These Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday shortcut, blending festive flavors with effortless baking. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have soft, chewy cookies with a hint of vanilla sweetness and a delightful crumbly texture. Perfect for busy bakers, they’re a treat that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
Each bite offers a buttery richness balanced by a light, cake-like fluffiness, making them irresistible for kids and adults alike. With a golden exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center, these cookies are a holiday must-have. Plus, they’re versatile—decorate with sprinkles or dip in chocolate for extra flair. Quick, delicious, and full of cheer, they’re the cookies your holiday season deserves!
What You’ll Need
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate cake mix (Devil’s Food cake mix works too!)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup M&M’s candies (or substitute with chocolate chips if preferred)
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix (do not prepare as directed on the box), vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s candies (or chocolate chips) until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked.
- Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fun Variations to Spice Up Your Cookies
Swap out the M&M’s for other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist. You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors—try vanilla, red velvet, or spice cake for a unique flavor profile. For a holiday touch, use seasonal M&M’s colors or sprinkle the cookies with edible glitter before baking!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. For a fun dessert platter, pair them with gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie boxes or as a sweet treat at parties.
Storing and Keeping Them Fresh
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months! To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Quick Tips for Success
To save time, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly. If the dough feels sticky, lightly oil your hands before rolling the balls. For perfectly baked cookies, avoid overbaking—they’ll continue to set as they cool on the sheet. And don’t forget to let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent breakage.
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix (you could also use Devil’s Food)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup M&M’s candies (can also use chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a large bowl, mix together dry cake mix (don’t prepare it as called for on the back of the box), vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs. The dough will be very thick.
- Fold in the M and M candies.
- Roll the dough into 1″ balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes and remove from oven. Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.