As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking to fill your home with warmth and cheer. This year, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious—Christmas Cake Mix Cookies! These festive treats are perfect for anyone looking to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these cookies will become a new holiday favorite in your home!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these delightful Christmas cookies:
- 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix (your choice!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds a lovely flavor)
- 1 cup of holiday sprinkles or red and green M&M’s (or a mix of both for extra festivity)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, if desired)
How to Make Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well blended. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want!
Step 3: Add the Festive Touch
Fold in your holiday sprinkles or M&M’s, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pops of color will make your cookies look as festive as they taste!
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a snowy effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but that’s perfect—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if you like, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark. You want the edges set, but the centers soft.
- Cooling is Key: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet helps them finish baking and set properly, so be patient!
Substitutions and Variations
- Cake Mix Flavor: While I’ve used white or vanilla cake mix here, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist.
- Add-ins: Swap out the sprinkles or M&M’s for chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts to create your own unique version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free, without compromising on flavor or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them even longer!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to bake in batches, so the cookies bake evenly.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Christmas Cake Mix Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
More Festive Recipes to Try
- Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: A minty, chocolaty treat perfect for the holiday season.
- Gingerbread Spice Cookies: Warm, spiced cookies that bring all the cozy holiday vibes.
- Holiday Thumbprint Cookies: Buttery cookies filled with your favorite jam or chocolate.
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