If you’re searching for a cookie that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite, look no further than these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies. These irresistibly chewy, festive morsels are packed with melty chocolate chips, vibrant red and green M&M’s, and all the magic of Christmas—yet they come together in a snap, thanks to the clever shortcut of classic cake mix. Whether you’re baking with your little elves or just need a quick treat for a cookie exchange, this joyful recipe guarantees soft, colorful cookies that look as merry as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how a few pantry staples can transform into something special! Each item in this recipe is hand-picked to maximize taste, dreamy texture, and that unmistakable holiday look.
- White cake mix: The secret shortcut for super-soft cookies and a perfectly sweet, neutral base that lets all the fun mix-ins shine through.
- Large eggs: These add necessary structure, binding everything together so the cookies are chewy and tender.
- Vegetable oil: For extra moisture and a light, fluffy crumb–no butter required!
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances the cake mix flavor and gives the cookies their homemade, inviting aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic comfort; they melt into luxurious pockets amidst every festive cookie.
- Red and green M&M’s: These provide Santa-approved pops of color and a delightful crunch throughout.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): For that extra sparkle and whimsy, perfect if you love a playful touch on top.
How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before you even touch the dough, set the tone for an easy-breezy baking session by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies lift off easily and clean-up is a breeze. If you’re making a double batch, get two sheets ready so you can bake more at once.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough
Grab a spacious mixing bowl and empty in the cake mix. Crack in both eggs, pour in the vegetable oil, and add your vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to combine everything until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You’ll notice how quickly the dough comes together–no need for creaming or extra bowls!
Step 3: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins
Here comes the holiday spirit! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, and (if using) a generous handful of holiday sprinkles. Take care not to overmix; just a few turns will evenly distribute the goodies and keep your cookies fluffy, not dense.
Step 4: Scoop and Arrange the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For a bakery-worthy look, press a few extra M&M’s or festive sprinkles on top of each mound—believe me, it makes all the difference!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re aiming for set, lightly golden edges and a soft, puffy center—remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. The hardest part is resisting the urge to sneak a taste straight from the oven!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief wait ensures they finish setting up without breaking apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—or at least until you can’t stand the anticipation any longer!
How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies
Garnishes
Just before baking, I love to sprinkle extra red and green M&M’s and a pinch of sparkling sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles onto each cookie. It’s a quick, affordable way to make every cookie look like it came from Santa’s own bakery. If you want even more sparkle, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar after cooling has serious North Pole vibes.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements the sweet nostalgia of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies quite like a tall glass of milk—Santa’s favorite, after all! For grownups, try serving them with a rich mug of hot cocoa or a frothy latte. If you’re hosting a holiday party, create a cheerful cookie platter with orange slices, peppermint bark, and other seasonal treats for a crowd-pleasing display.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these cookies or bringing them to a cookie swap, consider packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon, or stacking them in a festive tin with parchment between each layer. Create a “Santa’s Treat Plate” by arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath, and add a small sign from the “North Pole Express”—kids will think it’s pure magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies fresh and soft, place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for up to five days. Stack them with sheets of wax paper if you need to layer them, which helps preserve their colorful toppers and prevents sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling completely, line them up on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready for a festive craving or whenever surprise guests swing by. You can also freeze unbaked dough portions—just add a minute or two to the bake time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
If you adore a warm cookie, simply microwave one or two on a plate for about 10–15 seconds, or heat a batch in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes. This revives the gooey chocolate chips and delivers that straight-from-the-oven coziness we all crave around the holidays.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re out of white cake mix, try vanilla or even a yellow cake mix—the flavor will be just as magical. Just stick with a similar size box, and the color may shift slightly, but the holiday spirit will remain intact.
Are Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies good for making with kids?
Yes, they’re one of my top picks for baking with kids! The simple, one-bowl method keeps cleanup to a minimum, and little hands will love adding the M&M’s and sprinkles. It’s a festive family activity and a sweet way to create holiday memories together.
What’s the best way to ensure soft, chewy cookies?
Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll finish cooking from the residual heat. Overbaking is the only real way to lose that signature chewiness!
Can I make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies gluten free?
Definitely! Simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free white or vanilla cake mix. Double-check that your add-ins are gluten-free as well, and you’ll be all set for a batch everyone can enjoy.
Do the cookies hold their shape well for gifting?
They do! Thanks to the sturdy cake mix base, Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies travel well. Arrange them between sheets of wax paper for stacking, and pop them into a pretty tin or box—your friends and family will be delighted by both the flavor and festive looks.
Final Thoughts
There’s no easier way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen than by whipping up a batch of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies. With their soft centers, chocolatey richness, and pops of joyful color, they’re bound to become a new holiday tradition. Go ahead—gather your loved ones, turn up the festive tunes, and savor the happiest cookies of the season!
Print
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are a festive and easy treat to make for the holiday season. Using white cake mix as the base, these cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and colorful sprinkles for a fun and delicious twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles if using.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
- You can substitute white cake mix with vanilla or yellow cake mix if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
