Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Customizable with festive toppings like holiday-colored M&Ms, peppermint bark, or crushed candy canes.
• A crowd-pleaser perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or gifting.
• No special equipment or baking skills required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (or Devil’s Food)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup M&M candies (or chocolate chips)

Directions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350℉ and prepare a quarter sheet pan for baking.

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until a thick, uniform dough forms. Gently fold in the M&M candies.

Form the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them evenly on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake

Bake for 9–11 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Festive Touch: Use red and green M&Ms or drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for a decorative flair.
• Flavor Twists: Substitute M&Ms with chopped peppermint bark, crushed candy canes, or nuts for a unique taste.
• Base Options: Experiment with different cake mix flavors like vanilla, red velvet, or spice for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
• Reheating: Enjoy cookies at room temperature or warm them slightly in a microwave for a few seconds to revive their gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, vanilla, red velvet, or even spice cake mix work wonderfully.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking if you find the cookies spreading excessively.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. What can I use instead of M&Ms?

Substitute with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set, and the center will appear slightly soft—it will firm up as the cookies cool.

7. Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy due to the cake mix base.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, simply double the ingredient quantities and bake in batches.

9. Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?

No, an ungreased sheet works best, or you can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

10. Can I add frosting or decorations?

Yes, frosting, melted chocolate, or sprinkles can make these cookies even more festive.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a holiday treat that combines convenience and deliciousness. Perfect for any gathering or as a gift, these cookies are endlessly customizable and guaranteed to delight everyone. Whip up a batch today and make your holidays even sweeter!

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