Cake Batter Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a festive treat that’s bursting with fun flavor and irresistibly soft texture, look no further than these delightful Cake Batter Christmas Cookies. Imagine biting into a cookie that captures the magic of cake batter, with pastel sprinkles peeking through every bite and a rich, creamy frosting crowning each one. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or any time you want to add a little sparkle to your season. Once you try this recipe, Cake Batter Christmas Cookies will quickly become a beloved staple on your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that is tender, flavorful, and beautifully festive. The combination of simple pantry staples and special cake batter extract elevates the flavor, while the white chocolate chips add melty goodness and the sprinkles bring that extra holiday cheer.

• Flour: 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour to give structure and softness to the cookies.
• Boxed white cake mix: 1 1/4 cups for that unmistakable cake batter flavor and moist texture.
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon to help the cookies rise just right.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Butter (softened): 3/4 cup for richness and tenderness in the dough.
• Sugar: 1/2 cup white sugar to sweeten the cookie base perfectly.
• Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup packed, adding a subtle caramel undertone.
• Egg: 1 large egg to bind all ingredients and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for warmth and depth of flavor.
• Cake batter extract: 1 teaspoon, the secret ingredient that makes these cookies sing with nostalgic cake batter goodness.
• White chocolate chips: 1 cup to give creamy, sweet bursts throughout.
• Christmas sprinkles: 1/2 cup to bring that festive crunch and color, plus extra for topping.
• Butter (for frosting): 1 cup softened, making the frosting luxuriously smooth.
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups for a sweet, fluffy frosting.
• Cake batter extract (for frosting): 1 teaspoon to keep the flavor theme consistent in every bite.

How to Make Cake Batter Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Let’s start by whisking together the flour, boxed white cake mix, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. This mixture is the foundation that will give your cookies their legendary cake batter flavor and perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with white sugar and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air that helps create a light and tender cookie crumb.

Step 3: Add Wet Flavorings

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and cake batter extract into your creamed butter and sugar mixture. The cake batter extract is like adding a sprinkle of magic that makes these cookies so enchanting.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Be gentle — overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want these Cake Batter Christmas Cookies to stay soft and chewy!

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Stir in the white chocolate chips and the Christmas sprinkles. These mix-ins add bursts of creamy sweetness and festive colors that make every bite a celebration.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 2 hours. Don’t skip this! Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies bake up thick and delightfully chewy.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. This straightforward prep ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 2 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls slightly taller than wide. This shape helps them maintain a nice domed, bakery-style look.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. This is the sweet spot for chewy, tender Cake Batter Christmas Cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and preserves texture.

Step 11: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together softened butter until fluffy, add the cake batter extract, then gradually whip in powdered sugar. The resulting frosting is light, creamy, and packed with that nostalgic cake batter flavor.

Step 12: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cookies, then sprinkle extra Christmas sprinkles on top for a sparkling finish. Now your Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Cake Batter Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle extra festive sprinkles or add a dusting of edible glitter on top of the frosting. You can also top with mini white chocolate chips or colorful sanding sugar for more texture and sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a cup of spiced chai. Their rich sweetness balances well with a warm, comforting drink and makes for a cozy holiday snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies in a wreath shape on a festive platter or stack them with wax paper between layers in a pretty tin to gift to friends. Wrapping a few in cellophane with a red ribbon also makes for a charming homemade holiday present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cake Batter Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy or share.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. Just place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months and baked straight from frozen with a couple extra minutes of baking time.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will melt the white chocolate chips slightly and soften the cookie again, nearly bringing it back to freshly baked perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute the boxed white cake mix?

While the boxed white cake mix is essential for that classic cake batter flavor and texture, you can experiment with yellow cake mix, but it will alter the taste slightly. For best results and that signature flavor, stick with white cake mix.

What if I don’t have cake batter extract?

Although cake batter extract really makes these cookies special, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute in a pinch. The cookies will still be delicious, but the unique cake batter taste will be less pronounced.

How do I make the cookies more festive?

Adding colorful Christmas sprinkles inside the dough and on top of the frosting instantly boosts the holiday vibe. You can also mix in chopped candy canes or red and green chocolate chips for extra flair.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Cake Batter Christmas Cookies, try using a gluten-free flour blend and a gluten-free white cake mix. Keep an eye on texture adjustments since gluten-free flours behave differently.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is a crucial step. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps achieve that thick, chewy texture that makes these Cake Batter Christmas Cookies so wonderful.

Final Thoughts

These Cake Batter Christmas Cookies aren’t just any holiday treat — they’re a festive celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing smiles and sweet moments. Whether you’re baking for a party or a quiet night in, this recipe promises joy, nostalgia, and a touch of magic. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create something truly special this season. Your taste buds will thank you!

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