Cake Batter Christmas Cookies

Right, listen up, mums and dads! It’s nearly Christmas, which in my house, translates to an avalanche of sugar, glitter, and the faint scent of slightly singed cookies. For years, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect Christmas cookie recipe – one that’s festive, delicious, and, crucially, simple enough to whip up with two very enthusiastic (and often messy) children. And after countless batches and a good few “Mum, these are a bit…weird,” from my little darlings, I think I’ve finally cracked it. These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are ridiculously easy, thanks to the magic of cake mix, and they taste absolutely divine. Get ready to ditch the stress and embrace the joy of baking, because this recipe is about to become your new Christmas favourite. Trust me, the kids will adore them (and so will you!).

Why This Recipe Works

Honestly, I’ve been doing this for over eight years now, and I know what works and what doesn’t when you’re juggling school runs, work, and everything else life throws at you. That’s why these Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are such a winner. They are:

• Super Speedy: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver during the Christmas rush.
• Kid-Friendly: My two absolutely love helping make (and eating!) these cookies. They’re perfect for getting little hands involved.
• Practically Foolproof: With cake mix as the base, it’s hard to go wrong. Even if you’re not a confident baker, you can nail this recipe.
• Customisable: Add your favourite sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a dash of festive flavouring to make them your own.

Ingredients

• 1 box (430-450g) vanilla cake mix
• 120ml vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely festive touch)
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (or more, if you’re feeling extra!)
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Right, let’s have a quick chat about the ingredients. The cake mix is the star of the show, obviously, so go for a good quality one. I tend to use a standard supermarket brand, and it works perfectly well. The almond extract is optional, but it really does add a lovely warmth and festive feel to the cookies. You can find it in most larger supermarkets in the baking aisle. As for the sprinkles, well, the more the merrier, I say! Any festive sprinkles will do, but I’m particularly fond of the ones with little stars and snowflakes. If you’re on a budget, you can easily find own-brand cake mixes and sprinkles which will work just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (155°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Line a baking tray with baking parchment. This will stop the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are absolutely fine.

Step 3: Stir in the Christmas sprinkles. I usually let the kids help with this step – they absolutely love it! Make sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each cookie. They will spread slightly as they bake.

Step 5: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn quickly. The cookies should be soft in the centre.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar, if desired. Icing sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this recipe even easier (and tastier!). Here are my top tips for perfect Cake Batter Christmas Cookies:

• Don’t overbake: This is the biggest secret to soft, chewy cookies. They should still be slightly soft in the centre when you take them out of the oven.
• Use room temperature eggs: This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Add a pinch of salt: Just a tiny pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the cookies and balance the flavours.
• Get creative with decorations: Use different coloured sprinkles, icing, or even edible glitter to make your cookies extra festive.
• Make them smaller for little hands: My kids often prefer smaller cookies, so I sometimes roll the dough into smaller balls.
• Experiment with flavour extracts: Peppermint extract would be delicious in these cookies for an extra Christmasy touch.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store really well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours. These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time for Christmas parties or gift-giving. You can even prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve them.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free. I’ve tried this with a few different brands, and they all worked well.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cake mix and vegetable oil to make these cookies dairy-free.
• Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for chocolatey Christmas cookies.
• Different Sprinkles: Experiment with different types of sprinkles to match the theme of your Christmas celebrations.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking, and you’ll save yourself precious morning time.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centres are still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Be careful not to overbake them, or they will be dry.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can! I’ve used chocolate, lemon, and even red velvet cake mixes with great results. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as some cake mixes may bake faster than others.

How should I store the leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Do children typically enjoy these cookies?

Oh, absolutely! My two are completely obsessed. They love the sprinkles and the soft, chewy texture. Plus, they’re easy for little hands to hold and eat. I often get requests for these for school bake sales and playdates.

Can I double or triple the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a large enough bowl to accommodate all the ingredients. You may need to bake the cookies in batches, depending on the size of your oven.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to roll, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches a workable consistency. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of tea (naturally!). They also pair beautifully with:

• A glass of cold milk
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of melted chocolate
• A festive Christmas platter with other homemade treats

For presentation, simply arrange the cookies on a pretty plate or in a festive tin. You can also tie them up with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

So there you have it, my dears! Cake Batter Christmas Cookies, ready to bring a bit of festive cheer to your family this holiday season. They’re so simple to make, even on those chaotic December days when you’re juggling a million things. I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy them as much as my family does. Do give them a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments below – I always love hearing from you! And don’t forget to pop over to FamiliesRecipes.com for more simple, delicious, and family-friendly recipes that are tried and tested in my very own kitchen. Happy baking!

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