There’s something magical about baking during the holidays. The smell of butter and sugar melting together, the soft hum of Christmas music, and the gentle snow outside, it all sets the mood for comfort and joy. That’s exactly what these Christmas Cake Mix Cookies bring to your kitchen. They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly festive, with bursts of red and green that look straight out of a Christmas card. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something sweet and simple, these cookies are your shortcut to homemade happiness, no fancy ingredients or long prep time required.
Table of Contents
Why Cake Mix Cookies Are a Holiday Hero
When time’s tight, this recipe saves your holiday dessert plans faster than you can say “preheat the oven.” They’re perfect for cookie swaps, school parties, or last-minute guests. Bake them alongside of the Sourdough Gingerbread Loaf, the chewy cookies and dense, spiced loaf make a stunning holiday dessert platter that looks like something out of a bakery window.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- Quick and simple – ready in under 20 minutes.
- Only a handful of ingredients needed.
- Perfect texture: soft, chewy, and buttery.
- Adaptable for different holidays or flavors.
- Great for gifting, parties, or last-minute baking.
The secret to these Christmas Cake Mix Cookies lies in their simplicity. They capture everything wonderful about the holidays warmth, comfort, and togetherness, without the stress of complicated baking. They’re the kind of cookies that turn any ordinary day into a celebration, and every bite reminds you that joy doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable.
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- ¾ cup red and green M&M’s or festive sprinkles
- ½ cup white chocolate chips optional for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and extract. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in festive sprinkles or M&M’s and white chocolate chips until evenly mixed.
- Chill the dough for about 10-15 minutes if it feels too soft.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
How To Make Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients & Baking tips
One of the best things about Christmas Cake Mix Cookies is how forgiving they are. You don’t need exact measurements to make them delicious, just trust your instincts and have fun mixing and matching flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Flexible & Fun):
- Cake Mix Base: Any vanilla, yellow, or chocolate cake mix works. For a richer flavor, try red velvet or funfetti.
- Fat Component: Melted butter adds richness, but you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil if you prefer a lighter texture.
- Binder: An egg gives these cookies structure. For an egg-free version, use applesauce or mashed banana for moisture.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of vanilla or almond extract adds depth, you can swap for orange zest, peppermint, or rum extract for a festive twist.
- Mix-Ins: Red and green M&M’s, chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles bring that holiday magic. Crushed candy canes or dried cranberries also work beautifully.
Optional Add-Ins (Customize Your Batch):
- White chocolate chips or chopped peppermint bark for extra sweetness.
- A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for cozy warmth.
- Shredded coconut for tropical flair.
- Sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.
Pro Tips Before Baking:
- Don’t overmix ! that keeps the texture soft and fluffy.
- Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Always bake one test cookie to check spread and timing.
Baking & Cooling Tips
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to transform those little mounds of batter into golden, chewy perfection. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like Santa’s bakery.
Baking Directions:
- Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden.
- Remove from the oven, they may look slightly underbaked, but that’s the secret to keeping them soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate once cooled.
Cooling & Storing Tips:
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Add a small slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
If you’re planning a big baking weekend, I suggest pairing this recipe with Sourdough Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. The chewy texture of oatmeal and the softness of cake mix cookies create a perfect contrast that makes any cookie platter irresistible.
Quick Checklist Before You Serve:
- Cookies cooled? ✔
- Festive topping added? ✔
- Hot cocoa ready? ✔
The key to baking perfect Christmas Cake Mix Cookies is to keep it simple, stay patient, and trust the process. Don’t worry if they don’t all look identical – their charm lies in their homemade feel. Once you take that first bite, you’ll taste the butter, the sweetness, and the holiday spirit baked into every crumb.
Variations & Festive Twists
Fun Mix-Ins for Every Mood
The best part about Christmas Cake Mix Cookies is that you can make them your own. One basic dough, endless possibilities. Whether you’re craving cozy winter flavors or something whimsical and bright, these cookies adapt to every mood.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Classic Red Velvet: Swap the vanilla cake mix for red velvet, then fold in white chocolate chips and top with a cream cheese glaze.
- Peppermint Bark Style: Use chocolate cake mix, add crushed candy canes, and drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
- White Christmas: Mix in coconut flakes and white chocolate for a snowy cookie that tastes like winter magic.
- Gingerbread Cheer: Stir in a teaspoon of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger for that nostalgic, spiced aroma.
- Cranberry Bliss: Add dried cranberries and orange zest to create a tangy, fragrant twist.
If you love adding a little crunch to your holiday bakes, try pairing these cookies with Easy Pecan Pie Bark. The combination of buttery cookies and caramelized pecans is a texture dream – perfect for dessert boards or edible gifts.
Quick Substitution Ideas:
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a lighter, dairy-free cookie.
- Use gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version.
- For vegans, swap the egg for a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
- Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
Pro Tip:
When mixing in candies, save a few to press on top before baking. It gives your cookies that professional, bakery-style look with bright pops of color.
Cookie Bars & Gifting Ideas
These cookies don’t just belong on a plate – they shine as thoughtful homemade gifts and beautiful edible centerpieces. One batch can become cookie bars, gift jars, or even layered desserts.
