Description

Ah, the magic of Christmas! There's an unmistakable charm in the air as twinkling lights adorn our homes and festive cheer fills our hearts. One of the most delightful traditions that embody the spirit of the season is baking cookies—especially when they can be as easy and flavorful as these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies.

Originating as a clever and quick way to whip up sweet treats, cake mix cookies have become a beloved staple in many households. They combine the well-loved comforting taste of cake with the fun and whimsy of holiday cookies. The simplicity of using cake mix cuts down on preparation time, allowing you more moments to enjoy warmth with family and friends, or to explore the myriad of other festive activities the season has to offer.

These cookies are soft, cheery, and full of holiday spirit, thanks to the vibrant red and green sprinkles (or M&Ms, if you prefer). Their delightful appearance and joyful taste make them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or an enchanting gift during the festive season. The best part? You can whip them up in under thirty minutes! Whether you're baking for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just for your family as a sweet surprise, these cookies will certainly leave everyone smiling.

Get ready to embark on a holiday baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and an abundance of cheer!

Ingredients

• To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
• For the cookie dough:
• A box (15.25 oz) of vanilla or white cake mix
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor boost)
• 1/2 cup of red and green sprinkles or holiday-themed M&Ms
• For dusting (optional):
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• Feel free to make the recipe your own! You can substitute the vanilla cake mix with chocolate or lemon cake mix for a unique twist. For those who might have dietary restrictions, consider using a gluten-free cake mix and egg replacements like unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water to maintain that soft and chewy texture.

Preparation Method

Let’s get started on baking these scrumptious cookies! Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for achieving perfect cookies that are crispy on the edges yet soft and gooey in the center. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an easy cleanup and preventing the cookies from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using either a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed, stir the mixture until it comes together. You want to achieve a uniform dough without any lumps. The addition of the optional vanilla extract enriches the flavor, creating a wonderful aromatic experience that will waft through your kitchen.

Once your dough is well-mixed, it’s time for the festive part! Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles or M&Ms using a spatula. This step not only incorporates the sprinkles into the dough but it also makes for a vibrant and visually appealing cookie that embodies the joy of the season.

Now, it’s time to form the cookies. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls with your hands. If you fancy a snowy, festive touch, feel free to roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before placing them onto the lined baking sheet. This will give them an elegant, frosted appearance reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.

Space the dough balls about two inches apart on the baking sheet, as the cookies will spread slightly while baking. Once you've filled your baking sheet, it's time to pop them into the preheated oven.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to set—this is key to ensuring that lovely chewy center! The centers may look slightly soft, which is perfectly okay. They will continue to cook slightly once you remove them from the oven.

After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes. This period allows them to firm up a bit before being transferred to a wire rack. After this brief cooling period, move them to the wire rack to cool completely. It’s hard to resist the smell of warm cookies wafting through the air, but a little patience will ensure you have the best taste and texture!

Tips and Conclusion

Want to elevate your festive cookie game even more? Consider adding a few extra mix-ins to your dough. Chocoholics can add dark chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-candy contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some crushed peppermint candy canes for a refreshing zing that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.

Storing your leftovers? Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them! Layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
And there you have it! These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are sure to spread joy and delight during the festive season. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they embody the essence of holiday baking. Imagine gathering around with family and friends, sharing warm cookies fresh from the oven, and creating beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.

After you’ve tried these cookies, don’t stop there! Dive into related recipes on our site for other delightful sweet treats and festive ideas. Why not try your hand at classic gingerbread cookies, rich fudge brownies, or indulgent peppermint bark? The options are endless!

Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family—let’s keep the joy of baking alive! Explore the site further, discover new recipes, and keep that festive spirit soaring all throughout the holiday season! Enjoy your baking journey!