Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect treat to bring festive joy to your holiday season. With a simple combination of cake mix, eggs, and oil, these cookies come together effortlessly. The colorful red and green M&M’s, paired with creamy white chocolate chips, add both sweetness and a holiday vibe to every bite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious – everything you want in a Christmas cookie, and they can be prepared in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, exchanging cookies with friends, or baking with the kids, these cookies are a great addition to your festive baking list.
Using a box of cake mix simplifies the process, saving time without compromising flavor. The end result is a batch of cookies that are perfectly sweet, with a fun burst of color from the M&M’s and an extra layer of richness from the white chocolate. They’re quick to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, bringing warmth to any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to make, which means you can spend more time enjoying the festivities instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The bright colors of the red and green M&M’s make them visually festive, while the white chocolate chips provide a delicious creamy contrast. These cookies are perfect for last-minute baking, and with just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love. The soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible, and they’re a fun way to share some holiday cheer with friends, family, and neighbors.
Ingredients
- White cake mix
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Red and green M&M’s
- White chocolate chips
Variations
- Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Different M&M’s: Use other varieties of M&M’s, like peanut butter or crispy, for a different twist.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cookies for an added touch of sweetness.
- Frosting: Frost the cooled cookies with festive colored frosting for an even more festive look.
- Vegan Version: Swap the eggs with flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free oil and chocolate chips for a vegan alternative.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir well until the dough comes together smoothly.
Step 3: Add M&M’s and White Chocolate Chips
Mix in the red and green M&M’s and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the dough balls are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain soft and chewy in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: When stirring in the M&M’s and white chocolate chips, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Check the Cookies Early: Keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Make Perfect Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all the cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
How to Serve
These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are perfect on their own, served as part of a holiday dessert table, or packed up as a festive gift for friends and family. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy winter treat. These cookies also make a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For added freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you’ve made a batch ahead of time, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, chewy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, feel free to use other flavors of cake mix, like yellow or chocolate, to change up the flavor of your cookies.
2. How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add sprinkles or colored sugar to the top of the cookies before baking, or drizzle them with icing after they cool.
3. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
4. Can I use regular M&M’s instead of holiday ones?
Yes, you can use regular M&M’s if you prefer, but holiday M&M’s add a fun festive touch.
5. How do I make sure the cookies are chewy?
Don’t overbake the cookies, and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
7. How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers should still look slightly soft.
8. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes! You can add mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
9. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch, and bake the cookies in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a fast and easy way to make festive, delicious cookies that will be a hit at any holiday gathering. With their chewy texture, vibrant M&M’s, and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are a sweet treat that captures the spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or just craving a festive snack, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy!
PrintCake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
- For added flavor, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- You can use regular M&M’s if you don’t have red and green ones for a more classic look.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center.
Ingredients
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined.
- Stir in the M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- You can use regular M&M’s if you don’t have red and green ones for a more classic look.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes