Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of festive sprinkles, luscious chocolate chips, and the sweet ease of a shortcut dough to bring holiday magic to your kitchen. With this Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies on your table in less than 30 minutes, all with a few pantry staples and a healthy dose of nostalgia. These cookies are chewy, rich, and dazzling with Christmas cheer—the kind of treat that brings smiles whether you’re sneaking one from the cooling rack or leaving them out for Santa himself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This festive treat only calls for staple ingredients, and each one has its own special role in making these Santa cookies soft, flavorful, and irresistibly colorful. Here’s what goes into the Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe—simple, but absolutely essential for holiday cookie success.

• 1 box white cake mix: The secret to a tender, fluffy cookie with the perfect hint of vanilla—any brand you love will do the trick.
• 2 large egg whites (no yolks): Using just the whites gives that classic cookie texture without making the dough heavy.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Adds just enough structure to hold the mix-ins and keep the cookies from spreading too much.
• ½ cup oil: Ensures a soft, moist crumb throughout—canola or vegetable oil both work beautifully.
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for tops): Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite, with a few extra for ultimate visual and taste appeal.
• ¼ cup red, white, and green holiday sprinkles: Gives that instantly festive Santa look and a pop of color for your cookie platter.

How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s at just the right temperature for perfectly baked cookies. While it preheats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup super quick. Getting everything set up beforehand makes the whole baking experience smooth and fun!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, flour, and oil. Use a sturdy spoon or a handheld mixer to blend everything together until you see a soft, uniform dough. Don’t overmix—just stop when there are no dry spots left. Fold in ¾ cup of your chocolate chips so they’re dotted evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every cookie is packed with chocolatey bites.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

With clean hands, roll the dough into balls roughly 1 to 2 inches in diameter—think the size of a ping-pong ball, or slightly smaller for minis. Space each dough ball 2 to 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each ball just a bit; you want the tops to flatten to about ½ inch thickness, so they bake up chewy rather than round.

Step 4: Decorate

This is where the Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe truly comes to life! Press a few extra chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of those red, white, and green holiday sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies. Not only does this make them pop visually, but every bite has the perfect festive crunch and an added chocolate hit.

Step 5: Bake Perfectly

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—removing them when the edges are just barely golden ensures they’ll stay chewy and soft. Do not overbake; they might look a tad underdone in the center, which is exactly what you want for that dreamy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to finish setting up, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This extra step helps the cookies hold their shape, so you end up with thick, plush, bakery-style cookies ready for sharing—or for Santa’s plate.

How to Serve Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra pizzazz, dust your cookies with powdered sugar or strategically add a little edible glitter for shimmer. If you want a delicious drizzle, a quick zigzag of melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies can elevate them from simple to spectacular.

Side Dishes

The best sidekick for these festive cookies is, without question, an ice-cold glass of milk—classic Santa fare! They’re also delightful alongside holiday cocoa, spicy chai lattes, or as part of a larger cookie tray with shortbread, snickerdoodles, and peppermint bark.

Creative Ways to Present

Package a handful of cookies in cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons for charming edible gifts. Or, arrange them on a tiered stand with other holiday cookies, using extra sprinkles and chocolate chips scattered around for that over-the-top party effect. If you’re entertaining, try serving these cookies as edible “ornaments” on a festive holiday platter for a playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for 3 to 4 days, perfect for sneaking a treat with your morning coffee or an after-school snack.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then layer them (with parchment between) in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just pull out a few whenever you need a sweet, festive pick-me-up.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, pop a cookie (or two!) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll turn perfectly soft and gooey again. If reheating directly from the freezer, 20-30 seconds does the trick, or let them thaw at room temperature for an hour.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

Absolutely! While white cake mix is classic for this Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe, feel free to experiment with vanilla, yellow, or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor twist.

Do I really have to use just egg whites?

Yes, using only egg whites keeps the texture chewy and light. Whole eggs can make the dough denser and affect the way your cookies bake up, but in a pinch you can use the whole egg—they just might be a bit thicker.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Butter will add rich flavor, but your cookies won’t be quite as soft as those made with oil. Melt and cool the butter first if you’re swapping it in, and keep in mind the finished texture will be a bit different.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Sure! You can mix the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time directly from frozen—perfect for holiday prep!

What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?

No worries! You can use any sprinkles you have on hand, or even skip them altogether for a more classic chocolate chip look. The cookies are just as delicious and still festive with extra chocolate chips on top.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe is like wrapping the holidays in a warm, chocolatey hug. They’re quick, cheerful, and endlessly adaptable—sure to become a favorite for both last-minute gatherings and cozy nights in. Give them a try, share some with friends, and let the festive spirit fill your kitchen this season!

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