If you’re on the hunt for a quick, festive treat that packs all the Christmas cheer without the fuss of complicated baking, you’re going to adore this Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. Trust me, these cookies burst with holiday colors and flavors, and the best part? You’ll have them on your plate in under 30 minutes. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the little tricks to make these cookies truly shine this season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Simple: Uses a cake mix base so you’re baking in minutes, perfect for busy holiday prep.
- Festive & Fun: Loaded with red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips for that cheerful Christmas vibe.
- Flexible Flavors: You can easily customize with different sodas and garnishes for your own twist.
- Kid-Friendly: No tricky steps or scary ingredients—my kids love helping me make these every year!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Picking the right ingredients for this Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe really makes all the difference. The cake mix acts as a flavorful shortcut, while the clear soda keeps the texture light and tender. Plus, those M&Ms and white chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness and holiday color you’ll love.
- White cake mix: This is the base that gives these cookies their soft, cakey texture—grab a good-quality one for best flavor.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness without weighing the cookies down.
- Clear soda (like lemon-lime, ginger ale, or club soda): This little trick introduces bubbles, making the cookies fluffy and light—plus a hint of flavor depending on the soda.
- Red and green M&Ms: For that unmistakable Christmas pop of color and a bit of crunch.
- White chocolate chips: They melt slightly as the cookies bake, adding creamy sweetness and texture contrast.
- Optional garnishes (sprinkles, red or green food coloring): Fun extras if you want to make these cookies really stand out on your holiday cookie tray.
Make It Your Way
While I love the classic version of this Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe, the flexibility is what makes it a staple in my kitchen during the holidays. Play around with your favorite mix-ins and don’t be shy about adjusting flavors to suit your taste buds.
- Variation: I once swapped the clear soda with cream soda to add a subtle vanilla note, and it was a hit with everyone at my family gathering.
- Dietary tweak: You can try a gluten-free cake mix to keep these cookies allergy-friendly without losing texture.
- Color twist: Adding a few drops of red or green food coloring in the batter amps up the festive vibes even more.
- Extra crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition if you want a little more texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Set Your Stage
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining your pans is key to prevent sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly—trust me, it saves a lot of stress later on!
Step 2: Mix the Base Batter
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and clear soda. If you want to get festive with color, add a few drops of red or green food coloring now. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth batter with no lumps. It’s important not to overmix here; just get it combined so your cookies stay tender.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredients
Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips. I like folding rather than stirring aggressively so I don’t break the candy pieces—they add both color and texture that make these cookies so special.
Step 4: Scoop and Dress ‘Em Up
Using a 2-inch cookie scoop (or tablespoon if you don’t have one), drop dollops of batter onto your prepared sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart since they’ll spread a bit. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle some holiday sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark. You’ll want the centers set but still soft, and edges just turning a light golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye here!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up so they won’t break apart when you transfer them to a cooling rack or plate. Then go ahead and indulge!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Use Fresh Cake Mix: Using a fresh box ensures the cookies rise properly and have that light texture—old mix can sometimes give dense results.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly; pulling them out as soon as edges turn golden keeps them soft inside.
- Even Spacing: Leave enough room between cookie scoops so they don’t merge into one giant holiday blob.
- Cool Before Moving: Let the cookies cool fully on the sheet to avoid breakage or crumbling when transferring.
How to Serve Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles to add a little sparkle and extra texture. Sometimes I’ll dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a whimsical snow-dusted look. It’s simple but it really amps up the festive feel—plus kids always get a kick from decorating their own cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies go perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday spiced tea. For bigger gatherings, try serving alongside a cheese platter with cranberries and nuts for a sweet-and-savory balance that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to present these cookies is in holiday-themed tins wrapped with a big red bow, making them perfect for gifting. You can also arrange them on a festive platter with some fresh pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks to really create that cozy Christmas vibe on your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookies (which I doubt because they disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay nice and soft for about 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing these cookies. Just pop them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, separate the layers with parchment paper, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature—they taste just as fresh as when baked!
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, I like reheating my cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens them nicely without making them tough or overcooked. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes but watch carefully.
FAQs
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Can I use other cake mix flavors for this Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While white cake mix works great for a neutral, festive base, you can experiment with yellow or vanilla cake mixes for a richer flavor. Just be aware that darker mixes might slightly change the cookie color and sweetness.
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What if I don’t have clear soda on hand?
If you don’t have clear soda, plain club soda or sparkling water can work in a pinch. The carbonation is key to the light texture, so avoid using flat soda or other liquids like juice that might change the cookie consistency too much.
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How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Simplify by using a dairy-free cake mix and swapping white chocolate chips for a dairy-free alternative or omitting them entirely. Just ensure your chosen mix and ingredients are marked dairy-free to avoid surprises.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling works perfectly. Just be sure to mix the batter well and bake your cookies in batches, giving ample space on each sheet so they bake evenly. Using multiple baking sheets speeds up the process.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe has been a lifesaver for me during hectic holidays when I want to bake but don’t have hours to fuss. The way the cookies come out soft, colorful, and delicious every single time makes me look forward to making them year after year. I’m confident you’ll love how simple and festive these cookies are—and maybe even start your own holiday tradition with them. So go ahead, grab that cake mix, and let’s get baking!
Print
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are a festive and fun twist on traditional cookies, made easily with a white cake mix combined with colorful red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips, resulting in a soft, sweet, and colorful holiday treat perfect for any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box of white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup clear soda (like lemon-lime soda, Ginger-Ale, or club soda)
- ¾ cup red and green M&Ms
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Optional Garnishes
- Sprinkles
- Red or green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, clear soda, and optional red or green food coloring if desired. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended into a smooth batter.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold the red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the candies.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared sheet pans, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with sprinkles for extra festive decoration.
- Bake: Place the sheet pans in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the centers are set and edges begin to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 10 minutes or until they release easily from the parchment paper. Transfer to plates and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- To freeze, place cookies in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Using clear soda adds moisture and a slight sweetness to the batter, ensuring soft cookies.
- Optional red or green food coloring enhances the festive appearance but can be omitted if preferred.
- Be careful when folding in M&Ms to avoid breaking them and ensure an even distribution.
