These delightful Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a festive treat that combines the ease of cake mix with the joy of holiday baking! With a soft and chewy texture and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and as sweet gifts for friends. Simply mix, scoop, and bake—this recipe is a festive celebration in every bite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only incredibly simple, making it perfect for bakers of all levels, but it also offers the versatility to customize your cookies. They are bursting with flavors, decorated with cheerful sprinkles, and can be enriched with white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s for an extra holiday touch. These cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, making them an unforgettable addition to your holiday celebrations. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Christmas is a time filled with joy, warmth, and delicious treats. What better way to celebrate the season than by baking a batch of cheerful cookies? These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookie recipes, offering the convenience of pre-made cake mix while delivering a homemade taste that everyone will love. They are perfect for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to whip up a festive batch in no time. Gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this easy recipe that is bound to become a holiday staple!
Ingredients:
- 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar
- Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, large eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or mixer to blend the ingredients until a soft dough forms. This dough will be rich, sweet, and full of holiday spirit!
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
Once your dough is ready, fold in half of the red and green sprinkles. Add the optional white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s at this stage if you’d like to include these delicious extras. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Step 5: Decorate and Bake
Using your fingers or the bottom of a glass, flatten each cookie dough ball slightly. Add additional sprinkles on top for a festive look. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. You want them to look slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
Cool Note:
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Suggestions for Presentation:
Once your cookies are cool, consider displaying them on a lovely holiday-themed platter. You could also package them in festive tins or bags for gifting. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving adds an elegant touch that looks like fresh snow.
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
- Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to create your unique versions!
Total Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 120
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Baking these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies is a joyful and rewarding experience that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. With their vibrant colors, chewy texture, and delightful flavors, they are a treat that will be cherished by family and friends alike. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and create sweet memories this Christmas season with this easy and delicious recipe!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use any other flavors of cake mix?
- Absolutely! Chocolate cake mix or red velvet cake mix could add delicious variations to this recipe.
- How can I store the cookies?
- Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
- Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
- Definitely! Package them in festive tins or bags for a wonderful homemade gift.
- What can I do if I don’t have vegetable oil?
- You can substitute with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even softened butter if you prefer.
Enjoy your baking, and may your holidays be sweet and joyful!
