ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions: How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix everything together using a spatula or an electric mixer until well combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky, which is exactly what you want for soft cookies.
Step 3: Add Your Festive Mix-Ins
Now comes the fun part! Stir in your add-ins of choice. You can go for classic chocolate chips or get creative with holiday M&Ms, red and green sprinkles, chopped candy canes, or chocolate chunks. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. If you want a snowy effect, you can roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This will give the cookies a beautiful, festive appearance, making them look like little snowballs.
If you prefer a more traditional look, you can simply place the dough balls directly on the baking sheet without the powdered sugar coating.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. You want them to stay soft and chewy.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled down, they’re ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk or packed up for sharing.
Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will help the cookies keep their shape better as they bake.
- Customize the Flavor: If you want to add an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the dough, especially if you’re using a spice-based cake mix like gingerbread or pumpkin.
- Don’t Overbake: Cake mix cookies tend to be soft and chewy, so make sure to take them out when they’re just lightly golden around the edges. They may look slightly undercooked, but they will set up as they cool.
- Go Wild with Add-Ins: From white chocolate chips and chopped nuts to crushed-up candy canes or mini marshmallows, feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. You can also change up the color of your sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Variations to Try
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can also mix things up with these variations:
1. Red Velvet Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Swap the regular cake mix for a red velvet cake mix for a festive touch. Add white chocolate chips or crushed-up pecans for an extra special flavor.
2. Chocolate Mint Cookies
Use a chocolate cake mix and stir in mint chocolate chips or crushed Andes mints for a cool, minty twist. These would pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa!
3. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Combine a chocolate cake mix with a teaspoon of instant coffee and peppermint extract for a delicious holiday-inspired flavor. Add some crushed peppermint candy for a crunchy finish.
4. Gingerbread Cake Mix Cookies
If you have a gingerbread cake mix on hand, use it to make cookies that are spiced just right. You can roll them in cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they’re also quick, easy, and fun to make, especially when you involve the kids in rolling the dough and choosing the mix-ins.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors, making them the ideal addition to any holiday gathering or a simple way to spread Christmas cheer. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday party, or just making a batch to enjoy with family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
So, grab a box of cake mix, get baking, and get ready to enjoy the holiday season with a plate full of easy, delicious Christmas cookies that everyone will love!
Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with delicious treats and festive cheer!
ADVERTISEMENT
