These holiday chocolate cookies are made from cake mix and topped with M&Ms for a festive pop of color. With their rich chocolate flavor, soft texture, and colorful candy topping, they’re a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for the holiday season. Whether for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or a fun baking activity, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy – Made with cake mix for a foolproof cookie recipe.
- Soft & Chewy – Perfectly tender cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Festive & Fun – Red and green M&Ms add the perfect holiday touch.
- Quick to Make – Just a few ingredients and 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Kid-Friendly – A great recipe for little helpers in the kitchen!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3/4 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Add the Mix-Ins – Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Form the Cookies – Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool & Serve – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18-24 cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist – Use peanut butter M&Ms for a nutty flavor.
- Double Chocolate – Add white chocolate chips for a fun contrast.
- Minty Delight – Stir in crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free cake mix for a GF-friendly option.
- Extra Festive – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try red velvet or vanilla cake mix for a different holiday twist.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet for a softer texture.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but melted butter will give a slightly denser texture.
What’s the best way to make the M&Ms stand out?
Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie right before baking.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking helps control spreading.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg or applesauce as an egg substitute.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture.
Are these cookies good for holiday gifting?
Yes! Package them in festive tins or bags for a great homemade gift.
Can I make these cookies in different shapes?
Cake mix dough is soft, so it’s best for round drop cookies rather than cut-out shapes.
Conclusion
Christmas Chocolate Cookies with M&Ms are the perfect holiday treat—soft, chocolatey, and festive! With their easy cake mix base and fun pops of color, they’re a great last-minute dessert for any celebration. Try them today and bring a little extra sweetness to the season!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Cookies with M&Ms
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Cookies are made from cake mix and topped with festive M&Ms, making them a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms (red & green)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in half of the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using).
- Shape & Decorate:
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press remaining M&Ms onto the tops of the cookies.
- Bake:
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use different M&M colors for other holidays (pastel for Easter, pink/red for Valentine’s Day).
- For extra richness, drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
