Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

Magical Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet surprises await with these delightful cake mix christmas cookies that blend festive cheer and effortless baking.

Mixing pantry staples creates magical holiday treats in minutes.

Soft, chewy textures promise pure delight for everyone gathering around the kitchen counter.

Colorful sprinkles and simple ingredients make these cookies a cheerful project you can whip up quickly.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just pure baking joy.

Quick preparation means more time enjoying delicious moments with loved ones.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than frosting on warm cookies.

Why Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Are So Simple And Sweet

  • Kick Off Festive Baking: Super simple recipe that turns ordinary cake mix into delightful holiday cookies with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Create Colorful Crowd-Pleaser: Holiday sprinkles transform basic ingredients into a vibrant, celebratory treat that sparks joy and excitement for all ages.
  • Quick Party Favorite: Minimal preparation steps and basic pantry ingredients mean you can produce delicious cookies in under half an hour, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allows easy additions like chocolate chips or different sprinkle variations, letting bakers personalize their sweet creation without complex modifications.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

For the Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundational sweet and tender texture for the holiday cookies.
  • White Cake Mix: Adds lightness and contributes to the festive color palette of the cookies.
For the Moisture and Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft, cohesive cookie structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and contributes to the tender crumb of the cookies.
  • Water: Helps to hydrate and blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
For the Festive Touches:
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Adds color, fun, and a celebratory visual appeal to the cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient that provides extra richness and texture to the cookie dough.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, snow-like dusting that enhances the festive appearance of the cookies.

Easy Steps To Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean baking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

Combine in a large mixing bowl:
  • Yellow cake mix
  • White cake mix

Mix the dry cake mixes thoroughly to create a uniform base.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add to the cake mix:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water

Whisk all ingredients until a smooth, consistent dough forms.

Step 4: Add Festive Elements

Gently fold into the dough:
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips (optional)

Distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 5: Scoop and Arrange Cookies

Drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn golden and centers look set but slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Remove cookies from the oven. Let them rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 8: Transfer and Dust

Move cookies to a wire rack. Generously dust with powdered sugar, creating a delightful snow-like coating.

Step 9: Serve and Store

Allow cookies to cool completely. Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, delicious texture.

Tips To Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Extra Fun

  • Optimize Sprinkle Distribution: Gently mix sprinkles into the dough to prevent color bleeding and ensure even spread throughout each cookie.
  • Control Cookie Shape: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and consistent baking, creating perfectly round cookies with professional appearance.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch cookies closely during last few minutes of baking to maintain soft, chewy texture without burning edges.
  • Elevate Powdered Sugar Coating: Sift powdered sugar for a light, even dusting that adds elegant finish without clumping.
  • Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different mix-in options like white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or seasonal extracts to personalize holiday cookies.

Festive Variations For Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegan Festive Treats: Swap eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use plant-based oil, and select vegan cake mix to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Edition: Substitute half the sprinkles with mini chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Nutty Winter Cookies: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture and sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking to enhance the flavor profile.

What To Serve With Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the sweet, sprinkled cookies perfectly, creating a warm and comforting winter treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft cookies, balancing their sugary sweetness with a refreshing chill.
  • Match Sparkling Champagne: Festive bubbling champagne elevates the celebratory nature of these sprinkle-filled cookies, adding a touch of elegance and sparkle to the dessert experience.
  • Enjoy Peppermint Mocha: Seasonal peppermint mocha brings a delightful holiday twist, its minty chocolate notes harmonizing beautifully with the colorful, playful cookie texture.

How To Store Cake Mix Christmas Cookies For Gifting

  • Store cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days. Keep in the coolest part of the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their soft texture and vibrant sprinkle colors.
  • Place cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent texture changes and sprinkle bleeding.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs About Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

  • Are these cookies easy to make for beginners?

Yes, these cookies are incredibly simple. With just cake mix, eggs, oil, and water, even novice bakers can create delicious treats without complex techniques.

  • Can I use different types of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cake mix flavors like strawberry, chocolate, or funfetti to create unique cookie variations.

  • How do the sprinkles affect the cookie's taste?

Sprinkles add a fun, colorful touch and a subtle sweet crunch without significantly changing the overall flavor of the cookies. They’re mainly for visual appeal and festive excitement.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is required. Just a mixing bowl, baking sheets, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools like a whisk and cookie scoop are all you’ll need.

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Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday “cake mix christmas cookies” bring delightful simplicity to seasonal baking. Quick and easy treats blend sweet nostalgia with cheerful celebration, promising smiles and sweet memories you’ll treasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 box white cake mix

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Decorative Ingredients

  • 1 cup holiday sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your festive cookies.
  2. Empty both yellow and white cake mix boxes into a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant holiday-hued dry base.
  3. Crack the eggs into the cake mix, then pour in the vegetable oil and water, whisking the ingredients together until a smooth, unified dough forms.
  4. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough to create a colorful, celebratory mixture.
  5. Optional: If desired, incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of indulgence and texture.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers look set but slightly soft.
  8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly.
  9. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and dust generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like coating that enhances their festive appearance.
  10. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container to maintain their soft, delectable texture.

Notes

  • Swap cake mix flavors to create unique variations like chocolate or strawberry for different holiday themes.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a more compact cookie shape.
  • Experiment with different holiday sprinkle colors to match seasonal celebrations or personal preferences.
  • Use gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive treat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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