Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

These Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season! With a soft and chewy texture, bursts of chocolatey goodness, and colorful M&Ms, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Optional toppings like peppermint bark, crushed candy canes, or toffee bits add a festive flair, making these cookies a hit at any holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Made with just a few ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite festive toppings.
  • Kid-Friendly: Fun and simple for little helpers to join in on the holiday baking.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges, parties, or as gifts.
  • No Chilling Needed: Skip the wait and get straight to baking!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup M&Ms (holiday colors recommended)

Optional Toppings

  • Peppermint bark squares, chopped
  • Chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped pecans

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
  2. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

  1. Gently fold in the M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
  2. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
  2. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Step 6: Cool

  1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes to set.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty boost.
  • Peppermint Bliss: Top with crushed candy canes or pieces of peppermint bark.
  • Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Salted Caramel: Add toffee bits and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Try vanilla, red velvet, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist.

2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling into balls.

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

Make sure your dough balls are evenly sized, and don’t flatten them before baking.

4. Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

Yes, melted butter or coconut oil works as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix for a similar result.

6. What other mix-ins can I use?

Try white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows for added variety.

7. Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe, making it super quick to prepare.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients for a larger batch of cookies.

9. Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday-themed ones?

Of course! Regular M&Ms work perfectly year-round.

10. What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve them as a standalone treat, with a glass of milk, or as part of a holiday dessert platter.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are a festive, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer. With minimal prep and endless customization options, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whip up a batch (or two) and enjoy the sweet holiday magic

Print
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Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

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  • Author: fella
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 10min
  • Total Time: 25min
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Whip up these easy Chocolate Cake Mix Christmas Cookies! Packed with festive M&Ms and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for holiday baking and cookie exchanges.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Cookies:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs

Mix-Ins and Toppings (Optional):

  • 1 cup M&Ms
  • Peppermint bark squares, chopped
  • Chocolate chips
  • Toffee bits
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.

2. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs.
  2. Mix until a thick dough forms.

3. Add the Mix-Ins

  1. Gently fold in the M&Ms (and any additional toppings) until evenly distributed.

4. Shape the Cookies

  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
  2. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake

  1. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Customize with different colors of M&Ms for other occasions.

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