Introduction

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—festive, easy to make, and bursting with cheer. Last Christmas, I decided to try this recipe for a quick baking session with my family, and it was an instant hit. The combination of chocolate cake mix, M&Ms, and the option to add candy canes and other fun toppings made the process both simple and customizable. My kids had a blast helping me roll the dough into balls and sprinkle on the toppings, making it a perfect holiday activity. These cookies came out soft, chewy, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness. They were gone before the night was over, and we were already planning to bake them again the following week! If you’re looking for a fast and fun holiday baking idea, these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the definition of festive fun! With minimal effort and a box of cake mix, you can whip up a batch of cookies that look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The recipe is perfect for busy holiday schedules or for families who want to enjoy baking without the stress. Whether you’re looking to involve your kids in the kitchen or need a last-minute treat for a holiday party, these cookies will fit the bill. Plus, the best part is that they’re fully customizable—add your favorite toppings like peppermint bark, toffee bits, or even chopped pecans to make each batch uniquely yours.

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup M&Ms (holiday-themed colors optional)
Optional Toppings:
Peppermint bark squares, chopped
Chocolate chips
Toffee bits
Crushed candy canes
Chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry chocolate cake mix (unprepared, as it is) with the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix everything together until the dough is thick and well-combined. It may seem dense, but that’s perfect for these cookies!

Step 3: Add the M&Ms
Fold in the M&Ms (or any other optional toppings you choose). The M&Ms add a pop of color, and the candy-coated exterior creates a delightful crunch. If you want to get even more festive, opt for holiday-themed M&Ms for an extra splash of color.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You don’t need to grease your baking sheet; the cookies will bake just fine without it. Arrange the balls evenly on the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should look set but slightly soft in the center. You want them to be chewy and tender when cooled.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding cooling time)

How to Serve

These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re still delicious even after a few days. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Holiday Dessert: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter along with other festive treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
For Holiday Parties: Set them out at your next family gathering, Christmas party, or cookie swap.
With a Glass of Milk or Hot Cocoa: These soft, chewy cookies are perfect when paired with a warm beverage, especially on cold winter nights.
As a Gift: Package them up in cute holiday-themed gift bags or tins to give as a homemade present.
With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a fun dessert twist!

Additional Tips

Customize the Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins. Peppermint bark squares, toffee bits, or crushed candy canes all make these cookies more festive.
Use Holiday M&Ms: For a fun, seasonal touch, look for red and green M&Ms, or even white chocolate M&Ms for a snowy appearance.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer slightly thicker cookies that won’t spread as much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. To keep them soft and chewy, remove them from the oven when they’re still a bit underdone in the center.
Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of extra chocolate, feel free to fold in chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for a double-chocolate delight!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, or even spice cake mix for a unique twist.

2. What if I don’t have M&Ms?
You can use other candies like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other favorite candy bits you have on hand.

3. How do I store these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

4. Can I make these cookies without the oil?
The oil is important for giving the cookies their chewy texture, but you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly healthier version.

5. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

6. Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses regular chocolate cake mix, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix.

7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand?
You can use a hand mixer for convenience, but be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tougher cookies.

8. How do I make the cookies extra festive for Christmas?
In addition to M&Ms, consider sprinkling crushed candy canes or adding a few colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.

9. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If the dough is too warm, the cookies might spread too much. To prevent this, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.

10. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Whether you’re looking for a quick holiday treat or a fun family baking activity, these Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy a batch of soft, chewy, festive cookies that everyone will love. Customize them with your favorite add-ins, or keep them simple with just M&Ms—the possibilities are endless!