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.