Every December, as my kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and warm sugar, there’s one tradition that never fails to bring both joy and ease, making cake mix Christmas cookies. These cookies check all the boxes: soft, chewy, festive, and incredibly simple to make.
The beauty of cake mix Christmas cookies lies in their ease and versatility. With just a box of cake mix, a few pantry staples, and some colorful holiday add-ins, you can whip up a batch of crowd-pleasing cookies in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, classroom parties, last-minute guests, or even a cozy baking night with kids. No stress, no mess, just delicious, foolproof cookies that look like you spent hours making them.
If you love holiday baking but don’t always have the time for scratch recipes, these cake mix Christmas cookies are a dream come true. I’ve made them more times than I can count, always with rave reviews and empty plates to show for it.
Table of contents
Why This Cake Mix Christmas Cookie Recipe Works So Well
What makes this recipe shine is how it transforms a humble box of cake mix into bakery-style cookies. The mix already includes the flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavor, meaning half the work is done before you even preheat the oven. You just add eggs and oil, or butter for a richer flavor, then stir in your favorite holiday mix-ins.
These cookies bake up soft and tender on the inside with lightly crisped edges, just the way I like them. The batter is forgiving, and the possibilities for flavors and textures are endless. From red velvet and funfetti to chocolate fudge or classic yellow cake, each variety offers a new take on the same winning formula.
Customization is where this recipe truly excels. Want gluten-free cake mix Christmas cookies? Use your favorite gluten-free mix. Need to make them dairy-free? Swap in vegetable oil instead of butter and skip the chocolate chips. Looking for a peppermint twist or candy cane crunch? Go wild with holiday sprinkles and crushed peppermint candies.
These cookies can also double as edible gifts. Fill a mason jar with dry mix-ins, add a gift tag with instructions, and share a little sweetness with friends and family.
Recipe Card
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
24
servings10
minutes10
minutes110
kcalTransform an ordinary cake mix into festive, chewy Christmas cookies! These easy-to-make treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering the joy of Christmas cookie cake flavors with minimal effort.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 cup red and green sprinkles or festive M&Ms
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add vanilla extract if desired.
- Add Festive Touch: Fold in the sprinkles or M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use different cake mix flavors like red velvet or spiced cake for a fun twist.
- Adjust the toppings to match your holiday theme—crushed candy canes work great too!
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
Like this recipe?
Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest
Pro Tips to Bake the Best Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Choose the Right Mix: While vanilla is classic, experimenting with flavors like red velvet or spiced cake can elevate your cookies.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Swap sprinkles for chocolate chips, caramel bits, or crushed peppermint candies.
- Cool Properly: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring to a rack.
Festive Variations of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
1. Red Velvet Peppermint Chip Cookies
Start with red velvet cake mix and stir in white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. These are strikingly beautiful and perfect for holiday dessert platters.
2. Chocolate Cherry Cake Mix Cookies
Use devil’s food cake mix, fold in dried cherries and dark chocolate chunks. These have a rich, brownie-like texture with a sweet and tart contrast from the cherries.
3. Funfetti Sprinkle Cookies
Use vanilla or white cake mix and stir in red and green sprinkles or jimmies. These cookies are colorful, kid-friendly, and full of holiday cheer.
4. Spiced Gingerbread Cake Mix Cookies
Start with spice cake mix and add molasses and a pinch of ground ginger. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before baking for a crackled, sparkling finish.
FAQs
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
Grease your baking sheet lightly with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment is preferred for even baking.
Yes! Store baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.
Health Benefits of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:
While these cookies are an indulgent treat, they offer emotional and social benefits during the festive season. Baking is a wonderful stress reliever, and sharing homemade cookies strengthens connections with friends and family. Including nuts or dried fruits as add-ins can provide small amounts of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, adding a touch of healthiness to your holiday dessert spread.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: ~130 kcal per cookie
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific cake mix and add-ins used.
A Cookie Recipe Worth Keeping on Repeat
These cake mix Christmas cookies are more than just a shortcut, they’re a stress-free, joy-filled way to bring homemade sweetness to your holidays. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or whipping up a last-minute gift, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s hard to beat a soft, chewy cookie that comes together in one bowl with almost no cleanup.
The combination of convenience, flexibility, and festive charm makes this recipe a must-save. With endless flavor combinations and a guaranteed delicious outcome, you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long and maybe beyond.
Looking for another festive treat? Try our Ginger Cookies Using Almond Flour for a sweet holiday dessert that pairs perfectly with these cookies.
Leave a Reply