Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s are a fun and delicious holiday treat that’s incredibly easy to make. These soft, chewy cookies are prepared with a simple cake mix, colorful red and green M&M’s, and a few basic ingredients. They have a lovely sweet flavor, a tender texture, and a festive appearance that makes them perfect for the Christmas season.
PrintChristmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s – Easy Holiday Treat
Make these easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s! Soft, chewy, and filled with festive red and green candies, they’re perfect for holiday baking.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1box (15.25 ounces) white or vanilla cake mix
- 2large eggs
- ⅓ cupvegetable oil
- 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
- ½ teaspoonalmond extract (optional)
For the Christmas Mix-Ins
- ¾ cupred and green M&M’s
- ½ cupwhite chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoonsholiday sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Mix until a thick, soft dough forms.
Add the Christmas Decorations
- Gently fold in the red and green M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
- Add the holiday sprinkles and mix just until evenly distributed.
- Reserve a few M&M’s and chocolate chips to decorate the cookies before baking.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes.
- Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop the dough into balls using approximately 1½ tablespoons per cookie.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Press a few reserved M&M’s and white chocolate chips onto the tops for a festive appearance.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
Cool and Serve
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Add a few extra holiday sprinkles while they are still slightly warm if desired.
- Serve on a Christmas cookie platter or package them in festive treat bags for holiday gifting.
If you love homemade Christmas cookies but don’t want to spend hours measuring ingredients and preparing dough, this recipe is just what you need. Using boxed cake mix as the base makes preparation quick and simple, while the M&M’s add colorful chocolate pieces to every bite.
Whether you’re baking with family, preparing treats for a Christmas party, or filling your holiday cookie boxes, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a little extra sweetness to the season.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s
- Super easy to make:Cake mix takes care of most of the dry ingredients, so you only need a few additional ingredients.
- Soft and chewy texture:The cookies have tender centers with lightly set edges and delicious chocolate candies throughout.
- Perfectly festive:Red and green M&M’s give these cookies a cheerful Christmas look.
- Quick preparation:You can mix the dough in just a few minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy holiday baking days.
- Family-friendly:Kids and adults will love helping mix the dough, adding the candies, and decorating the cookies.
- Great for sharing:These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, school treats, and homemade Christmas gifts.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The best thing about these Christmas Cake Mix Cookies is their simplicity. Instead of preparing cookie dough from scratch, you use a box of cake mix to create a soft, flavorful base.
Vanilla or white cake mix gives the cookies a classic sweet flavor, while the eggs and oil help create a tender, chewy texture. Red and green M&M’s add festive colors and little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
You can also reserve some M&M’s to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This simple trick makes them look extra colorful and bakery-style without requiring frosting or complicated decorations.
The result is a batch of cheerful Christmas cookies that tastes homemade but takes very little effort.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Choose the right cake mix:White, vanilla, or yellow cake mix works beautifully for this recipe.
- Don’t overmix the dough:Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill sticky dough:If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 20–30 minutes before shaping.
- Use holiday M&M’s:Red and green candies create the classic Christmas appearance.
- Save some candies for the tops:Press a few extra M&M’s into each cookie before baking for a more attractive finish.
- Avoid overbaking:Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool:Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
When to Serve Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s
These festive cookies are perfect for almost any Christmas celebration. Serve them with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of milk during cozy winter evenings.
They’re also wonderful for:
- Christmas cookie exchanges and holiday dessert tables.
- Family baking afternoons with children.
- School parties and festive celebrations.
- Homemade Christmas cookie boxes and edible gifts.
- Holiday movie nights and winter gatherings.
With their bright colors, soft texture, and chocolatey flavor, these Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s are an easy holiday favorite you’ll want to make every year.
Ingredients for Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s
These Christmas Cake Mix Cookies require only a handful of simple ingredients. A box of cake mix creates the cookie base, while eggs and oil bring everything together into a soft, chewy dough. Festive red and green M&M’s add the perfect holiday touch.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white or vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (150 g) red and green M&M’s
- ¼ cup (45 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
For Decorating
- ¼ cup (50 g) extra red and green M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Cake Mix:White or vanilla cake mix gives these cookies a classic sweet flavor and a light color that makes the Christmas candies stand out. Yellow cake mix also works well.
Eggs:Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their soft, chewy texture. Room-temperature eggs mix more easily into the dough.
Vegetable Oil:Oil keeps the cookies moist and tender. You can use melted and cooled butter instead for a slightly richer flavor, although the texture may be different.
Vanilla Extract:A little vanilla adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the cake mix.
M&M’s:Red and green M&M’s make these cookies look festive. You can use regular milk chocolate M&M’s or holiday-themed varieties.
