The first time I made Christmas cake mix cookies, my whole kitchen smelled like a bakery and a holiday festival all at once—sweet vanilla, warm sugar, and a hint of melted chocolate. I remember being amazed that such simple ingredients came together so beautifully. When I pulled the first tray out of the oven and the cookies were soft, puffy, and studded with red and green M&Ms, I knew I’d found one of my new favorite holiday shortcuts. These cookies feel magical every single time I make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it gives you thick, soft, colorful Christmas cookies with barely any effort. From my own experience, this is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for busy days when you still want something festive, homemade, and adorable. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have cookies that look like they came straight from a holiday bakery case.
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup clear soda (Sprite, 7UP, or similar)
- ¾ cup red and green M&Ms
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Using white cake mix gives these cookies the perfect soft, sweet vanilla base, but you can easily use yellow cake mix if that’s what you have—just note the flavor will be a little richer. The clear soda keeps the dough fluffy and tender, and yes, it really works! M&Ms add that signature Christmas pop of color, and white chocolate chips melt into little creamy pockets that make every bite extra special. If you want a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the chips slightly, but I love the balance they bring.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
You don’t need a mixer for this recipe—just a bowl and a spatula, which makes cleanup so easy. A cookie scoop helps portion the dough evenly, but a regular spoon works fine if you take your time. Parchment paper is helpful because this dough can be a little sticky, and the cookies spread just enough to bake beautifully without any trouble. And the cooling rack helps them set without becoming too soft on the bottom.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I begin making these Christmas cake mix cookies, I start by pouring the cake mix into a large bowl. I always take a moment to breathe in the sweet vanilla scent—it’s funny how even the dry mix feels festive to me. Next, I add the eggs and clear soda. The mixture immediately becomes light and bubbly, and the first time I made it, I remember being surprised at how quickly everything came together. It takes just a minute or two of stirring to create a soft dough.(See the next page below to continue…)