The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, most importantly, delicious treats. One of the easiest and most festive recipes to whip up during this time is the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only quick to prepare but also a fun activity to involve the family, especially children. The vibrant colors of sprinkles or holiday-themed M&Ms make them a beautiful addition to any festive gathering. In this article, we will dive deep into the Cake Mix Christmas Cookies recipe, explore variations, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide tips to make your baking experience even more enjoyable.
Why Cake Mix Cookies?
Using cake mix in cookies is a brilliant shortcut that allows you to enjoy homemade treats without the hassle of measuring out multiple ingredients. Cake mix serves as the base, providing a lovely texture and flavor while simplifying the process. The versatility of cake mixes means you can experiment with various flavors, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion, particularly during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Cake Mix Christmas Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (vanilla, yellow, or red velvet are great choices)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup red and green sprinkles or holiday-themed M&Ms
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Using a spatula or electric mixer, mix until a soft dough forms. It’s essential to mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 3: Add the Sprinkles or M&Ms
Gently fold in the holiday-themed sprinkles or M&Ms into the dough. If you’d like to have some sprinkles on top of the cookies, reserve a few to press into the tops before baking.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should appear slightly soft in the center but set on the edges. Avoid over-baking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps maintain the soft, chewy texture.
Step 7: Optional – Dust with Powdered Sugar
For an extra festive touch, you can dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar to give them a snowy appearance. This step is purely optional but adds a delightful presentation for holiday gatherings.
Step 8: Serve
Serve these colorful, festive cookies on a holiday platter or wrap them up in cookie bags for gifting. They make wonderful treats for friends, family, or coworkers, spreading holiday cheer wherever they go.
Variations
While the basic Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are delicious on their own, feel free to explore these fun variations:
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Use red velvet cake mix to create a beautiful batch of cookies. Roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking to achieve a lovely crinkle effect, enhancing their festive appearance.
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
For chocolate lovers, using chocolate cake mix can lead to rich, decadent cookies. Enhance these cookies by adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.
Flavor Extracts
Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts such as almond, peppermint, or butter. These extracts can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies, providing a unique holiday taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use other flavors of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla, yellow, and red velvet are popular choices, you can use any cake mix flavor you enjoy, including chocolate or lemon, to create a unique batch of cookies.
2. How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
4. What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil. Both options will provide a delicious flavor and texture to the cookies.
5. Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Certainly! You can mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, for added texture and flavor.
6. Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to the dough being too warm before baking. Ensure you chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it feels too soft, or make sure to place them in the fridge for a bit before baking.
7. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, use a gluten-free cake mix. The other ingredients are already gluten-free, making it simple to adapt this recipe.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a delightful and easy way to add some sweet holiday cheer to your celebrations. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have a delicious batch of cookies ready in no time. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with different cake mixes and flavors, these cookies are sure to please both family and friends. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start baking these festive treats that will undoubtedly become a holiday tradition. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious Cake Mix Christmas Cookies!