Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Alright, friends, if you’re craving something quick, sweet, and just bursting with holiday cheer, you’ve got to try this Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, colorful, and ridiculously easy to whip up — perfect for when you want holiday vibes without fussing over complicated baking. Seriously, the first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like Christmas magic, and the burst of reds and greens from the M&Ms made them impossible to resist. Stick around; I’m sharing all my tips so your batch turns out just as dreamy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe hinges on a simple but brilliant combo of white cake mix and soda, which keeps these cookies tender and sweet without needing a mountain of ingredients or fancy tools. Plus, the festive M&Ms add crunch and color, making these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations or last-minute gifts.

• White cake mix: The all-in-one base that gives structure, sweetness, and soft texture—using white mix keeps the cookies light and perfect for colorful add-ins.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness without fuss.
• Clear soda (like lemon-lime or ginger ale): Adds moisture while helping create that soft, cake-like cookie texture; plus a tiny bit of effervescence!
• Red and green M&Ms: For the quintessential festive pop of color and a bit of chocolaty crunch in every bite.
• White chocolate chips: These melt just right, giving bursts of creamy sweetness that pair perfectly with the M&Ms.
• Optional garnishes (sprinkles, food coloring): Customize the look — I adore adding a drop of red or green food coloring to make the dough festive throughout, and sprinkles just seal the deal.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Sometimes I throw in crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, or swap in rainbow sprinkles if I’m feeling colorful beyond Christmas. Honestly, this recipe acts as a fantastic base for your cookie creativity.

• Variation: I once swapped the M&Ms for chopped toasted nuts and dried cranberries — the texture and flavor was a hit for Thanksgiving!
• Dietary swaps: If you prefer dairy-free, just make sure your cake mix and white chocolate chips fit that bill; I’ve had success with vegan-friendly brands here.
• Seasonal tweaks: You can switch out red and green M&Ms for pastel ones around Easter, making this recipe perfect year-round.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Warm up the kitchen and set up your pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s coming to temperature, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I’ve learned that parchment paper really helps these tender cookies bake evenly without burning on the bottoms.

Step 2: Mix the magic together

Grab a big bowl and combine your white cake mix, eggs, and clear soda. If you want to amp up the holiday vibes, add a few drops of red or green food coloring here. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform — no streaks of cake mix or egg! It should be thick but scoopable, like soft cookie dough.

Step 3: Fold in those festive goodies

Now gently fold in your red and green M&Ms plus the white chocolate chips. Don’t overmix here — you want those colors and pockets of melty white chocolate to remain chunky and visible for that perfect festive look and flavor burst.

Step 4: Scoop and sprinkle joy

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop (or spoon if you’re like me and love freehanding), drop mounds of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. If you’re feeling extra festive, add sprinkles on top for a pop of color and sparkle that really makes these cookies stand out on any cookie tray.

Step 5: Bake and watch the magic happen

Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn lightly golden and the centers to set but still look soft — that’s what keeps things chewy and cake-like. Avoid overbaking, as these cookies can dry out quickly.

Step 6: Cool down and enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool right on the pans for about 10 minutes. This step is key because it helps them firm up to the perfect chewiness while still releasing easily from the parchment. Then transfer them to a plate, grab a glass of milk, and dig in!

How to Serve Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the M&Ms and white chocolate chips do the visual work. But occasionally, I’ll add a dusting of sanding sugar or some red and green sprinkles right after scooping the dough for that extra sparkle. It’s such a nice touch for cookie exchanges or gifting!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of cocoa or your favorite holiday tea. I love serving them alongside peppermint bark or a simple plate of fresh clementines — the bright citrus cuts through the sweetness and makes everything feel balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with pretty parchment, then tuck in a sprig of fresh rosemary for a green accent and a mild piney scent. They make darling edible gifts! And for parties, serving these cookies on a tiered tray with colorful napkins instantly amps up the holiday vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for about five days. Just make sure the container seals tightly to keep air — and dryness — at bay.

Freezing

When I have more cookies than we can eat in a week, I freeze them. I pop the cooled cookies in a Ziploc bag with the air pressed out. They keep great for up to three months — perfect for making holiday batches ahead of time.

Reheating

To freshen frozen cookies, I let them thaw on the counter for 15-20 minutes, then warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. It revives that freshly baked softness without drying them out. Microwave reheating can turn them rubbery, so I avoid that.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Festive White Cake Mix Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my heart during the holidays — they’re my go-to when I want something cheerful, effortless, and crowd-pleasing. They hit that perfect spot between cake and cookie, and everyone loves the splash of red and green. So next time you need a last-minute gift or a cookie to wow at your holiday party, pull out this recipe. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to get festive magic on your plate (and I guarantee you’ll want seconds!).

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