Cake Mix Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple—just cake mix, oil, eggs, and a few fun mix-ins. There’s no measuring flour or worrying about dough chilling. It’s quick enough to whip up in under 30 minutes and festive enough to steal the show at any holiday gathering. Plus, the cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with the bright red and green sparkle of sprinkles or candies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar

• Optional: White chocolate chips or festive M&M’s for added flavor and color

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, I combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I stir it all together until a thick dough forms.

3. Add Mix-Ins
Once the dough is ready, I fold in about half of the red and green sprinkles, along with any optional white chocolate chips or M&M’s for extra holiday flair.

4. Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, I scoop the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

5. Decorate
I gently flatten each dough ball with my fingers and sprinkle extra festive sprinkles on top for that holiday sparkle.

6. Bake
I bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes until the edges are just set. The centers will still look a bit soft—that’s perfect. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Serve
I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to be shared, gifted, or devoured!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes 20 minutes from start to finish:

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

Variations

These cookies are super versatile, and I like to mix things up depending on what I have:

• Cake mix flavors: Red velvet, chocolate, or even spice cake mix work great.

• Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or chopped nuts all make tasty additions.

• Frosting drizzle: I’ve drizzled melted white chocolate over the top for a fancy touch.

• Rolled edges: Sometimes I roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking for extra sparkle.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy, and they’re great for make-ahead holiday baking. I don’t usually freeze them, but if I need to, I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag or container. They thaw beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla?

Yes! I’ve used chocolate and even red velvet with great results. Just swap it in and keep everything else the same.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope. I don’t chill this dough—it’s thick enough to bake right away, and the cookies still hold their shape well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. I often bake them a day or two in advance for parties or cookie tins. They keep well and stay soft.

What’s the best way to get uniform cookies?

I use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough evenly. This helps them bake consistently and look more professional.

How do I make the cookies more festive?

I always add extra sprinkles or festive candies on top before baking. I’ve also added a touch of food coloring to the dough itself for red or green cookies.

Conclusion

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect blend of easy and festive—ideal for busy holiday baking without compromising on fun or flavor. I love how customizable they are, and they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether I’m baking a batch for a cookie swap or packaging them up as edible gifts, they always bring a little extra cheer to the season.

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