Description of this recipe: These Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookies are a festive and incredibly easy treat, perfect for holiday baking with minimal effort. Starting with a simple white cake mix base, these cookies are transformed into colorful, chewy delights packed with M&Ms and chocolate chips. Their bright colors and cheerful appearance make them ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a fun baking activity with kids. These cookies are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add your own twist with different types of M&Ms or other festive candies.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookie recipe for its simplicity and the joy it brings. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for those busy holiday moments when you need a sweet treat without the fuss. The use of cake mix streamlines the process, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor every time. The combination of colorful M&Ms and rich chocolate chips creates a delightful contrast that appeals to both kids and adults. The recipe is also highly versatile; you can easily swap out the M&Ms for other holiday-themed candies or add nuts for extra crunch. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a wonderful addition to any Christmas dessert platter or a thoughtful homemade gift. Baking these cookies is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 egg whites
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure that your oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheets with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, flour, and olive oil. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix the ingredients together. Start on low speed if using an electric mixer to prevent the cake mix from flying everywhere. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
Step 3: Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Reserve a few M&Ms and chocolate chips to place on top of the cookies before baking, as this will enhance their visual appeal.
Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Take a small amount of dough and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. The size of the balls should be consistent so that the cookies bake evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Gently flatten the cookie dough balls. Lightly press down on each cookie dough ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly and create a more traditional cookie shape.
Step 6: Add extra M&Ms and chocolate chips to the top. Press a few additional M&Ms and chocolate chips into the tops of the flattened cookie dough balls. This will make the cookies look more festive and appealing. The bright colors of the M&Ms will stand out beautifully against the cookie dough.
Step 7: Bake for 6-7 minutes. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn quickly. The centers should still be soft.
Step 8: Cool and serve. Immediately remove the cookies from the baking sheet and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before serving. This will prevent them from breaking and allow them to firm up.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: These Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for family and friends. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee. Arrange them on a festive platter or package them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift. These cookies are also a great addition to a Christmas dessert table or a fun baking activity with kids.
Tips:
- For softer cookies, underbake them slightly. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To add a festive touch, use holiday-themed M&Ms or sprinkles.
- Experiment with different types of cake mix, such as chocolate or red velvet, for a unique twist.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 6-7 minutes Total Time: 16-17 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, approximate) Calories: 120 Protein: 1g Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion: These Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookies are a delightful and easy way to spread holiday cheer. Their simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a go-to recipe for busy bakers. The combination of cake mix, colorful M&Ms, and rich chocolate chips creates a treat that is both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating these festive treats and the joy they bring to those who share them. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix? A1: Yes, you can use different types of cake mix to vary the flavor of the cookies. Chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mix would work well. Just ensure that the cake mix is a similar size to the one listed in the recipe.
Q2: Can I add nuts to the cookie dough? A2: Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds can provide a nice crunch and enhance the flavor of the cookies. Fold them into the dough along with the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Q3: What if my cookie dough is too sticky? A3: If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls.
Q4: How do I store the cookies? A4: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Q5: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? A5: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough balls for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
