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I came across this speedy trick for holiday cookies in my own kitchen ages ago and it's been keeping me sane through every Christmas. Only five things to toss together and they’re ready before you know it. My grandkids always want in on the action and this is now our go-to holiday fun. Honestly, they're a lifesaver for random guests or quick cookie swaps that pop up last minute.
Foolproof Cookie Magic
What I love most about making these? All the smiles and zero stress. You wouldn’t guess something so easy turns out this cute. Decked out in red and green candies, these look like they came from a bakery. Nothing beats seeing everyone’s face light up when they come out warm from the oven.
Grab These for the Pantry
- M&M's Candies: Festive red and green are fun, but chocolate chips can do in a pinch.
- Eggs: You need these to hold it all together.
- Vanilla Extract: A little bit goes a long way for taste.
- Vegetable Oil: Makes the cookies come out moist every time.
- Cake Mix: Devil's Food or chocolate, it’s up to you.
Cheery Cookie Time
- Bake and Cool:
- Pop them in the oven for 9–11 minutes. Let them hang out on the sheet for a couple minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
- Shape Cookies:
- Form 1-inch balls from the dough and set them on an ungreased baking tray.
- Fold in Candies:
- Stir in your M&Ms gently so you don’t bash them up.
- Mix Dough:
- Dump eggs, oil, vanilla, and cake mix into a bowl. Stir until you can't see dry patches and your dough is good and thick.
- Preheat Oven:
- First thing, turn your oven on to 350℉ so it’s ready when you are.
Sweet Tips for Storing
If you tuck these cookies away in an airtight box they'll be great for around four days out on your counter. My grandma's old trick is tossing in a slice of bread to keep ‘em chewy. Stash them in the fridge and you’ve got a week. I even freeze extras—dough or already baked—because they’ll be just as tasty up to three months later.
Tricks for Awesome Cookies
Don’t mix up the cake—use the powder as is, straight from the box. Make sure your cookie balls are all close in size so they bake evenly. Get creative with bits of peppermint chocolate chips crushed candy canes pecans or even toffee—every year we try something new and it’s never boring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why not use the instructions on the cake mix box?
We're not baking a cake! Adjusting the eggs and oil is what gives cookies the right texture.
- → Does it matter what kind of cake mix I use?
Any chocolate mix works, but using devil's food makes them more chocolatey. Stick to the same box size though.
- → Why doesn't this need extra flour?
Flour is already inside the cake mix. Adding eggs and oil turns it into just-right cookie dough.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Wrap it up and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it sit out a bit before scooping, since cold dough's tough to shape.
- → Why cool the cookies on the tray first?
They start out soft straight out of the oven. Leaving them on the pan helps them firm up so they don't fall apart.