Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, colorful treat that screams holiday cheer, you’re going to love these Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with red and green M&Ms, making every bite feel like a celebration. Honestly, these cookies have been my go-to for last-minute parties and unexpected guests—I promise they’ll become your favorite festive hack, too!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This simple list of ingredients works beautifully together to create soft, chewy cookies with minimal fuss. I recommend grabbing a good quality white cake mix and your favorite brand of red and green M&Ms to guarantee that festive pop.

• White cake mix: The base of these cookies, providing sweetness and a tender crumb without the hassle of mixing dry ingredients yourself.
• Large eggs: They bind everything together, creating that perfect chewy texture.
• Clear soda (like lemon-lime or ginger ale): Adds moisture and a subtle lift without overpowering the cake flavor.
• Red and green M&Ms: The star of the show for that holiday vibe and delightful crunch.
• White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness and contrast to the candy pieces.
• Optional sprinkles and food coloring: Amp up the festive factor if you’re feeling extra celebratory!

Make It Your Way

One of the joys I find with this Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I like switching up the mix-ins or adding a splash of flavor extract to keep things interesting for my family and friends.

• Variation: I once swapped the white chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, and it was a crowd-pleaser—sweet meets salty in the best way.
• Dietary options: You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Seasonal twists: Try swapping M&Ms for pastel colors around Easter or multi-colored for birthdays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking. I usually space them out evenly on my counter to stay organized.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and your clear soda of choice. If you want to add a splash of holiday spirit, this is the time to mix in red or green food coloring. Stir everything together until it’s evenly blended—no big lumps here! The soda gives the batter a nice lift, so don’t skip it.

Step 3: Fold in the Colorful Goodies

Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms along with the white chocolate chips. I love doing this by hand so I don’t crush the candies and keep the colors vibrant throughout the dough.

Step 4: Scoop and Decorate

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop (or a spoon if you don’t have one handy), scoop the batter onto your lined sheet pans. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top right before baking—they add a little sparkle and make these cookies party-ready.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to look for the centers to set and edges to turn a delicate golden brown. They might feel slightly soft to the touch, and that’s perfect—these cookies stay soft and chewy as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them release easily and finish setting. Then, transfer them to a wire rack or a pretty plate and get ready for all the compliments!

How to Serve Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of festive jimmies or sanding sugar on top before baking for that extra sparkle. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a little white chocolate over cooled cookies when I want to elevate the look for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or a festive eggnog latte. For brunch or dessert tables, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a simple whipped cream dip to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these cookies in a holiday-themed tin or stack them on a tiered cake stand alongside peppermint candies. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon makes a sweet gift that friends and coworkers will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container on the countertop, and they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. I prefer stacking layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, pop them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. They freeze well for 2 to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature—perfect for having a stash of festive treats anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, I like reheating my cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or placing them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. It revives that soft, just-baked texture wonderfully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Cake Mix Cookies with M&Ms Recipe has hands down saved many of my holiday gatherings with its ease and vibrant charm. It’s one of those recipes where you don’t have to sacrifice taste for speed, and the kids absolutely adore helping make them. I’m confident that when you try this, it’ll become a staple in your festive baking rotation too. So go ahead—bake a batch, share a few, and revel in the simple joy that holiday cookies bring!

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