I love Christmas for a number of reasons but the biggest one is because it is “cookie baking season”! An entire month when baking a batch {or two} of cookies every single day is not only acceptable but encouraged. It doesn’t get any better than that in my opinion unless of course the cookies start with a cake mix. Cake mix cookies make me super happy…especially at Christmas.
Do you love cake mix cookies? Try these Cake Mix Thumbprint Cookies!
What are Cake Mix Cookies?
Cake mix cookies are my very favorite kind of cookie to make because they are so easy. Basically you are using a cake mix as the base of your cookie instead of making a “from scratch” cookie base.
A cake mix allows you to bake a soft and amazing cookie with few ingredients. Less ingredients and less time means that you can bake more cookies than ever this season.
To transform a cake mix into a cookie instead of a cake, the normally required cake ingredients {eggs & oil…no water} are adjusted to give you a thick dough instead of a cake batter.
Christmas Cookies Made with a Cake Mix
Being able to make totally amazing Christmas cookies with a cake mix is a gift in itself. The recipes only require a few ingredients which is always a bonus. They are also wonderful because the cookies are easy to make.
There are a few simple steps and in no time you have soft and delicious Christmas cookies ready for a cookie tray or for gifting. Plus, we almost always have a cake mix on hand which makes them super convenient.
1. Gingerbread Men Cookies
Did you know that you can make soft and delicious Gingerbread Men Cookies with a cake mix? Once you try this simple recipe it will become your go-to Christmas cookie.
They are perfectly spiced, hold their shape and are also super adorable.
2. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies
The combination of peppermint and hot cocoa is perfect for the holiday season. The fact that these awesome Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies start with a cake mix is an added bonus.
Between the chocolate flavor, crunch of the peppermint, marshmallows and creamy chocolate chips they are perfect.
3. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Why wait for breakfast when you can make a Cinnamon Roll Cookie?! They start with a cake mix and end with a sweet glaze but the best part is the cinnamon sugar rolled up inside.
Not only are they cookies fun but they are also a bit different than most Christmas cookies you will find.
4. Chocolate Kiss Cookies
If you can’t find Hershey’s Sugar Cookie Kisses don’t worry! These Chocolate Kiss Cookies are perfect with any flavor candy kiss.
In fact, a candy cane, hot cocoa or any holiday flavor would make for a delicious addition to this awesome chocolate cake mix cookie base.
5. Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
There is no way that I can have a list of cake mix cookies and not add this Texas Sheet Cake Cookie recipe. These cookies are EVERYTHING!!!
I have so many different sheet cake cookie recipes but the original are still my favorite. Although you could always add a bit of holiday and make Peppermint Sheet Cake Cookies.
6. Red Velvet and White Chocolate Chip
The color alone makes these Red Velvet and White Chocolate Chip Cookies perfect for Christmas. They are also huge cookies which is a fun addition to any holiday party or cookie tray.
Substitute the white chocolate chips for another variety of chocolate chips or use a combination. These chocolate cookies are sure to be a favorite.
7. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with a cake mix is always a good idea. You can even get creative and transform the chocolate kiss into a Christmas tree!
Adding this cookie to your holiday baking list is always a good idea because it is said to be the most popular Christmas cookie ever.
Christmas Cookie Storage Tips
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them. Otherwise they will create condensation which can lead to them spoiling quicker.
- Store each flavor of cookie separately. If you store different flavored cookies together they will start to take on the flavors of the other cookies.
- Place a piece of parchment {or wax} paper between cookie layers to keep them from sticking together.
- Refrigerate cookies if you plan to keep them for longer than a couple of days. Storing them in the cold refrigerator will get you a day or two longer.
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Most cookies can easily be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How far ahead can you make Christmas Cookies?
Christmas cookies can easily be made ahead of time. If you plan to freeze them you could start baking cookie up to 3 months before Christmas.
If you plan to keep them at room temperature or in the refrigerator then you will need to be sure that you are only baking a day or two ahead of time.
