Cake Mix Christmas Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Introduction:
Nothing screams holiday spirit like a plate of soft, chewy, and vibrant Christmas cookies. These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday hack—quick, easy, and bursting with festive flavor. Made with a simple cake mix, they offer a delicious shortcut to your holiday baking without sacrificing taste or fun. With red and green sprinkles or colorful sugar, and the option of adding white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also a treat to the taste buds.
Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas party, holiday gathering, or as gifts for loved ones, these cookies will fill your home with that warm, cozy feeling of the season. Plus, the best part? They’re perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (you can also use chocolate cake mix for a twist!)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar (for decorating)
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or festive M&M’s
- For extra holiday flair: You can also add chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for more texture and flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a smooth, soft dough forms. No need for a mixer—just use a spoon or spatula. - Add the Fun Stuff:
If you’re using white chocolate chips, M&M’s, or chopped nuts, gently fold them into the dough. This is also the time to add half of your colorful sprinkles (save the rest for decorating later). - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers to give them that perfect cookie shape. - Decorate:
Sprinkle the remaining red and green sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie for a festive look. If you’re feeling extra creative, add a few more M&M’s or white chocolate chips on top. - Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, but soft in the middle. You want to slightly under-bake them to ensure that chewy texture we all love. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set properly, ensuring they won’t fall apart.
Methods:
- Mixing the Dough:
Using cake mix to make cookies is incredibly efficient. Since cake mixes already have the dry ingredients, all you need is a few wet ingredients to create the dough. This shortcut saves you time without compromising the texture. - Decorating and Personalization:
Sprinkles and M&M’s not only add color but also enhance the overall look of the cookies. These are perfect for customizing the cookies based on the holiday theme, like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. You can even use different colored sugars for an extra sparkle. - Texture Tips:
For chewier cookies, under-bake them just a little. If you prefer a more crisp edge, bake them for the full 11 minutes. The beauty of these cookies is in their versatility!
History of Cake Mix Cookies:
Cake mix cookies became popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient way for home bakers to whip up delicious treats without the hassle of measuring and mixing multiple ingredients. The appeal of cake mix cookies is partly due to the rise of convenience food products during the post-WWII era, as families sought ways to cut down on time spent in the kitchen while still enjoying homemade sweets. Cake mixes allowed busy households to have cakes, cookies, and other baked goods with minimal effort.
Today, cake mix cookies remain a beloved shortcut for holiday baking, family gatherings, and even last-minute bake sales. Their ease and adaptability have made them a staple in kitchens all over the world, and holiday-themed cake mix cookies—like these Christmas versions—continue to delight bakers young and old.
Conclusion:
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a festive, foolproof way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, these cookies are easy to make, delicious to eat, and beautiful to share. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging with your family. With their soft, chewy texture and customizable decorations, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition.
For Cookie Lovers:
- Bake with Love: One of the joys of holiday baking is spending time with loved ones. These cookies are so simple that kids can easily join in on the fun, making them an excellent activity for family bonding.
- Gift them: The colorful cookies also make wonderful gifts! Package them up in festive tins or gift boxes to give to neighbors, teachers, or friends.
- Vary the Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the vanilla cake mix for a different flavor—chocolate, strawberry, or lemon! You can even customize the add-ins with candies, nuts, or dried fruits.
Lovers of Cake Mix Cookies:
As simple as it sounds, this recipe has become a favorite for many bakers who are looking to add something special to their holiday treats without the time commitment. From cookie enthusiasts to busy parents looking for a quick solution, these cookies are the perfect mix of convenience and creativity. Try them once, and they’ll be your go-to Christmas cookie for years to come.
Ready to make a batch? Grab your cake mix and get started—you’ll have a delicious tray of Christmas cookies in no time!