Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

If there’s one treat that truly captures the magic of the holidays, it’s Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies. These cookies are irresistibly soft and studded with festive red and green candies, creamy white chocolate chips, and classic chocolate morsels. They’re delightfully simple to whip up (thanks to a box of cake mix), but the result tastes like pure homemade joy. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping a plate for Santa, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies have all the holiday charm packed into every chewy, chocolatey bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies lies in their brilliantly simple lineup. Each ingredient plays a vital role, elevating texture, adding bursts of color, and ensuring that signature holiday sweetness. Here’s why you’ll love every element of this recipe:

• Cake mix (15.25 ounces, white or vanilla): The shortcut that brings fluffiness and sweetness without any fuss, creating the base for irresistibly soft cookies.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, intensifying flavor throughout each bite.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ moist and chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a dash enhances the overall flavor and brings out the best in those sweet add-ins.
• Red and green M&Ms (1/2 cup): Festive pops of color and crunch that make these cookies a seasonal showstopper.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Ensure chocolate in every bite while keeping the cookies tender and soft.
• White chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Add creaminess and extra holiday flair for a pretty contrast and delicious taste.
• Sprinkles (2 tablespoons, optional): Amp up the fun and color—go for holiday-themed for extra cheer!

How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure flawless cookie removal and easy cleanup. Setting up ahead of time keeps your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until you have a thick, soft dough—no electric mixer required! It should be smooth and slightly glossy, ready to welcome all the fun mix-ins.

Step 3: Fold in the Fun

This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Make sure the bits are evenly distributed so every cookie is packed with flavors and color.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls with your hands. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This space is important—they’ll spread and get those perfect edges in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for just-set centers and edges that are barely golden. Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue firming up as they cool, keeping that dreamy softness inside.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They’ll be delicate at first, but this quick rest helps them set up nicely. Transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can resist trying one, you’re stronger than I am!

How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra holiday sparkle, you can scatter a few more M&Ms or sprinkles on the cookies right as they come out of the oven. The warmth will encourage them to stick, and your cookies will look bakery-level festive. A drizzle of white chocolate is another gorgeous touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a tall glass of ice-cold milk, rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or even a peppermint latte for the ultimate seasonal pairing. If you’re serving a dessert platter, balance with some fresh berries to add a touch of tartness and color contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies in a festive tin with parchment paper between the layers for gifting. Stack them on a cookie tower and tie with a ribbon for a cute party centerpiece, or nestle them into individual cellophane bags with a gift tag for sweet party favors. You can even use them as edible ornaments—you’ll be amazed how they dress up a holiday dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their softness and flavor for 4 to 5 days—though you’ll probably find that they disappear long before then! If you want to keep them extra soft, tuck a slice of bread into the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After completely cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their festive flavors for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to your bake time.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. This makes the chocolate gooey and amps up the freshness. For a crispier exterior, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Warm cookies are always a win in my book!

FAQs

Can I use different flavors of cake mix?

Absolutely! While white or vanilla cake mix gives that signature look and soft bite, you can get creative with flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake. Each will bring its own unique twist to your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies.

What can I use instead of M&Ms?

Feel free to swap M&Ms for other colorful candies, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit if you want a different texture or taste. Just ensure anything you add is roughly the same size and won’t release extra moisture into the dough.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking for best results—the cookies will bake up just as thick and delicious.

What’s the best way to ensure perfectly round cookies?

Rolling the dough between your hands before baking helps create uniform, round cookies. If you want extra precision, use a cookie scoop, and gently press on the tops to flatten slightly before baking for a picture-perfect finish.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free white or vanilla cake mix in the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get soft, delicious Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

The magic of the holidays truly shines when you share a batch of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or leaving a treat out for Santa himself, these cookies will bring smiles and sweet memories. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe becomes a festive favorite in no time!

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