Name: Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 17 oz Yellow Cake Mix ((Gluten-Free or Regular)); 1 box Vanilla Pudding Mix; 1/2 cup Butter (softened); 2 Eggs; Festive Sprinkles

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These easy, festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies come together with only 5 ingredients. Their jolly sprinkles and chewy texture will brighten any holiday. And they’re so simple, you can whip them up in 30 minutes! They make the perfect treat during the busy holiday season.

Stack of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies covered in red and green sprinkles on a gray plate and surrounded by more red and green sprinkles. The top cookie is split in half to show the chewy texture.

I love Christmas cookies, and if I can make them in a snap, I like them even better. The holiday season can get crazy, but I don’t need to tell you that, do I? These cookies whip up so quickly, I can prepare them right before any of my holiday get-togethers and still bring a delicious treat to share.

Why are cake mix cookies so great?

There’s always a time for more complicated Christmas cookies like these divine Frosted Ginger Cookies, but there’s something so grand about a cookie where I don’t have to pull the flour and sugar and baking soda out of the cupboard. The cake mix replaces those ingredients for you!

The great thing about this recipe is you can use any cake mix you like. This recipe works with any brand, whether regular or gluten-free. Much like The BEST Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies.

Plate of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, one cookie with red sprinkles, one with green sprinkles, and another with both red and green sprinkles.

Need another easy Christmas treat? Give these Christmas Wreath Cookies a try. Or even these Christmas Bar Cookies.

What ingredients go in these easy Christmas cookies?

You only need 5 simple ingredients for this tasty Christmas treat!

Cake mix - Any yellow cake mix will work for this recipe. Even gluten-free!
Vanilla pudding - Use your favorite brand of pudding for this recipe. I like vanilla best.
Butter - Mmm, what’s a cookie without a little butter?
Eggs - And of course, the eggs bring all the ingredients together.
Sprinkles - I like to use red and green sprinkles to make these cookies as festive as possible.

Image of ingredients that go into Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, including a bowl of cake mix, eggs, tiny bowls of sprinkles, butter, and a bowl of pudding mix, all on top of a gray countertop.

How do I make these tasty morsels?

I’ve already told you just how easily these cake mix Christmas cookies come together, and now I’m about to prove it. That’s right, you can make them in only 30 minutes!

Preheat the oven to 375°.

Combine the dry cake mix, pudding mix, butter, and eggs in a stand mixer and mix well.

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Scoop dough with a mini cookie (ice cream) scoop and roll into 1” balls.

Side by side images of all ingredients for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies on the left with instructions, and the right image shows all ingredients combined into cookie dough.

Pour sprinkles into a separate bowl, and roll cookie dough balls in them until covered.

Place balls on a silicone-mat-lined baking sheet and bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until lightly brown on the bottom and still soft to the touch on top (I like them just undercooked).

Remove cookies from the oven and let cookies rest for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How do I store these cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Just be sure to allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them.

Cookie sheet scattered with Cake Mix Christmas Cookies covered in red and green sprinkles.

These cookies also freeze very well. I love to pull just one or two out of the freezer and have myself a merry little treat. They take only about 15 minutes to thaw on the counter.

Recipe variations

Because these cookies are made with cake mix and pudding mix, the variations are nearly endless. They work for any holiday!

Dairy free - These cookies can absolutely be made dairy free. Just be sure to use dairy-free butter and cake mix and you’re good to go!
Gluten-free - Just be sure to use a gluten-free cake mix and these cookies will turn out every bit as good. Double check those sprinkles too for any sneaky ingredients that may contain gluten.
Chocolate - Use a chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding and you have yourself a chocolate cookie. Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar for a chocolate crinkle cookie.

Plate of Cake Mix Christmas Cookies with red and green sprinkles with one broken to show the chewy, tender texture inside.

These cookies are so tasty and easy, which makes them so great for sharing and for making with kiddos who love to bake. I hope you love these joyful little snacks as much as my family and I do!

Need more cheerful recipes?

Combine all your favorites into Holiday Cookie Boxes
You absolutely have to try these 35-Minute Christmas Tree Snack Cakes (Little Debbie Copycat Homemade)
I love these adorable Sugar and Spice Mini Gingerbread House Mug Toppers
And if you need a little peppermint treat, try these 30-Minute York Peppermint Patties Copycat Recipe (Dairy-Free Option)
For something easy, I always go for these no bake Christmas cookies or these Christmas cut out cookies.