Cake Mix Christmas Cookies: 13 Shortcut Treats That Fill the Cookie Tin in Half the Time

These cake mix christmas cookies started with one simple trick a neighbor shared over the fence years ago: a box of cake mix, a couple of eggs, and a little oil can fill a cookie tin before dinner. It sounded too easy, until the first tray of gooey butter cookies came out of the oven and vanished from the plate. Shortcut baking is not cheating. It is how busy families keep holiday traditions alive. Below you will find soft crinkles, peppermint bark cookies, gingerbread spice, jam thumbprints, cookie sandwiches and iced trees, all starting with a boxed mix and a few pantry staples. If you want even more ideas, the Taste of Home cake mix cookie collection is a fun place to browse. Many of these doughs can be chilled overnight and baked the next day. One safety note: raw cake mix and raw eggs are not safe to taste, so save your sampling for the baked cookies. Preheat the oven and let us fill those tins..

Gooey Butter Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

The first time you bite into one of these, the powdered sugar puffs up like fresh snow and the middle melts like butter cake. That is the magic of cake mix plus cream cheese, and it is why this recipe gets shared thousands of times every December. These cake mix christmas cookies need only six ingredients and one bowl. Tip: chill the sticky dough for an hour so it rolls easily into balls, and pull the pan while the tops still look pale. Give them a spot in the tin right next to your old-fashioned butter cookies..

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or butter cake mix, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup butter softened, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then beat in the egg and vanilla. 2. Stir in the cake mix until a soft dough forms. 3. Chill 1 hour. 4. Heat oven to 350 F, roll tablespoon balls in powdered sugar and set on lined sheets. 5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until set but pale, then cool on the pan 5 minutes and dust with more sugar.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Deep red cookies with snowy white tops look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they start with a simple box of red velvet mix. They are soft, lightly chocolatey and gorgeous on a holiday platter. Tip: roll the balls in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar, so the white coating stays bright after baking instead of melting in. A short chill keeps them thick. Serve them with a mug of something warm from our hot chocolate desserts list. Who on your list would love a box of these?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Stir cake mix, eggs and oil into a thick dough and chill 30 minutes. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Roll into 1-inch balls, then roll in granulated sugar and then powdered sugar. 4. Bake 9 to 11 minutes until the tops crinkle. 5. Cool on the pan 5 minutes before moving.

Peppermint Bark Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Chocolate cookies dipped in white chocolate and showered with crushed candy canes taste like peppermint bark in cookie form. They are cool, crunchy and chewy all at once, and they look like you bought them at a candy shop. Tip: crush the candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, then sift out the dust so the topping stays chunky and pretty. These cake mix christmas cookies are a cookie swap showstopper beside a plate of candy cane treats. Will these be the first ones gone at your swap?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, 1 cup white chocolate chips, 4 candy canes crushed

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil and peppermint extract. 3. Scoop tablespoon balls onto lined sheets and bake 9 minutes, then cool completely. 4. Melt the white chocolate in short bursts. 5. Dip half of each cookie, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and let set on parchment.

Chocolate Kiss Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Pressing a chocolate kiss candy into a warm cookie is a holiday tradition in so many homes. Here a chocolate cake mix base makes the cookie extra rich, and a roll in powdered sugar gives it that crackled, snowy look. Tip: unwrap the candies before the cookies come out of the oven, then press them in right away so they stick. Let the cookies cool fully before stacking or the candies will smear. They are a fun twist on classic peanut butter blossoms. Do you prefer milk chocolate or striped candies on top?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 36 chocolate kisses candies unwrapped

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs and oil. 3. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar. 4. Bake 8 to 9 minutes. 5. Press a candy into the center of each warm cookie and cool completely.

German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cookies

German chocolate cake is a family reunion favorite, and these cookies bring that gooey coconut pecan topping to the cookie tray. A soft chocolate cookie gets a spoonful of caramel coconut frosting right on top, so every bite tastes like the corner piece of the cake. Tip: toast the pecans for 5 minutes first to deepen the nutty flavor. Store them in a single layer so the topping does not stick. If coconut is your weakness, our coconut cake recipes are waiting too. Is German chocolate a favorite in your family?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup coconut pecan frosting, 1/4 cup toasted pecans chopped

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs and oil. 3. Scoop tablespoon mounds and bake 9 to 10 minutes. 4. Cool completely. 5. Top each with a spoonful of coconut pecan frosting and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Gingerbread Spice Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Spice cake mix plus a spoonful of molasses and ginger tastes like grandma’s gingerbread with half the work. The cookies bake up chewy in the middle with crackled, sparkly tops that catch the light on a platter. Tip: roll each ball in coarse sugar before baking for a finish that looks like frost on a window. The dough also freezes well, so you can bake a fresh dozen whenever company calls. For more time savers, browse our Christmas baking hacks. Does gingerbread remind you of a certain kitchen?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 cup coarse sugar

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil, molasses and ginger. 3. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in coarse sugar. 4. Bake 9 to 11 minutes until the edges set and the tops crack. 5. Cool on the pan 5 minutes.