White Chocolate Chips:These are optional but add extra sweetness and creamy chocolate flavor.
Christmas Sprinkles:Add festive sprinkles for extra color and a cheerful holiday appearance.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Before You Begin
- Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Allow the eggs to reach room temperature.
- Measure the M&M’s and reserve some for decorating the tops.
- Make sure the melted butter is completely cooled if you’re using it instead of oil.
- Keep enough space between the cookie dough portions because the cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
Helpful note:Cake mix brands can vary slightly in weight and texture. If your dough feels unusually sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes before scooping.

How to Make Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s
These Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly simple to prepare. The dough comes together in one bowl, and after a short baking time, you’ll have soft, chewy cookies filled with colorful holiday candies.
Preparation and Baking Time
- Prep Time:10 minutes
- Chilling Time:20 minutes (optional)
- Cook Time:10–12 minutes
- Total Time:40–42 minutes
- Servings:20–24 cookies
- Baking Temperature:350°F (175°C)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Set the baking sheets aside while you prepare the dough.
Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white or vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Stir with a rubber spatula or electric mixer on low speed until a thick, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Add the M&M’s
Fold the red and green M&M’s into the dough until evenly distributed. If you’re using white chocolate chips, add them at this stage as well.
Reserve a small handful of M&M’s to decorate the cookies before baking.
Chill the Dough
If the dough feels too sticky or soft to handle, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 20 minutes.
Chilling helps make the dough easier to scoop and can help the cookies maintain a thicker shape while baking.
Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into small balls, approximately 1½ tablespoons each.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Gently press a few reserved M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie for a colorful, festive appearance.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
Be careful not to overbake them. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for about 5 minutes.
Transfer them carefully to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, serve your Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or your favorite holiday drink.
Helpful Baking Tips
- Don’t skip chilling if necessary:Sticky dough is easier to handle after a short rest in the refrigerator.
- Use parchment paper:It helps prevent sticking and encourages more even baking.
- Keep the cookies similar in size:This helps them bake evenly.
- Don’t overbake:Slightly soft centers are the secret to tender, chewy cookies.
- Decorate before baking:Adding extra M&M’s to the tops makes the finished cookies look more colorful.
- Let them cool properly:Warm cookies are delicate, so give them a few minutes to set before moving them.
Baking tip:Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies around the 10-minute mark. Remove them as soon as the edges are set to keep the centers soft and chewy.
Serving, Storage, Variations, and FAQs
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s are a festive treat that’s easy to share and even easier to enjoy. Their soft, chewy centers and colorful chocolate candies make them a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert table.
What to Serve with Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
These cookies taste delicious on their own, but you can make your holiday dessert spread even more special with a few simple pairings.
- Hot chocolate:Serve the cookies with a warm mug of creamy hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
- Cold milk:A classic pairing that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Coffee or tea:Their sweet flavor goes perfectly with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea.
- Vanilla ice cream:Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a fun holiday dessert.
- Christmas dessert platter:Arrange them with brownies, sugar cookies, peppermint treats, and other festive sweets.
How to Store Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
At Room Temperature:Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture.
Refrigerator:These cookies don’t need refrigeration, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week if preferred. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing Baked Cookies:Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough:Scoop the dough into individual portions and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Christmas Cookies:Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a rich chocolate version.
- White Chocolate M&M Cookies:Add extra white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
- Peppermint Christmas Cookies:Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix Cookies:Add red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles to the dough.
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies:Use peanut butter M&M’s for a delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies:Replace some of the M&M’s with semisweet chocolate chips.
- Double Chocolate Cookies:Use chocolate cake mix with both chocolate chips and M&M’s for an extra chocolatey treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any flavor of cake mix?
Yes! White, vanilla, yellow, and chocolate cake mixes all work well. Each flavor gives the cookies a slightly different taste.
Why is my cake mix cookie dough sticky?
Cake mix cookie dough is naturally thicker and stickier than traditional cookie dough. If it’s difficult to handle, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional, but it helps make the dough easier to scoop and can prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking them. Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, scoop the dough and follow the recipe instructions.
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Christmas M&M’s?
Of course! Regular M&M’s work perfectly. You can also combine different colors or use seasonal varieties to match other celebrations.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm, the baking sheet is still hot, or the dough portions are too small. Chilling the dough and using a cool baking sheet can help.
Can I make larger cookies?
Yes! Use a larger cookie scoop and increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the centers and edges to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies with M&M’s are the perfect combination of simplicity, festive colors, and delicious homemade flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can make a batch of soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love.
Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas party, sharing them with friends, or adding them to your holiday cookie boxes, these easy cake mix cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.


