Christmas Cake Mix Cookies Recipe: A Festive Delight for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and indulgence. It’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious treats. One classic treat that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face is Christmas Cake Mix Cookies. These delightful cookies are easy to make and are bursting with festive flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a special treat to share with friends and family, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the world of Christmas Cake Mix Cookies and discover how to make them!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white or yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of red and green M&Ms or other festive candies
• 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined and a dough forms. The dough will be thick and sticky.

Step 2: Adding Festive Flavors

Once the dough is well combined, fold in the red and green M&Ms or other festive candies, white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if desired. Mix until the candies and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

If you prefer flatter cookies, gently press down on each dough portion with the back of a spoon or your fingertips.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers may still be slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations:

While this recipe calls for red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips, you can get creative and customize the cookies to your liking. Here are a few delicious variations you can try:

Variation 1: Peppermint Delight

Replace the M&Ms and white chocolate chips with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. The cool and refreshing flavor of peppermint will add a delightful twist to these cookies.

Variation 2: Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Swap out the white or yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. Mix in dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts for a rich and decadent treat.

Variation 3: Citrus Zest

Add some zest to your cookies by incorporating grated orange or lemon zest into the dough. This will give the cookies a bright and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the holiday season.

Tips:

Here are a few tips to ensure your Christmas Cake Mix Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Do not overmix the dough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up.
• Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as chopped dried fruits, butterscotch chips, or even mini marshmallows.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They are quick and easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festive season with your loved ones. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some exciting variations, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white or yellow cake mix, you can experiment with different flavors such as chocolate, spice, or even funfetti cake mix.

Q: Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

A: Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter. The cookies will have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in even more delicious cookies.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to start baking! Enjoy the process and savor the joy of sharing these delightful Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with your loved ones this holiday season.