Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Preheating is essential to achieve the perfect bake.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Don’t worry if the dough is thick—it’s just the right texture for shaping into cookies.
Step 3: Add Festive Mix-Ins
For that holiday charm, fold in half of your red and green sprinkles and any optional mix-ins you’ve chosen, like white chocolate chips or M&M’s. These additions make each cookie more colorful and delicious!
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Decorate
Lightly flatten each dough ball with your fingers. Then, sprinkle more red and green sprinkles on top of each cookie. This final touch gives the cookies a festive look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. For the best results, avoid overbaking—the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or package as a lovely homemade gift!
Notes and Tips for the Perfect Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
To ensure your cake mix Christmas cookies come out perfectly each time, consider these handy tips:
1. Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors
While white or vanilla cake mix is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, red velvet, or even spice cake. Each variety brings its unique flavor to the cookies.
2. Add a Twist with Mix-Ins
The options for mix-ins are endless! You can add anything from crushed peppermint candies for a minty taste to mini chocolate chips for extra richness. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts.
3. Baking Time Variations
Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check on your cookies around the 9-minute mark. If they seem to be browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
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