When the holiday season kicks into high gear, the last thing you need is a complicated baking project. Whether you’re scrambling to get ready for a Christmas party, need a quick treat for neighbors, or the kids suddenly remember they promised to make cookies for Santa, this easy last-minute Christmas cookie recipe has you covered!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Christmas Cookies

• Made with a cake mix — no measuring flour, sugar, or leavening!
• Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture with minimal effort.
• Ready in minutes — perfect for last-minute gatherings or Christmas Eve baking.
• Kid-friendly recipe — little hands can mix, scoop, and decorate.
• Endlessly customizable — add sprinkles, colored sugar, crushed peppermints, or frosting.

How to Make Last-Minute Cookies for Santa

EASY TO MAKE SOFT SUGAR COOKIES INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe box

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable or avocado oil
• 4 tablespoons of holiday sprinkles

EASY TO MAKE BAKERY WHITE FROSTING:

• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• sugar toppers and sprinkles

SOFT CHEWY LAST-MINUTE SUGAR COOKIES INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375° and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Add cake mix, eggs, and oil into a large mixing bowl; mix until well combined.
3. Add sprinkles.
4. Using an ice cream scoop, place cookies onto prepared pans.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned.
6. Slide the cookie, still on the parchment paper, onto a wire cooling rack or onto the counter to cool completely.

NUMBER ONE WHITE FROSTING RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whip shortening until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla, and combine.
3. Add the sugar 1 cup at a time, ensuring it is completely combined.
4. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches spreading consistency.
5. Using an offset spatula, spread the mixture onto each cookie; top with a sugar topper and sprinkles.

Fun Ways for Kids to Decorate These Cookies

Let the little bakers take over!

• Roll in red, green, and white sprinkles
• Dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate
• Add mini M&Ms or edible glitter
• Use cookie stamps for easy festive patterns
• Frost with canned vanilla icing and let the kids sprinkle away

These easy Christmas cookies are the perfect activity to keep kids entertained during the busy holiday season. They’ll be so proud to leave a plate of their own homemade cookies out for Santa!

Perfect for Last-Minute Christmas Parties

Need a dessert right now? These cookies are:

• Quick to mix
• Quick to bake
• Easy to transport
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Package them in a holiday tin, arrange them on a platter, or tie a few in a clear treat bag for a fast and festive gift.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
• Freeze the dough balls for 3 months — bake straight from frozen, adding 1 extra minute.

Recipe Alternatives

• Funfetti Christmas Cookies
  Swap the plain cake mix for a Funfetti cake mix and roll the dough balls in extra holiday sprinkles for a colorful, kid-approved cookie.
• Peppermint Crunch Cookies
  Add ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the dough. Dip cooled cookies in melted white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies
  Use a chocolate cake mix instead of white or yellow cake mix. Roll in red and green sugar or top with mini M&Ms.
• Snickerdoodle Twist
  Roll the dough balls in a mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking. Use a yellow cake mix for the best “snickerdoodle” flavor.
• Gingerbread Cake Mix Cookies
  Start with a spice cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of molasses for a deeper, more pronounced gingerbread flavor. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
• Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
  Use a red velvet cake mix and top with white chocolate chips or a light drizzle of white chocolate after baking.
• Frosted Holiday Cookies
  Bake the cookies plain and frost with canned vanilla or cream cheese frosting. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or cookie stamps.
• M&M Christmas Cookies
  Add ¾ cup red and green mini M&Ms to the dough for a crowd-pleasing classic.

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EASY LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS COOKIES FAQ

As you gather with family, wrap gifts, and soak in the magic of the season, I hope these easy cake mix Christmas cookies bring a little extra joy (and a lot less stress!) to your holiday baking. They’re fun for the kids, perfect for last-minute moments, and always a hit with Santa. From my kitchen to yours, may your holidays be filled with sweetness, laughter, and plenty of fresh-baked memories. Merry Christmas ❤️ Sheryl????✨