Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season — and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies? These cheerful treats are everything you want in a festive dessert: soft, chewy, and studded with vibrant red, green, and white candies that instantly put you in a merry mood. Whether you’re baking for a party, cookie exchange, or just some cozy Christmas movie night snacks, these cookies will charm everyone with their bakery-style texture and joyful colors.

What makes these cookies even more lovable is their simplicity. Thanks to the genius shortcut of using boxed cake mix, they come together in record time without compromising on taste or quality. No need to measure out flour or leavening agents — just mix, scoop, and bake. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, golden cookies that taste like you spent hours on them. They’re the ultimate holiday baking hack that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients for this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup red, green, and white holiday M&Ms (or candy-coated chocolates)
• Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep step sets you up for cookie success.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula or use an electric mixer on low until everything is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough. The texture should be soft and scoopable.

Step 3: Fold in the Holiday Magic

Gently fold in the holiday M&Ms (and white chocolate chips, if using). Try not to overmix, so the candies stay whole and well-distributed. Save a handful to press on top of each cookie before baking for that picture-perfect, bakery-style look.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies spread slightly, so give them room to grow into beautiful, round shapes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers may look a bit underdone — that’s exactly what you want for that soft, chewy texture. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or pack up for holiday gifting.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or give them a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

If you’re planning to gift them, stack cooled cookies in a cellophane bag or decorative tin with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or breaking.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Cookie (Based on 24 cookies per batch, using standard cake mix and M&Ms)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 1.5g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Yellow cake mix, chocolate, or even funfetti all work beautifully. Each gives a unique twist to the cookies.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe — the dough is ready to bake right away. However, if you want thicker cookies, chilling for 15–20 minutes can help.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute. Be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content as well.

4. What if I don’t have M&Ms?

No problem! You can use chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, sprinkles, or any festive candy you like.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just double each ingredient and mix in a larger bowl. You may need to bake in batches depending on your oven size.

6. How do I make them extra soft?

Avoid overbaking! Pull them out when the edges are just set. Also, adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or using an extra egg yolk can enhance softness.

7. Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes! It’s a perfect recipe for kids — simple ingredients, easy steps, and fun candy folding make it great for little helpers.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it in pre-portioned balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

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