Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat this holiday season, you’ll love this Cake Mix Christmas Cookies recipe. It’s super easy to whip up, which means more time to enjoy the festivities!
The blend of flavors—from the cake mix to the tart cranberries—creates a delightful bite that everyone will adore. Plus, you can customize them based on your favorite cake mix flavor!
These cookies are soft, chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any craving. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a holiday staple in your home. You won’t be able to resist making batch after batch!
Ingredients of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
When it comes to baking during the holidays, sometimes you just want something that’s not going to take all day in the kitchen. Enter the Cranberry Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies! This recipe is so simple and requires just a handful of ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so good.
Plus, who doesn’t love cookies? They’re a perfect treat for holiday gatherings, or just for snacking while you binge-watch your favorite holiday movie. And let’s be honest, we all need a little sweetness in our lives, especially this time of year.
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 1 (18 ounce) package of cake mix (choose your favorite flavor, like chocolate or cherry)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins if you prefer)
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients for a minute. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can definitely switch up the cake mix to match your mood or what you have on hand. Maybe you’re feeling lemony or want to go with a classic chocolate? No problem.
And if you’re not a fan of cranberries, raisins work just as well. But honestly, the tartness of the cranberries adds the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Just imagine biting into one of these soft cookies and finding those little bursts of tart flavor. Yum!
Don’t forget about the optional powdered sugar rolling – it makes them look all fancy and holiday-ready. Just a heads up, if your dough feels a bit sticky, don’t panic. A little chill time in the fridge will help make it easier to roll into balls.
Trust me, you’ll want to give this a try. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
How to Make Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Making Cranberry Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier since we’re not actually making pie! Let’s plunge into the delightful world of cookie-making.
First things first, grab that 1 (18 ounce) package of your favorite cake mix. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of cake batter? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you opt for chocolate, cherry, or spice, your choice will set the tone for these cookies.
Next, you’ll need to add in 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of shortening, and a tablespoon of water. Just mix everything together until it forms a dough. It might look a little messy at first, but trust me, that’s just the magic beginning to happen.
Now, here’s a little tip: if your dough feels like it just doesn’t want to cooperate and is sticking to everything, don’t fret! Just pop it in the fridge for a bit to chill out. About 30 minutes should do the trick.
Once chilled, scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. If you want to sprinkle on some powdered sugar for that festive touch, now’s the time to do it. You can roll them right in the sugar or just dust them lightly on top.
Place those dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them spaced out because they’ll spread a little while baking.
Now, it’s time for the magic of baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F, and let those cookies bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering, so be prepared to have your friends and family hovering around for a taste.
Once they’re golden, pull them out and let them cool for a minute. That’s the hardest part—waiting! But once you’ve managed to contain your excitement, grab one and take a bite. The soft cookie with those tart bursts of cranberry is everything you need this holiday season. Enjoy!
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Substitutions & Variations
Experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your Cake Mix Christmas Cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different flavors of cake mix, like lemon or spice, to surprise your taste buds. Instead of shortening, you can substitute with butter for a richer flavor. Toss in white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
Want a festive twist? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg! You can even swap cranberries for dried cherries or apricots.
These simple changes will make your cookies uniquely yours while keeping the holiday spirit alive!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking your cranberry chocolate cake mix cookies, I’ve found that a few simple tips can make a big difference in the outcome.
First, don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain the shape while baking. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. For a festive touch, roll the balls in powdered sugar before baking.
Keep an eye on them in the oven, as every oven varies; they should be slightly soft in the center when done.
Finally, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!
