A festive, fun, and super simple holiday cookie that combines the convenience of cake mix with the joy of colorful sprinkles! Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix (Typically 15.25 oz, any white cake mix will work; I recommend Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker for a fluffier result.)
- 2 large eggs (The eggs help bind the dough and provide moisture for a soft texture.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and richness to the flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla if possible for the best taste.)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (Vegetable oil adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft. You can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a slight variation in flavor.)
- 1 cup nonpareil sprinkles (These are the colorful, little ball-shaped sprinkles. You can also use jimmies or any holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to cook the cookies properly.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake evenly, as they won’t touch a hot metal surface directly.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the 1 box of white cake mix, mixing with a spoon or spatula until everything is incorporated into a thick, smooth dough. The dough may seem slightly stiff at first, but it should hold together when pressed.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended):
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a crucial step because it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies bake to a fluffier, thicker texture. The cooler dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies will spread more and be slightly thinner. For the best results, be sure to chill!
4. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has chilled, use a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough.
- Roll each portion of dough into a ball with your hands. The dough should be soft and smooth but still firm enough to handle.
- Roll each dough ball in sprinkles (about 1 cup of nonpareil sprinkles). Gently press the sprinkles into the dough to ensure they stick. The colorful sprinkles are what make these cookies so festive and fun! Tip: If the dough feels too sticky after chilling, or if the sprinkles aren’t sticking well, you can add 1 tablespoon of flour to the dough to help make it less tacky. Mix the flour in until the dough is just slightly firmer and easier to work with.
5. Bake the Cookies:
- Place the sprinkle-covered dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 375°F for 7-9 minutes. The edges of the cookies should just begin to turn golden brown, while the centers will still appear soft. Don’t overbake; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without falling apart while still warm.
6. Let the Cookies Cool:
- Once transferred to the cooling rack, allow the cookies to cool completely. This cooling process solidifies their texture, leaving them soft and chewy inside with a slightly crisp edge.
Additional Tips for Perfect Cookies:
Texture Tweaks:
- If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time to 6-7 minutes. For a slightly firmer, crispier edge, bake them for the full 9 minutes. The key is to not overbake them—softness is the hallmark of these cookies!
- Chilling the dough is essential for the best texture, so try not to skip that step. It makes the dough easier to scoop and roll, and the cookies hold their shape much better.
Customization:
- Sprinkles: Feel free to use different kinds of sprinkles depending on the season—red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or even rainbow sprinkles for birthdays or any celebration. You can even mix two different types of sprinkles for extra color and texture.
- Flavor Add-ins: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or chopped candy canes for a more decadent twist. These additions will enhance the flavor while still keeping the cookies festive.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of milk) over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Storage:
- These cookies store beautifully for up to 1 week when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and chewy for several days, so you can enjoy them long after they’ve been made.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Why These Cookies Work:
- Cake Mix Magic: Using a box of cake mix for the base makes these cookies ridiculously easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture. The cake mix imparts a slight sweetness and soft, tender crumb, making them an instant crowd favorite.
- Soft and Chewy: The combination of the cake mix, eggs, and oil ensures that these cookies come out soft and chewy every time. The dough is easy to handle, and the sprinkles provide that fun, festive flair.
These Cake Mix Sprinkle Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking for an easy yet delicious holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just because, these colorful, chewy delights will add a cheerful touch to any occasion! Enjoy! 🎅🎁