Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for an easy and festive treat to bring to your holiday gatherings, these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and only a few steps to follow, these cookies are a breeze to make but still deliver a deliciously soft, chewy, and colorful result. The combination of red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and a soft, cake-like texture makes these cookies a perfect choice for celebrating the season. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or coworkers, these festive cookies will be a hit with everyone.

Made with a simple white cake mix, these cookies are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, adjust the sweetness, or even swap out the M&M’s for other seasonal candies. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of scrumptious cookies that are perfect for holiday gift-giving, cookie swaps, or just enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and get ready for a sweet and festive holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Quick and Easy

These cookies are made with just a box of cake mix, oil, eggs, and a few fun add-ins—making them super quick and easy to prepare.

2. Perfectly Soft and Chewy

The white cake mix gives these cookies a soft, cake-like texture that’s perfectly chewy on the inside with a light, golden crunch on the edges.

3. Festive and Colorful

The red and green M&M’s and white chocolate chips give the cookies a fun, festive appearance that’s perfect for Christmas or any holiday gathering.

4. Great for Cookie Swaps

These cookies are easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply sharing with friends and family.

5. Customizable

You can easily modify the recipe to include your favorite holiday candies, nuts, or even add a touch of peppermint extract for a minty twist.

Ingredients

• White cake mix
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Red and green M&M’s
• White chocolate chips

Variations

• Candy Cane Twist: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for a minty holiday touch.
• Chocolate Version: Swap out the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Cookies: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
• Seasonal Sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles for even more holiday color and fun.
• Dried Cranberries: For a tart contrast to the sweetness, stir in dried cranberries for a festive and tangy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until fully mixed, creating a thick dough.

Step 3: Add M&M’s and White Chocolate Chips

Fold in the red and green M&M’s and white chocolate chips, mixing evenly to ensure the candies are distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Drop Dough onto the Baking Sheet

Scoop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons per cookie) and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Be sure not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Stir just until everything is combined.
• Check for Doneness: Since every oven is different, start checking your cookies at 8 minutes. They should look slightly underbaked in the center—this ensures they stay soft.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which will bake evenly.
• Swap Cake Mix Flavors: Feel free to use a flavored cake mix, such as lemon or chocolate, for different tastes.

How to Serve

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, gift exchanges, or just for a cozy treat with family. You can plate them alongside other holiday desserts, such as gingerbread or sugar cookies, for a festive spread. They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped in a holiday tin or bag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, thanks to the moisture from the cake mix.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their soft and chewy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor you prefer. Chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti can all be great alternatives.

2. Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable oil. It will add a richer flavor to the cookies, though the texture may be slightly different.

3. How can I make the cookies more festive?

Try adding sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or red and green sugar to make the cookies even more festive.

4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

5. How long should I bake these cookies?

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should look slightly underbaked.

6. Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?

Absolutely! You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips, or use peanut butter chips for a different flavor.

7. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.

8. How do I get the perfect chewy texture?

To keep the cookies chewy, don’t overbake them. Take them out when the edges are golden, and the centers are still soft.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

10. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

If you find that your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect solution when you want to bake something delicious but don’t have a lot of time. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of holiday cheer thanks to the colorful M&M’s and creamy white chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply looking for a sweet treat, this easy recipe will make your holiday season a little brighter. With minimal ingredients and only 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these festive cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy the holiday season with these delightful and fun cookies!

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