Easy Cake Mix Christmas Cookies For The Non-Baker

When Christmas comes around each year, I am reminded of my complete lack of talent (and frankly, interest) in the baking department. My wonderful mama who also happens to be a former home ec teacher puts me to shame with her perfect cinnamon rolls, homemade gingerbread cookies, and all of the other delectable treats that she whips up like it’s no big thing. For years all I could really manage were muddy buddies and my tried and true chocolate chip cookies.

UNTIL…

I discovered “Cake Mix Cookies.” And now, just call me the cookie queen because I have transformed from a boring, zero-creativity treat-maker into a cookie magician. And it’s all using one simple formula.

1 box of cake mix + 1/2 cup vegetable oil + 2 eggs + your choice of mix-ins.

And using that simple formula, the possibilities are ENDLESS. Just bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 9-10 mins (they will seem underdone but just let them set and they will flatten and become more firm as they cool).

Option 1: Chocolate + Christmas M&M’s

Option 2: Red Velvet + White Chocolate Chips

And of course, these aren’t just limited to Christmas! There are so many variations to this formula. I have heard of using:

• strawberry cake mix + white chocolate chips
• white cake mix + fruity pebbles
• spice cake mix + mini dark chocolate chips
• lemon cake mix + powdered sugar on top
• yellow cake mix + peanut butter cups

And the list goes on! So, remember the formula:

1 box of cake mix + 1/2 cup vegetable oil + 2 eggs + your choice of mix-ins.

Pro Tip: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before you bake the cookies; this makes the dough easier to work with. Also, if you have various Christmas festivities coming up, you could easily whip up the dough and freeze it. Then you have treat options on hand for your next planned gathering or spontaneous meet up with friends. Just try not to eat all the dough, ha!

Below is a recipe for my FAVORITE Christmas cookies: Oreo Peppermint Crunch. I discovered a similar one several years ago on Pinterest, and have since modified it to my preferences. The recipe uses a cake mix plus a few extras (so basically, cake mix cookies on crack). The butter and cream cheese take it to a whole new level, and the peppermint extract gives it that Christmasy feel (you could easily take out the extract and make these any time of the year). You can add the mix-ins from the recipe, or switch it up with your own ideas!

Print recipe below!

Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies

Recipe by canibecandid.comDifficulty: Easy

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix

• 2 eggs

• 8 Tablespoons butter, softened

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup crushed oreos

• 1 cup Andes Creme De Menthe baking chips

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

• Combine cake mix, eggs, butter, cream cheese and extracts. Mix until soft dough forms.
• Stir in the cookie chunks, baking chips and chocolate chips.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30+ minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  
• Scoop dough into balls onto baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Do not over bake! They will look underdone, but will firm up as they cool.

Notes