If you’re looking for a delightfully easy yet festive treat to brighten up your holiday season, this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender, soft cookies bursting with colorful sprinkles and just the right hint of vanilla and almond extracts, all whipped up in under 20 minutes! Perfect for busy holiday schedules or last-minute cookie swaps, this recipe delivers that cozy Christmas magic with minimal effort and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one bringing something special to the party — from texture and flavor to that vibrant holiday color.
- Vanilla or white cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides a moist, tender base for the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warm, familiar flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a lovely nutty note that’s subtle yet festive.
- Red and green sprinkles (1/2 cup): Instantly transforms these cookies into holiday eye candy.
- Mini white chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): A sweet surprise that complements the sprinkles beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a snowy, delicate finish for extra holiday cheer.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this makes cleanup easier and prevents the cookies from sticking, ensuring perfect shapes every time.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little sticky; that’s exactly what these cookies should be.
Step 3: Fold in the Festive Ingredients
Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles and mini white chocolate chips. These not only add bursts of color but also give delightful texture throughout your cookies.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow them to spread slightly. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges look set and just start to turn golden – a sign that they’re perfectly baked but still soft inside.
Step 5: Cool and Optional Dusting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar to give a snowy, magical finish to your cookies.
How to Serve Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a light dust of powdered sugar over cooled cookies gives a lovely snowy effect that enhances their holiday look. You can also add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for a more decadent presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair amazingly well with a warm cup of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even a spiced holiday latte. For a festive platter, serve alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread men, or a bowl of fresh cranberries to contrast the sweetness with a little tart brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift, stack your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red and green ribbon. Or arrange them on a festive plate or tiered stand at your holiday party for an eye-catching display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two into the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll soften up nicely and taste almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use any type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla or white cake mix provides a classic base, feel free to experiment with red velvet, chocolate, or even spice cake mixes to add unique flavors to your festive cookies.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Nope, almond extract is entirely optional but it does add a lovely subtle nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and sprinkles. If you don’t have it on hand, just leave it out and your cookies will still be delicious.
Why are these cookies so soft compared to traditional ones?
The cake mix base, combined with oil instead of butter, creates an irresistibly soft texture that stays tender even after cooling. They’re perfect if you like your cookies with a gentle bite rather than a crisp crunch.
Can I roll the dough balls in colored sugar for extra sparkle?
Definitely! Rolling the dough in red, green, or white colored sugar before baking adds beautiful shimmer and makes your cookies even more festive and fun.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 deliciously soft Christmas cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends, family, or your holiday cookie swap.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe truly shines as an easy, festive, and utterly delicious holiday treat that anyone can make. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, these cookies bring smiles and warmth with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try baking them and make your holiday season a little sweeter and a lot more colorful!
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 quick and festive holiday treat made with a simple cake mix base, colorful sprinkles, and optional mini white chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, they offer a soft, buttery texture with a delightful sprinkle crunch, all made easily by combining a few ingredients and baking them to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips (optional)
For Dusting (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Stir together until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold the red and green sprinkles and mini white chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute the festive elements.
- Portion Dough: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and just beginning to turn golden brown for the perfect soft texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes; then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness and a holiday touch.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of cake mix, such as red velvet or chocolate, to create variations of these festive cookies.
- For extra festive flair, try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking to add sparkle and texture.
- These cookies stay soft for several days when stored properly and also freeze well for later enjoyment.
