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Festive Cookie Fun with Cake Mix
I stumbled on this easy holiday hack years ago and now I can't imagine December without it. You’ll only need five things and these treats come together in a flash. My grandkids are always eager to join in and now it’s our family holiday must-do. The real lifesaver is how you can whip up a batch when guests drop by or for those last-second swaps at work.
A Foolproof Cookie Everyone Loves
What I love most is these cookies always get folks grinning, no stress involved. Can you believe something this easy turns out so cute and merry? The colorful candies look so cheerful in a cookie tin and my favorite part is seeing everyone light up when they catch that fresh-out-of-the-oven smell.
Grab What You Need
- M&M's Candies: Pick red and green for holiday vibes or grab chocolate chips if that's more your style.
- Eggs: They help hold the cookies together and give them the perfect bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash and everything is extra tasty.
- Vegetable Oil: Makes your cookies soft and chewy.
- Cake Mix: Choose chocolate or Devil’s Food, it’s totally up to you.
Bake Up Pure Happiness
- Bake and Cool:
- Pop them in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes, then let them set for a few minutes before you move them to a wire rack.
- Shape Cookies:
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your baking sheet (no need to grease).
- Fold in Candies:
- Mix the M&Ms gently so you get a pop of color in every bite.
- Mix Dough:
- Add cake mix, oil, vanilla, and eggs to a big bowl and stir until a thick batter forms.
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and let it get hot while you prep.
Make ‘Em Last
Your cookies stay super soft in an airtight container for up to 4 days on your kitchen counter. My grandma used to toss in a slice of bread to keep them extra fresh. If you want, pop the cookies in the fridge for a week—if you don’t eat them all first. Got leftovers or want to plan ahead? Throw the dough or finished cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cookie Tips and Simple Tricks
Use the dry cake mix just as it is—skip the package instructions. Try to keep all your cookie scoops the same size so they bake evenly. Have fun mixing in extras like crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, bits of toffee, chopped pecans, or pieces of candy cane. We love to test new combos every holiday season and nobody complains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why not follow the cake mix box instructions?
We’re not baking a cake here! Fewer eggs and less oil makes a chewy cookie, not a fluffy cake.
- → Does the type of cake mix matter?
You can use whatever chocolate cake mix you like. Devil’s food tastes richer, but just make sure your box is the right size.
- → What makes these stick together without flour?
The cake mix already has flour in it. Add some eggs and oil and you’ll end up with the perfect dough for scooping.
- → Can I make the dough ahead?
Sure, cover it and stash in the fridge up to three days. You might want to let it sit out a bit before scooping—cold dough can get stubborn.
- → Why let them cool on the pan first?
When they first come out, cookies are super delicate. Giving them time on the pan lets them firm up so they don’t fall apart when you move them.