Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms

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The holiday season is synonymous with sweet indulgence, and these Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms bring festive cheer in every bite. With their vibrant colors, chewy texture, and delightful sweetness, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their appeal lies in the simplicity of using a cake mix base, ensuring even novice bakers can whip up a batch effortlessly. Let’s dive into the magic of creating these festive treats that promise to be a hit for any holiday occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 package of white cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist White Cake Mix, 16.25-ounce box)
• 2 whole large eggs
• ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 cups white chocolate chips, divided
• 1 cup holiday M&Ms, divided
• ½ cup sprinkles, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and lift off the tray without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix the ingredients until you have a smooth, cohesive batter. The cake mix provides a soft and fluffy base, while the melted butter adds richness to the dough.

Step 3: Add Festive Mix-Ins

Fold in:

• ¾ cup of Holiday M&Ms
• ½ cup of white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup of sprinkles

Stir well to distribute these festive ingredients evenly throughout the dough. These add pops of color, crunch, and sweetness, making the cookies visually appealing and delicious.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, create two scoops of dough per cookie. Combine the scoops to form one larger cookie dough ball (approximately ¼ cup of dough). Roll the dough into a smooth ball, flatten it slightly to about ½ inch thick, and arrange five cookies per baking sheet.
Pro Tip: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if it feels sticky. This step also helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9–10 minutes, or just until the edges start to turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 6: Add Festive Toppings

While the cookies are still warm:

• Top half the batch with additional M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

This step enhances the festive appearance, making each cookie look like a holiday masterpiece.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without breaking apart.

Step 8: Dip and Decorate

Melt the remaining white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval to prevent scorching. Dip the other half of the cookies into the melted chocolate and garnish with more M&Ms and sprinkles. For added flair, drizzle any leftover chocolate over the dipped halves and sprinkle with additional toppings.

Step 9: Let Cool and Serve

Let the decorated cookies cool completely until the chocolate hardens. Serve these eye-catching treats on a festive platter, and watch them disappear as quickly as they were made!

Flavor and Texture Profile

These cookies are a delightful combination of chewy and crunchy textures, thanks to the cake mix base and the mix-ins. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate complements the candy-coated M&Ms, while the sprinkles add a satisfying crunch. Every bite is a burst of holiday cheer, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Tips for Success

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cake Mix Variations: Swap the white cake mix for vanilla or even a festive red velvet mix for a different flavor profile.
• Mix-Ins: Substitute the holiday M&Ms with peanut butter M&Ms, chopped peppermint candies, or mini marshmallows for unique variations.

Baking Tips

• For smaller cookies, use a 1-tablespoon scoop and adjust the baking time to 7–8 minutes.
• Flatten the dough before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent overly thick centers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with:

• A glass of chilled milk for a classic treat.
• Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy holiday indulgence.
• A festive dessert platter alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread and shortbread cookies.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re planning ahead, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months and thaw them before dipping and decorating.

Final Thoughts

Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms are the epitome of holiday simplicity and joy. With minimal prep time and a show-stopping result, they are a must-have for your festive celebrations. Gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and create delicious memories that will last a lifetime.