Description
Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies with sparkling sugar coating and bursts of colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or cozying up with a warm drink!
Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
½ cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles (red & green)
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (
2 minutes)
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. (
2 minutes)
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. (
1 minute)
Stir in the cake mix until a thick, sticky dough forms. Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles. (
2 minutes)
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30–45 minutes to ensure thick, puffy cookies. (
30–45 minutes)
Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. (
5 minutes)
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set, centers slightly glossy, and tops show light cracks. (
11 minutes)
Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. (
5 minutes)
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 30–45 minutes | Baking Time: 11 minutes | Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ≈56 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal (approx.) | Servings: ~24 cookies
#GooeyButterCookies #ChristmasCookies #HolidayBaking #FestiveTreats
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature; this is crucial for a smooth, lump-free base. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for the creaming step. When adding the cake mix, stir by hand or on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. The chilling step is non-negotiable—it prevents the cookies from spreading too thin. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, and roll the balls firmly in your hands before coating in sugar for a round shape.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are incredibly versatile. Serve them on a decorative platter as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or a cup of spiced chai tea. For gifting, layer them in a festive tin between sheets of parchment paper. You can also create a cookie decorating station by setting out small bowls of icing and additional sprinkles for guests to customize their own treat.
How-to Summary
In summary, these easy Christmas cookies come together with cake mix. Soften butter and cream cheese, then beat until creamy. Mix in egg and vanilla. Stir in cake mix and sprinkles to form a sticky dough. Chill the dough thoroughly. Scoop, roll in sugar, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, yellow or lemon cake mix works well, but avoid pudding-added or “extra moist” mixes as they can alter the texture.
My dough is very sticky, is that normal? Absolutely. The dough is meant to be quite sticky, which is why chilling is essential. It firms up enough to handle.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes. Form the dough into balls, roll in sugar, and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Why did my cookies come out flat? The most common causes are not chilling the dough long enough, or your butter and cream cheese were too warm. Ensure ingredients are just softened, not melted.
Can I omit the sprinkles? You can, but they add festive color. If omitting, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold butter and cream cheese, as they won’t cream properly. Do not skip the chilling step, or your cookies will spread excessively. Resist the urge to overbake; the centers should look slightly soft and glossy when you take them out. Do not use wax paper instead of parchment paper, as it can smoke. Finally, do not roll the dough balls in sprinkles instead of sugar, as the sprinkles will burn in the oven.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are a guaranteed hit, offering a perfect balance of simplicity and spectacular holiday cheer. Their soft, buttery texture and festive sparkle make them ideal for bakers of all levels looking to create memorable treats. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and produce a beautiful batch every time. Happy baking and enjoy sharing these delightful bites of the season!