Super soft and dreamy, cake mix cookies are probably the easiest cookie recipe out there. These Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are elevated to holiday status with the addition of white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
Cake Mix Cookies
Cookies made with cake mix are all the rage, but many of them use a lot of ingredients. What is the point of a quick cookie, or an easy cookie for that matter, if you still need all the same ingredients and time to chill?
And the other gripe, and this is from me personally, is they never look like the pictures. I see these perfectly shaped, super smooth, “Lofthouse” looking like cookies and then mine come out of the oven all cracked with uneven edges.
Mine also didn’t flatten like they were supposed to (they were more like snowball cookies), so on my second try I flattened them with a pint glass.
I just don’t get it. The recipes are similar enough, but on multiple recipe testing occasions this has happened to me, so I improvised and what does any baker do to cover imperfections? They add frosting and embellishments!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these peppermint cake mix cookies.
- White cake mix – Boxed cake mixes have changed in size since I originally wrote this recipe. If your cake mix is 18 ounces, omit the additional 1/4 cup flour.
- Flour – Because the amount of cake mix has changed, I added a little extra flour to the recipe to ensure we get the right texture for dough.
- Egg whites – You can separate the egg whites on your own, or buy a carton of egg whites at the grocery store.
- Vegetable oil – Just like the cake mix calls for, we need some vegetable oil to add moisture to our cookies.
- Candy canes – We will add crushed candy canes to both our cookie dough and sprinkled on top of the glaze.
- White chocolate chips – White chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and texture to these cookies.
- Powdered sugar – The glaze on top is quite simple. Powdered sugar provides both structure and sweetness.
- Milk – To thin out our powdered sugar and to make it that glaze consistency, we use milk. Any type of milk will work here.
Variations
There are plenty of ways you can make these Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies your own. Here are a few suggestions.
- Extract – If you want to up the peppermint flavor, you can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
- Frosting – Instead of the peppermint glaze that I used, feel free to use a creamy buttercream instead. Or leave it off altogether.
- Cake mix – I personally prefer white cake mix because it doesn’t have a yellow hue to it, but you can surely use yellow or vanilla mix. And chocolate cake mix is also a great option!
How to Make Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Making these is as simple as one, two, three (maybe four.)
- Sift dry ingredients. I highly recommend sifting your cake mix, or at the very least whisking it, to get rid of clumps. This prevents over mixing after adding wet ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients. Mix in wet ingredients and then fold in white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. This can of course be candy canes or peppermint candies.
- Scoop cookies. Scoop using a 2 tablespoons scoop onto parchment then flatten with a pint glass. If you want to reform better edges using your fingers, you can.
- Bake. Bake and allow to cool.
- Add icing. Frost or not frost, that is the question and totally up to you! Buttercream works, but I prefer a simple powdered sugar icing myself.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Cake Mix Cookies
Wait until icing has fully set and then store in an airtight container with cookies separated by wax or parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but like any cookie should be enjoyed as soon as possible to ensure the best results.
Can I Freeze Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies?
Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are freezer friendly. Store in an airtight freezer bag or plastic container for up to 3 months.
More Easy Holiday Treats
From fun and festive to flavorful and delicious, you are going to love all of these fun holiday treats!
Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 15 ounce white cake mix* *see notes
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- 1/3 cup Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup candy canes crushed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting (optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- candy canes crushed, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix cake mix, flour, eggs and vegetable oil. When well mixed, fold in crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips by hand being careful to not overmix.
- Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a 2 tablespoon cookie dough scoop, place 2 inches apart. Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a pint glass, press cookies down to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until they start to crack, but right before the brown. Remove and allow to cool fully.
- When fully cooled, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
I love how fast and easy these are! My kids are obsessed.
These cookies are looking tremendous, Thanks for this fantastic recipe.
A festive cookie that is no fuss to make. Love cake mix cookies. Thanks!
I’m so in love with these cookies. The texture is wonderful, and I love all that peppermint flavor and the icing. Best cookies ever!
Ooo! These are a fun and festive (and easy) way to make cookies! I’ve never tried cake mix cookies before and look forward to giving these a go!
These are absolutely wonderful. So easy.i added some peppermint extract to frosting. Will definitely make them again
These cookies are super easy and delicious! I skipped the icing and they are still a party favorite!
Yay!!!! Love to hear that, Laura!