If you’re looking for a festive, delightful treat that combines simplicity with scrumptious flavors, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to whip up in no time, and packed with chewy chocolate chips and a fun holiday flair. Whether you want a quick cookie fix or a charming seasonal dessert to impress friends and family, this recipe is your go-to for irresistible, merry bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the golden cake mix base to the bursts of chocolate chips, these simple essentials come together to make magic in your oven.
- Yellow cake mix (about 15 oz): This forms the soft and tender cookie foundation, giving that delightful cakey crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything and add moisture for the perfect chewy softness.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cookies moist and rich without weighing them down.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely aromatic depth and sweetness to balance the chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient providing those melty, luscious chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Red and green sprinkles (1/4 cup, optional): These festive sprinkles add a pop of holiday color and cheer.
- Mini marshmallows or holiday-themed candy decorations (optional): Perfect to get creative and give your cookies that Santa-ready look.
How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly with a golden edge while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend your yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything comes together smoothly. This mix forms the soft dough that’s easy to scoop and bake, setting the stage for delicious cookies.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and if you like, sprinkle in the red and green sprinkles for that unmistakable holiday vibe. This step makes each cookie festive and packed with chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Scoop and Space
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Giving them space helps each cookie spread and bake evenly without merging into one giant cookie.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to watch for golden edges with soft centers — that’s the hallmark of a wonderfully chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Cool Before Decorating
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them set up properly so they don’t fall apart when you add decorations.
Step 7: Add Festive Toppings
Once cooled, here’s where you get creative—add mini marshmallows or holiday-themed candies on top to turn these treats into Santa-worthy delights. It’s a fun finishing touch that kids and adults alike will adore.
How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look or drizzle some melted white chocolate for extra sweetness. Adding colorful sprinkles or festive candies at the end makes them pop visually and delight all ages.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or spiced apple cider for a comforting and cozy combo. The creaminess and warmth of a drink complements the chewy, chocolatey texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe on a decorative plate, tie together with a festive ribbon, or serve on a holiday-themed platter for gatherings. You could even wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane with a cute tag for holiday gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering them between parchment paper helps prevent sticking and preserves that lovely chewiness.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough. For baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze up to 3 months. For dough, scoop and freeze portions on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for quick baking later.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop a few in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Warming them enhances the gooey chocolate and soft texture just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is recommended for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, you can experiment with vanilla or white cake mix for subtle variations.
Are the sprinkles necessary?
Sprinkles add a fun and colorful holiday touch, but they are totally optional. The cookies taste just as delicious without them, focusing on chocolate chip goodness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How soft do these cookies stay after baking?
These cookies are best enjoyed within a day or two when they are at their softest. Storing them properly helps maintain softness, but they may firm up slightly over time.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or dried cranberries can add extra texture and flavor, making the cookies even more festive and tasty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe enough for your holiday baking lineup. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and bring so much joy just by their cheerful appearance and delicious taste. Bake them up this season and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!
Print
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat. Using a yellow cake mix as the base, combined with classic chocolate chips and optional colorful sprinkles, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for Christmas celebrations. The recipe allows for optional holiday-themed decorations like mini marshmallows or candy to add a cheerful touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Decorations
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows or holiday-themed candy decorations
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 large eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely blended and smooth.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the red and green sprinkles into the batter to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Portion the dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked for chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (optional): Once cooled, add mini marshmallows or holiday-themed candy decorations on top for a festive look before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to space cookies about 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging during baking.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Feel free to customize the decorations to fit your holiday theme.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
