Christmas Cookie Magic Using Cake Mix
I discovered this sweet little shortcut for Christmas cookies years ago in my kitchen and it's been saving my sanity every holiday season since. These cookies need just five ingredients and come together so fast you won't believe it. My grandkids love helping me make them and they've become our special holiday tradition. The best part? They're perfect for those last minute cookie exchanges or when unexpected guests drop by.
A Cookie Recipe That Never Fails
My favorite thing about these cookies is how they bring smiles without the stress. You won't believe such a simple recipe can create such festive treats. The red and green candies make them look absolutely adorable on any holiday cookie platter. I love watching my kitchen fill with happy faces when these come out of the oven.
Your Shopping List
- Cake Mix: Grab chocolate or Devil's Food whichever you love best.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps our cookies wonderfully moist.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash makes everything taste better.
- Eggs: These hold our cookies together beautifully.
- M&M's Candies: Red and green ones make them perfectly festive but chocolate chips work too.
Let's Bake Some Joy
- Preheat Oven:
- Get your oven nice and warm at 350℉.
- Mix Dough:
- Throw your cake mix oil vanilla and eggs in a bowl and mix until you get a nice thick dough.
- Fold in Candies:
- Gently stir in those colorful M&Ms until they're spread throughout.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll your dough into little 1 inch balls and pop them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake and Cool:
- Let them bake for about 9 to 11 minutes then cool briefly on the sheet before moving to a rack.
Keeping Your Cookies Fresh
These cookies stay wonderful in an airtight container for about 4 days on your counter. My grandmother taught me to add a slice of bread to keep them soft. You can keep them in the fridge for a week if they last that long. I often freeze some dough or finished cookies when I'm planning ahead they keep beautifully for 3 months.
Kitchen Secrets for Perfect Cookies
Remember to use the cake mix dry straight from the box don't follow the cake directions. Make your cookie balls the same size so they bake evenly. Sometimes I switch things up with peppermint pieces chocolate chips toffee bits crushed candy canes or pecans. My family loves trying new combinations every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why not follow the cake mix box instructions?
We're making cookies, not cake! The oil and egg amounts are different to give you that perfect cookie texture.
- Does the type of cake mix matter?
Any chocolate cake mix works, but devil's food gives you a richer chocolate flavor. Just keep the box size the same.
- What makes these stick together without flour?
The cake mix already has flour in it. Adding eggs and oil turns it into perfect cookie dough consistency.
- Can I make the dough ahead?
Keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it warm up a bit before scooping - cold dough is hard to roll.
- Why let them cool on the pan first?
Fresh-baked cookies are super soft. Those few minutes on the hot pan help them set up enough to move without breaking.