatherings. When it comes to baking, I know how busy things can get. That’s where these cake mix Christmas cookies come in, offering a delightful treat without the hassle. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s not only festive but also pleasing to the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re baking with your kids or surprising family and friends, these cookies deliver all the joy of the holidays in each sweet bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
There’s something magical about how quickly these cake mix Christmas cookies come together. In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have dough ready for the oven. With every bite, you’ll taste the rich flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and holiday cheer. Plus, the cheerful colors from M&Ms and sprinkles make them a feast for the eyes. These cookies bring joy without all the fuss, making your holiday baking a breeze!
Ingredients for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in your journey to baking these delightful cake mix Christmas cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of our cookies, bringing sweetness and that familiar flavor everyone loves.
- Large eggs: They act as a binder, giving the cookies structure and richness.
- Canola or vegetable oil: This adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Christmas M&Ms: These fun, colorful candies add a festive touch and a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute with holiday-themed chocolate candies!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: A classic addition that will melt in your mouth, giving a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Mini marshmallows: They introduce a chewy texture and a hint of surprise in every bite.
- Crushed pretzels: For a salty twist, adding depth and a satisfying crunch to each cookie.
- Red and green sprinkle mix: A sprinkle of joy! These add a festive flair that instantly brightens up your holiday treats.
- Optional toppings: Extra M&Ms or chocolate chips can take your cookies to another level of indulgence.
Don’t worry; all the exact quantities are at the bottom for easy reference and printing. Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients to make these cookies uniquely yours!
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Let’s get things started! First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. The magic happens when the heat rises, so this step is essential. While it warms up, take two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This lining is crucial for non-stick goodness, ensuring your cake mix Christmas cookies come off easily after baking. Feel free to make this a family task—kids love unrolling the parchment and watching the excitement unfold!
Mix the Dough
Now onto the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of vanilla cake mix, the two large eggs, and half a cup of canola or vegetable oil. Grab a whisk or a hand mixer and blend everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dough should be thick and slightly sticky—just the way we want it! Take a moment to enjoy that heavenly scent wafting from the mixing bowl. Trust me, it’s just a hint of the deliciousness to come!
Fold in the Festive Add-ins
Time to make this dough a party! Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, and red and green sprinkles. Use a spatula to mix everything evenly without overworking the dough. Each scoop should be a delightful surprise, filled with flavors and textures. Picture this: every bite is a crunchy, chewy, sweet explosion that adds festive cheer to your holiday season. Don’t be shy; really get those add-ins integrated!
Scoop and Shape the Cookies
With the dough ready, grab a large cookie scoop or a spoon. Begin scooping generous amounts of dough onto your lined baking sheets. Leave at least two inches of space between each scoop; they’ll spread during baking. Want to make them even more delicious? Top each cookie with additional M&Ms or chocolate chips for that extra indulgence. Remember, this step is your chance to sprinkle a little more festive cheer on top!
Bake to Perfection
It’s time to bake these beauties! Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges; they should look set and slightly golden, but the centers may still appear soft. That’s perfectly okay! Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Use this time to savor the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen—it’s a true holiday delight!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the festive add-ins to keep your cookies soft.
- For chewier cookies, take them out when the edges are just set, even if the center looks a touch underbaked.
- Experiment with different candies or mix-ins to personalize your cake mix Christmas cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
- Keep an eye on bake times, as ovens can vary!
Equipment Needed for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will do. A glass or stainless-steel bowl is ideal for easy mixing.
- Whisk or hand mixer: Use either one to blend your ingredients smoothly.
- Cookie scoop: A large spoon works too, but a scoop ensures uniform cookies.
- Baking sheets: If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the sheets lightly.
- Wire rack: A cooling rack is great, but a plate works in a pinch!
Variations of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Swap out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate cake mix for an indulgent twist that chocoholics will adore!
- Nutty Surprise: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch and rich flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicious treats!
- Fruit and Nut Mix: Substitute M&Ms with dried cranberries and almonds for a chewier, more sophisticated cookie.
- Frosted Cookies: Once cooled, top your cookies with a simple vanilla frosting or cream cheese frosting for a sweet touch!
- Holiday Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that screams holiday cheer.
Serving Suggestions for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy treat.
- Holiday Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive platter surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts for an eye-catching presentation.
- Milk: Serve alongside a glass of cold milk—classic and satisfying!
- Christmas Treat Bags: Package cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for lovely homemade gifts.
- Cookie Decorating: Let kids decorate with icing and sprinkles for added festive fun!
FAQs about Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Here are some common questions I often hear about cake mix Christmas cookies. I hope these help clarify everything for you!
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can switch things up by using chocolate or red velvet cake mix. Each option brings its own unique twist to these festive cookies!
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, flash freeze, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready!
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water. Both options work well and keep your cookies moist!
How do I make the cookies softer and chewier?
For softer cookies, be careful not to overbake them. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool!
Final Thoughts
Baking these cake mix Christmas cookies has been a joyful journey filled with laughter and holiday spirit. As the aroma fills your home, you’ll feel the warmth of cherished memories surrounding you. From the first scoop of dough to the last crumb, these cookies are not just treats; they’re moments shared with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cozy cup of cocoa or gifting them to neighbors, each cookie carries a sprinkle of love and joy. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your family, and dive into the delightful world of festive baking!
Print
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies made with cake mix, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box of vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup Christmas M&Ms (red and green)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed pretzels
- ¼ cup red and green sprinkle mix
- Additional M&Ms and chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil in a large bowl until well combined.
- Fold in the M&Ms, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, and sprinkles.
- Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a large cookie scoop. Leave at least two inches between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Top the cookies with extra M&Ms and chocolate chips if using.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, be careful not to overbake.
- Feel free to substitute different types of candies or mix-ins according to your preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
