If you’ve never had the joy of biting into soft-baked, festively studded cookies during the holidays, you’re in for a treat with these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies. They turn out perfectly chewy and colorful every time, packed with creamy chocolate chips, crunchy holiday M&M’s, and a sprinkle of magic in every bite. Whether you’re saving them for Santa, serving at a Christmas party, or just making a tray for the family, this is the kind of foolproof recipe that delivers big flavor without fuss—or a mountain of dirty bowls!

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these cookies is refreshingly short, but don’t underestimate how thoughtfully each one adds to the overall experience. Every element here, from the cake mix to the festive candy, plays a role in making your batch of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies not just delicious, but joyfully merry and bright!

Boxed Vanilla or White Cake Mix (15.25 oz): The ultimate shortcut for irresistibly soft and fluffy cookies—no measuring out flour required!
Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Gives the cookies moisture and that signature tender crumb you want in every bite.
Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and add a bit of richness to the dough.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): For rich chocolatey bursts that balance the sweetness of the dough and candies.
White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Their creamy sweetness pops against the vanilla base, and adds visual contrast too.
Red and Green M&M’s or Candy-Coated Chocolates (1/2 cup): These festive candies bring in holiday cheer and a delightful crunch.
Holiday Sprinkles (1/4 cup, optional): The easiest way to make your cookies extra-cute and Santa-ready—totally optional, totally magical.

How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies don’t stick and brown perfectly around the edges, with easy cleanup afterward. Trust me, the parchment is worth it to keep those cookies lifting off with a flawless bottom!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a big mixing bowl, combine the box of cake mix, your vegetable oil, and both eggs. Stir together until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough—this comes together quickly, and you’ll be amazed at how good it smells already. No need to pull out the mixer; a sturdy spatula or big spoon does the trick here.

Step 3: Fold in the Goodies

Now comes the magic: gently fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, and holiday sprinkles if you’re using them. You want every scoop of dough to have a bit of everything, so fold carefully until all those bits are evenly distributed—this is where your cookies get their festive sparkle.

Step 4: Scoop and Arrange

Using a tablespoon or a medium cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about two inches apart—they do spread just a little! This step is where you’ll see all the colorful candies peeking out, each cookie ready to become its own little holiday masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are a touch golden and the centers look set but still soft. Don’t overbake—Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are at their best when they’re tender and chewy! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Waiting is the hardest part.

How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra holiday sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies can make your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies look like they’re straight out of Santa’s workshop. For a frosty touch, a dusting of powdered sugar before serving is both pretty and delicious.

Side Dishes

Of course, a cold glass of milk is the classic side (Santa’s favorite!). But for a grown-up twist, try these cookies alongside a mug of hot cocoa or even a peppermint mocha. If you’re hosting a party, arrange your Santa cookies with other holiday treats like gingerbread or peppermint bark for a colorful dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon for a cheery edible gift. Or, go all out and arrange them around a bowl of mini marshmallows for dunking. They also look adorable on a Christmas Eve “Santa’s Cookie Plate.” There’s no wrong way to showcase these cheerful holiday treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies wonderfully soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll happily stay fresh for up to five days—though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After they’ve completely cooled, stack them between layers of wax or parchment paper and store in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Perfect for making ahead for holiday events or gifting.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, just pop one or two in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. This brings back that just-baked gooeyness and makes the chocolate all melty again. It’s an instant way to enjoy that fresh-baked taste on day two (or three!).

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?

Absolutely! The beauty of Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies is their versatility. Feel free to swap in chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti cake mix for a new twist each batch—the results are always festive and delicious.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling necessary for this recipe! The dough is ready to scoop and bake as soon as it’s mixed, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous holiday baking or last-minute guests.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it’s too firm straight from the refrigerator.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They’re not gluten-free as written, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free cake mix to make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cookies?

Certainly! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even some dried cranberries can add delightful texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips and candies.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making a batch of these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies enough—they’re festive, foolproof, and always a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking for a crowd-pleaser to share, this recipe guarantees holiday smiles. Give them a try and make your season a little sweeter!

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are a festive and easy treat to make during the holiday season. Using a simple cake mix base, these cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles for a colorful and delicious addition to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix Cookies:

1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

Add-Ins:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup red and green M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs until a thick dough forms.
Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles if using.
Bake the cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until golden.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.