Introduction
Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies!
A festive and easy-to-make holiday treat, these cookies combine the convenience of cake mix with the irresistible taste of chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they are sure to bring joy to any gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
vanilla cake mix
1 box (432g)
vegetable oil
120ml
large eggs
2
chocolate chips
150g
red and green M&M’s
50g
vanilla extract
1 tsp (5ml)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Portion the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve and enjoy your festive cookies!
Notes
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Storage
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations
Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts or other candies if desired.
Customization
For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on each cookie before baking.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration
For longer shelf-life, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag separated by parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
As a Snack
Enjoy these cookies as a delightful snack any time of the day or serve them alongside a glass of milk for a classic treat.
Cookies and Cream Dessert
Crush the cookies and layer them with whipped cream and chocolate sauce in a dessert glass for a fun treat.
Party Platter
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats like brownies and fudge for a stunning dessert table.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (Approximate)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Note that nutritional values may vary based on specific brands used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cake Mix
You can substitute the vanilla cake mix with yellow or chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil
Coconut oil or melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil for added richness.
Eggs
For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
Chocolate Chips
Consider using white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or any nutty varieties to customize your cookies.
M&M’s
If you want a healthier option, use chopped nuts or dried fruits instead of M&M’s.
Cook techniques
Mixing
When combining the cake mix with the wet ingredients, use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
Folding
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s to prevent breaking them. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the chocolate pieces.
Portioning
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet. Keeping the portions uniform ensures even baking and consistent cookie size.
Baking
Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set properly without breaking.
FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer; just keep in mind that the flavor of the cookies will change accordingly.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra chocolate chips or other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to customize your cookies.
What if I don’t have M&M’s?
If you don’t have M&M’s, you can substitute them with any other candy or simply add more chocolate chips.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, you can use substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or flax eggs if you’re looking for an egg-free option.
Conclusion
These Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies are a delightful and simple way to bring some festive cheer to your holiday season. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, they are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Their sweet, chocolatey flavor combined with the colorful M&M’s makes them a treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to spread holiday joy!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Use a box of funfetti cake mix instead of vanilla, and add sprinkles for a colorful twist that’s perfect for celebrations.
Chocolate Mint Cookies
Add crushed mint candies or peppermint extract to the base recipe for a refreshing minty flavor, especially delightful during the winter months.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Substitute half of the vegetable oil with creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Swap the vanilla cake mix for red velvet for a festive look. Add white chocolate chips to enhance the flavor.
Coconut Macaroon Cookies
Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Raisin Cake Mix Cookies
Mix in quick oats and raisins for a chewy and hearty cookie that’s a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip.