Go Back
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies finished recipe

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies turn a box of vanilla cake mix into soft, chewy holiday cookies filled with red and green sprinkles. They have lightly crisp edges, tender centers, and a sweet vanilla flavor, while the cake mix keeps the ingredient list short and eliminates the need to measure flour, suga
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 g) vanilla or white cake mix
  • 2 large eggs (about 100 g without shells) room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup red and green jimmies-style sprinkles divided

Method
 

Method
  1. Prepare the baking sheets: Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. You will preheat the oven after the dough chills so it is not running unnecessarily during the resting time.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 2 eggs, ½ cup oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until evenly blended. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
  3. Make the cookie dough: Add the entire 15.25-ounce box of cake mix. Stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until no dry pockets remain. The dough will be much thicker and stickier than cake batter.
  4. Add the sprinkles: Gently fold ⅓ cup of the red and green sprinkles into the dough, reserving the remaining sprinkles for decorating. Mix only until they are distributed to minimize color streaking.
  5. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The chilled dough should remain soft but become noticeably easier to scoop and handle. If it still feels extremely sticky, work quickly and lightly oil the cookie scoop rather than adding flour.
  6. Heat the oven: Toward the end of the chilling time, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack near the center of the oven.
  7. Portion the cookies: Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place the portions about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press the reserved sprinkles gently onto the tops.
  8. Bake until just set: Bake one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set and the tops no longer appear wet. The centers should still look slightly soft rather than deeply browned.
  9. Cool the cookies: Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They will continue to set from the residual heat. Transfer them carefully to a wire rack and cool completely before storing or packaging.

Notes

Store completely cooled Cake Mix Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Placing parchment between layers helps protect the decorated tops. For longer storage, freeze the baked, cooled cookies in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper and remove excess air to help prevent freezer odors and drying. Thaw at room temperature while still loosely covered.