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are a church bake sale classic, and a box of white cake mix makes them faster than ever. Each soft, golden cookie holds a little pool of ruby jam that shines like a Christmas ornament. Tip: press the thumbprint again halfway through baking if the centers puff up, then fill with jam so it stays glossy. Seedless jam gives the neatest look. Want more filling ideas? Try our jam-filled thumbprint cookies next. What jam would you choose?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup butter melted, 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam, powdered sugar glaze (optional)

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, egg and butter into a soft dough. 3. Roll into 1-inch balls and press a deep thumbprint in each. 4. Bake 6 minutes, press again, fill with jam and bake 4 to 5 minutes more. 5. Cool and drizzle with glaze if you like.

Iced Christmas Tree Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Yes, you can roll and cut a cake mix dough. Add a little flour, chill it well, and it holds crisp tree shapes that are ready for green icing and tiny sprinkle ornaments. Tip: bake the cutouts on parchment and let them cool fully before icing, or the icing will slide right off. Set out bowls of icing and let the kids decorate their own forest. These cake mix christmas cookies sit happily beside our classic Christmas sugar cookies in any gift box. Whose tree will win?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup butter melted, green and white icing, sprinkles

How to make it: 1. Stir cake mix, flour, egg and butter into a firm dough and chill 1 hour. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Roll to 1/4 inch on a floured surface and cut tree shapes. 4. Bake 7 to 9 minutes and cool completely. 5. Decorate with icing and sprinkles and let set.

Frosted Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Bright and sunny, these lemon cookies are a refreshing break in a tin full of chocolate and spice. A soft lemon cake mix cookie gets a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of fresh zest. Tip: add lemon zest to the dough and to the frosting, which makes the flavor taste homemade instead of boxed. Keep frosted cookies in the fridge and set them out 15 minutes before serving. They are lovely for a holiday brunch beside our bright lemon desserts. Do you save lemon treats for spring or enjoy them all year?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest, 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil and half the zest, then scoop onto lined sheets. 3. Bake 9 to 11 minutes and cool completely. 4. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and the rest of the zest until fluffy. 5. Spread on the cookies and top with a little extra zest.

Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Every cookie tin needs a chocolate chip cookie, and a box of yellow cake mix bakes one that is thick, soft and bakery sized. The cake mix keeps the centers tender for days, which is perfect when you bake ahead for parties. Tip: scoop big 3-tablespoon mounds and press a few extra chips on top before baking so they look picture perfect. Cake mix christmas cookies like these freeze beautifully, too. For more spins on the classic, see our chocolate chip cookies made many ways. Big and soft or small and crisp?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup butter melted, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, flaky salt (optional)

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs, butter and vanilla. 3. Fold in the chips. 4. Scoop large mounds 3 inches apart and press extra chips on top. 5. Bake 11 to 13 minutes until golden at the edges and cool on the pan.

Chocolate Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Two crisp golden cookies hugging a layer of chocolate cream feel like a bakery treat at a fraction of the price. Kids love them, and grown-ups secretly love them more. Tip: bake the cookies a minute longer than usual so they stay crisp under the filling, and chill the sandwiches 20 minutes so the cream firms up. Pack these cake mix christmas cookies in a tin with parchment between the layers. Fans of filled treats will also enjoy our cookies and cream desserts. Which cake flavor would you pick for the cookies?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or butter cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup butter softened, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 2 tbsp milk

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs and oil and scoop small flat mounds. 3. Bake 10 to 11 minutes and cool. 4. Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and milk until fluffy. 5. Spread on half the cookies, top with the rest and chill 20 minutes.

Red and Green Sprinkle Cookies

These are the cookies kids reach for first. White cake mix bakes into a soft, vanilla cookie with crackly edges, and a handful of red and green sprinkles turns it into a party. Tip: fold the sprinkles in gently at the very end and press a few more on top of each mound, so the colors stay bright and do not bleed. They are perfect for a classroom party or a decorating afternoon. Find more ideas in our Christmas treats for kids. Would you add more sprinkles or keep it simple?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/3 cup red and green sprinkles

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla. 3. Gently fold in most of the sprinkles. 4. Scoop onto lined sheets and press the rest on top. 5. Bake 9 to 11 minutes until set and cool on the pan 5 minutes.

Spiced Oatmeal Fruit Cookies

These taste like grandma’s oatmeal cookies, but they come together in one bowl in minutes. Spice cake mix brings the cinnamon and nutmeg, and old-fashioned oats add that hearty chew. Tip: soak raisins or dried cherries in hot water for 10 minutes and pat them dry, which keeps them plump. Swap in dried cranberries for a festive red touch. These cake mix christmas cookies are sturdy enough to mail to faraway family. If you love chunky oat cookies, try our chunky monster cookies too. Raisins or cranberries at your house?

You will need: 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3/4 cup raisins, dried cherries or dried cranberries

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Stir cake mix, oats, eggs and oil. 3. Fold in the dried fruit. 4. Scoop tablespoon mounds onto lined sheets. 5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges and cool on a rack.