Creative Ways to Gift or Serve Christmas Cake Mix Cookies:
- Cookie Bars: Press the dough evenly into a baking pan, bake until golden, and slice into squares once cool.
- Holiday Jars: Layer dry ingredients (cake mix, M&M’s, sprinkles) in a mason jar with a tag that says, “Just add butter and eggs!“
- Cookie Sandwiches: Spread peppermint frosting between two cookies and roll the edges in crushed candy canes.
- Dessert Boards: Combine them with truffles, brownies, and seasonal cookies like Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars for an impressive display that guests will love.
- Festive Packaging: Wrap in cellophane, tie with twine, and tuck in a cinnamon stick for that rustic, homemade touch.
Gift-Ready Flavor Combos to Try:
- White chocolate + peppermint pieces
- Toffee bits + pretzels
- Cranberries + orange zest
- Peanut butter chips + dark chocolate chunks
These little touches make your Christmas Cake Mix Cookies feel like something straight from a holiday market – personal, beautiful, and made with love. Whether you’re gifting to neighbors, co-workers, or teachers, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy.
Serving, Storing & Sharing the Holiday Love
Storage Secrets
There’s something deeply comforting about opening a tin of Christmas Cake Mix Cookies days after baking and finding them still soft and flavorful. With a few easy storage tricks, you can keep them fresh long after the oven cools.
Best Ways to Store Your Cookies:
- Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Keep Them Soft: Add a slice of fresh bread to the container. The bread’s moisture keeps the cookies chewy – an old-school baker’s trick that never fails.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls in a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven – just add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Avoid the Fridge: Cold air can dry cookies out quickly. Keep them cool but not chilled.
When planning ahead, I often prepare multiple doughs at once, this way, I can bake a mix of treats for family gatherings. One of my favorite freezer-friendly recipes is the Iced Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies. Their hearty texture complements the soft sweetness of Christmas Cake Mix Cookies perfectly on any dessert tray.
Quick Tips for Holiday Prep:
- Freeze dough scoops on a baking sheet before transferring to bags.
- Always label with flavor and date.
- Warm frozen cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Storing cookies right means you can enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste any time, even weeks after baking.
Sharing the Spirit of Baking
Cookies are meant to be shared. There’s something special about handing a warm cookie to a friend or neighbor – it’s a gesture that says, “I made this for you.” That’s the magic of Christmas Cake Mix Cookies: they make giving easy, heartfelt, and delicious.
Fun Ways to Share and Serve:
- Cookie Trays: Arrange cookies on a wooden board with fudge, toffee, and truffles.
- Holiday Tins: Mix these cookies with others from your collection for variety and color.
- Cookie Exchange: Bring them to swaps – they stand out for their festive look and chewy texture.
- Dessert Pairings: Serve alongside cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider for cozy gatherings.
When I host my virtual Christmas cookie night, I love pairing these with Double Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. The rich cocoa notes balance perfectly with the sweetness of the cake mix cookies – a combo that feels indulgent but never heavy.
Gift Presentation Ideas:
- Stack cookies in clear jars with ribbon and tags.
- Include the printed recipe for a personal touch.
- Add a small ornament or cinnamon stick for holiday charm.
Why You’ll Love Sharing These Cookies:
- They look beautiful without fancy tools.
- They stay soft for days – perfect for gifting.
- They bring comfort, nostalgia, and joy to every home.
Final Thought:
In the end, baking Christmas Cake Mix Cookies isn’t just about the cookies themselves – it’s about the moments they create. The laughter in the kitchen, the music in the background, and the joy of sharing something made with love. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies carry the spirit of Christmas in every single bite.
FAQs
Can I use any kind of cake mix for Christmas Cake Mix Cookies?
Yes! You can use white, yellow, red velvet, chocolate, or even funfetti cake mix. Each flavor gives your cookies a unique twist. Chocolate cake mix pairs beautifully with peppermint chips for a bold Christmas flavor.
How do I keep my Christmas Cake Mix Cookies soft for days?
Store them in an airtight container with a small slice of bread. The bread releases moisture that keeps cookies tender without affecting flavor.
Can I make the cake mix cookies dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can chill the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for 3 months. Just thaw slightly before baking. This method works great when prepping ahead for parties or cookie swaps.
What are some good toppings or add-ins for cake mix cookies?
Try festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chocolate drizzle, or holiday M&M’s. You can also fold in chopped nuts or caramel bits for texture. For a creative mix, check out Christmas Cookies To Make This Year for more cookie inspiration.
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are proof that the best holiday recipes are the simplest ones. They bring families together, fill kitchens with warmth, and remind us that baking doesn’t have to be perfect, just full of love.
From buttery vanilla to peppermint chocolate, every version of these cookies carries a touch of Christmas spirit. Whether you bake them for a festive dessert tray or share them as homemade gifts, they’ll spread cheer with every bite.
So preheat your oven, grab that cake mix, and start creating your own holiday tradition, one sweet cookie at a time.
