20 of the BEST Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

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, unless of course the cookies start with a cake mix. Cake mix cookies make me super happy…especially at Christmas.

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 only a few ingredients. Less ingredients and less time means that you can bake more cookies than ever this season {or have more time to spend with those you love}.

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.

8. Baklava Cookies

Take all of the flavors you already love about traditional Baklava and transform it into this awesome Baklava Cookie recipe.

Between the luscious nut filling and the honey glaze you will be totally hooked.

9. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Cheesecake and Christmas go hand in hand, so adding a Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie to the menu is perfect.

It starts with a soft graham cracker cake mix cookie and is topped with cheesecake frosting and a drizzle of salted caramel. So dang good!

10. Neapolitan Sandwich Cookies

All you need is one cake mix for this gorgeous Neapolitan Sandwich Cookies recipe. A simple homemade strawberry frosting gives you the trifecta of delicious flavors.

Add them to your Christmas baking for a fun twist on a classic.

11. Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies

Adding Biscoff cookie butter to an already amazing cookie is always a good idea. To make the Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies even more special Biscoff cookie pieces and white chocolate chips are added.

The crunch of the additions and the flavor of the Biscoff butter is perfection.

12. Cannoli Cookie Cups

The flavors of a cannoli are the perfect addition to your holiday, especially in the form of a Cannoli Cookie Cup.

A simple cake mix cookie is transformed into a cookie cup and is filled with the amazing cannoli filling that is sweetened with powdered sugar. The addition of mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios and orange zest brings them together.

13. Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies

Did you know that you can add a brick of cream cheese to a cake mix cookies? It makes them even more delicious and keeps them super soft.

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies only need a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar to make them perfect.

14. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies {Subway Copycat}

The simple flavors and red color make these Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies exactly what your holiday needs.

Another cream cheese based cookie is packed with freeze dried raspberries and white chocolate chips for the ultimate dessert.

15. Black Forest Cookie Cups

If you are a chocolate lover, this easy to make Black Forest Cookie Cups recipe is the one for you.

This understated cookie with big flavors, starts with a chocolate cookie cup and is filled with whipped cream and cherries. Don’t miss this one!

16. Pomegranate Cookies

This chocolate cake mix cookie is so much fun because it has pomegranate seeds on top of them.

Between the melt in your mouth chocolate cookie, rich chocolate truffle topping and pomegranate seeds, these Pomegranate Cookies are a dream come true.

17. Coconut Pecan Cookies

This cake mix cookie has everything you could ever want in a sweet holiday treat.

Coconut Pecan Cookies start with a delicious coconut and pecan cookie but it is the cream cheese frosting and toppings that really set this cookie apart.

18. Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies

If you love coffee cake, these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies need to be on your Christmas baking list.

With an amazing cinnamons streusel layer and a drizzle of glaze they are just like the cake you cherish for breakfast but better!

19. Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

The flavor red velvet is a family favorite around here and these Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are always an instant hit.

A layer of cheesecake is baked onto the cookie for the perfect combination of two of your favorite treats.

20. Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

These classic Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie baking.

A simple to make cookie is topped with strawberry jam and drizzled with white chocolate for the ultimate flavor combination.

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. This will 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 cookies 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.