Need cookies fast for the holidays? Cake mix Christmas cookies save the day. Quick, colorful, and totally yummy.
You start with boxed cake mix, add a few goodies, and—boom—soft, chewy cookies appear. Sprinkles make them sparkle like tiny lights. Every bite tastes like easy holiday magic.
Perfect for last-minute parties, cookie trays, or Santa’s plate. No stress, no fuss. Just mix, scoop, and bake.
Grab that cake mix, toss in the fun, and let’s bake up a batch of Christmas cheer right now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Festive: Using a cake mix cuts down on prep without cutting corners on flavor. They taste like you spent hours baking.
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture—pillowy soft with chewy centers, and the chocolate chips and M&Ms make every bite exciting.
- Customizable: You can easily swap colors, candies, or even the cake mix flavor to match any holiday theme.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands can help mix, roll, and decorate—making it a perfect family activity.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Bake Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 9–11 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops. Great for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or just a big family gathering.
Difficulty:
Super easy — perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time during the holidays.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cookie scoop (or tablespoon)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up these festive cookies:
- 1 Boxed Cake Mix (Chocolate or Vanilla — pick your favorite!)
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Red and Green M&Ms
- Christmas Sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended for extra holiday cheer)
Variations for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Switch Up the Cake Mix: Try spice cake, red velvet, or even funfetti for a playful twist.
- Different Chocolate Chips: Swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your taste.
- Color Theme: Match the M&Ms and sprinkles to other holidays—pink and red for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a little crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free cake mix and double-check your candies.
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and eggs. Beat them together until fully combined and smooth.
2. Add the Cake Mix
Pour the boxed cake mix into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or mixer on low speed, mix until a thick dough forms. It will be sticky—that’s normal!
3. Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and M&Ms. If you’re using Christmas sprinkles, add them now too. Stir just until everything is evenly distributed—don’t overmix.
4. Chill the Dough (Optional but Helpful)
If you have time, cover and chill the dough for about 15–30 minutes. It makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent too much spreading.
5. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop (or a tablespoon), scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look a tiny bit soft. They’ll finish setting up as they cool.
8. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Decoration
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies look beautiful just as they are, but if you want to level up the presentation:
- Extra M&Ms: Press a few more M&Ms into the tops of the cookies right after baking to make them extra colorful.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a snowy effect, lightly dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
- Gift Giving: Pack a few cookies into festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade holiday gifts.
- Holiday Dessert Table: Arrange them with other festive treats like fudge, peppermint bark, or sugar cookies for a Christmas sweets spread.
Storing Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Stack with parchment paper between layers and thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze raw. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They mix more easily with the butter, creating a smoother dough.
- Chilling Helps: A quick chill keeps the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
- Mix Gently: Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~4 g |
| Sugar | ~12 g |
| Sodium | ~120 mg |
(Nutrition info is approximate and will vary based on specific brands used.)
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Course: Uncategorized10
minutes9
minutes150
kcalIngredients
1 Boxed Cake Mix (Chocolate or Vanilla)
1/2 cup Butter, melted
2 large Eggs
1 cup White Chocolate Chips
1 cup Red and Green M&Ms
Christmas Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat melted butter and eggs until smooth.
- Add cake mix and stir until combined into a sticky dough.
- Fold in white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.
- (Optional) Chill dough for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
- Cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies FAQs
Can I use any cake mix flavor?
Yes! You can easily swap vanilla or chocolate for spice, red velvet, or lemon to match your favorite holiday vibe.
Is chilling the dough necessary?
It’s optional, but chilling for even 15–30 minutes helps the cookies bake up thicker and keeps them from spreading too much.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.
How can I decorate them differently?
Top with extra M&Ms, add festive sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are pure holiday happiness—soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful candies and chocolate. They’re easy enough for a beginner but festive enough to impress everyone at the party. Whether you bake them for a cookie exchange, gifts, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are a sweet reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles.