CAKE BATTER CHRISTMAS COOKIES

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with cookies that taste like a slice of cake? These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor, all thanks to the secret ingredient: cake mix! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone looking to add a fun and easy twist to their holiday cookie platter. The vibrant colors and sweet aroma of these cookies will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones. They’re incredibly easy to customize with different cake mix flavors and sprinkles, so you can create a unique cookie for every celebration. Plus, this recipe comes from years of holiday baking experience, ensuring a delicious and foolproof result every time!

My passion for baking during the holidays started as a child, watching my grandmother create mountains of cookies for our family gatherings. Her secret? Simple recipes that tasted amazing. These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are my tribute to her – a delicious, easy-to-make treat that brings joy to everyone who tastes them. With the holiday season in full swing, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a way to connect with loved ones and savor the magic of Christmas.

Ingredients for Cake Batter Christmas Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful Christmas cookies:

• Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz) of your favorite flavor. Vanilla or white cake mix is classic, but chocolate, strawberry, or even funfetti work great. The cake mix provides the base for the cookies, adding sweetness and a soft texture. Cake mixes contain a blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings, simplifying the baking process.
• Vegetable Oil: ½ cup. Vegetable oil keeps the cookies moist and adds a tender crumb. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Eggs: 2 large. Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure. They also add richness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and complements the cake mix flavor. Almond extract also works well for a more intense flavor.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Baking powder helps the cookies rise and gives them a light and airy texture.
• Sprinkles: As many as your heart desires! Use festive Christmas-themed sprinkles for a holiday touch. Sprinkles add visual appeal and a fun textural element.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling (optional, but highly recommended!). Powdered sugar creates a beautiful, crackled exterior.

Ingredient Science Note: The cake mix’s leavening agents work in tandem with the baking powder to give these cookies their signature puffy texture. The oil ensures they stay soft and chewy for days!

Substitution Tips:

• Cake Mix: Gluten-free cake mix can be used for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetable Oil: Melted butter can be used, but the cookies may spread more.
• Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) can be used as an egg substitute for a vegan version.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cake Batter Cookies

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to ensure your Cake Batter Christmas Cookies turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop will ensure that your cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.
• Bake on Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake just until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This will prevent them from breaking.
• Sprinkle Extravaganza: Don’t be shy with the sprinkles! The more the merrier. Press them gently into the dough before baking to ensure they stick.

Personal Testing Notes: I found that using a high-quality vanilla extract really elevates the flavor of these cookies. Also, be sure to use fresh baking powder for the best rise.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container.

Freezing:

• Dough: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different flavors of cake mix?

Absolutely! Experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique and delicious cookies. Chocolate, strawberry, lemon, and red velvet are all great options. Just be sure to adjust the sprinkles accordingly to match the flavor profile.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Yes, you can! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even mini marshmallows can be added to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Add about ½ cup of your desired mix-ins to the batter.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter instead of oil, overmixing the dough, or not using enough baking powder. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and use fresh baking powder.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.

How do I get the cookies to have a crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates a beautiful crackled appearance. The powdered sugar absorbs moisture and creates a crust that cracks as the cookies bake.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it easier to roll into balls. You can also lightly flour your hands before rolling the dough.

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! The possibilities are endless when it comes to sprinkles. Use your favorite colors and shapes to create festive and personalized cookies. Jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar, and edible glitter are all great options.

These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. They’re easy to make, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking with kids, attending a cookie exchange, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So grab your cake mix, sprinkles, and holiday spirit, and get baking!

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