These Christmas Cookies with Peppermint are the perfect shortcut to holiday baking bliss!
Made with a simple cake mix base, homemade frosting, and festive crushed peppermint candies, they're easy to make but big on holiday cheer.
Check out all the other Christmas Cookies to bake for your family this holiday season.
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Cake mix cookies are delicious and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious Christmas cookies with peppermint candies in no time!
They're perfect for parties or cookie exchange party, because they're quick and easy to make. And since they're so versatile, you can make different flavors to suit everyone's tastes.
They make great gifts or treats for any holiday gathering so why not give them a try this season?
Looking for more easy cookies with peppermint flavoring? Try my Peppermint Oreo Truffles or even my Semi-Homemade Thin Mint Cookies.
Table of Contents
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- What are some other flavor variations I could try?
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Baking Tip
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- Frost and Decorate the Cookies
- Recipe FAQ
- Storage Instructions
- More Christmas Cookie Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
- 💬 Comments
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make cake mix cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container or freeze for later. If freezing, be sure to place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag or container.
When you're ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer, place on a prepared baking sheet, and bake according to the instructions listed in the recipe.
What are some other flavor variations I could try?
Cake mix cookies make a great snack or dessert for any occasion; especially around the holidays. Everyone wants to bake, but it can be time-consuming.
They're perfect for a quick and easy dessert when you don't have much time to cook. With a few simple steps, you can have freshly baked cake mix cookies in about 15 minutes.
By using a cake mix to create delicious cookies, you'll have more time to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies like I do with this recipe.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
100 Sheets Christmas Wax Paper
Reynolds Kitchens Cookie Baking Sheets, Pre-Cut Parchment PaperFine Crushed Candy Dessert ToppingsChristmas Gift Boxes Cookie Boxes Treat Boxes
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- You can swap out the crushed peppermint candies for mini chocolate chips or Christmas sprinkles.
- Check out my other recipe for Leftover Candy Cane Cookies that are a homemade cookie batter version of this cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Combine the cake mix with the baking powder.
Step 2: Then add the eggs and melted butter.
Baking Tip
This recipe calls for adding baking powder to the cake mix. Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps cookies rise. It makes them fluffy and gives them a slightly crisp crust.
Adding the baking powder also helps boost the freshness of the cake mix. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes we have cake mixes sitting in our pantry for a long time.
Check out my 5 Cake Mix Baking Secrets for more information.
Step 3: Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Scoop the dough out on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
My Favorite Baking Trays: 3-piece nonstick cookware set includes the small, medium, and large size. These are non-stick carbon steel bakeware set with red silicone handles.
Frost and Decorate the Cookies
Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
Step 7: Cream the butter until smooth.
Step 8: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 9: Add in the powdered sugar.
Step 10: Continue to mix until light and fluffy.
Step 11: Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on top of the cookies.
Step 12: Then top with the chopped peppermint candies.
Recipe FAQ
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Store fresh-baked cookies in an airtight container. Cookies will remain fresh if stored in a cool, dry place. I like to put the container in the back of my pantry closet. Stored this way cookies should stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
Storage Instructions
Pantry: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container in a dark cool place for 7-10 days.
Freezer: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then "flash freeze" them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 30 minutes. Transfer to a storage container, separating layers with parchment paper for up to three months.
Thaw: When you defrost the cookies, prepare the frosting and decorate the cookies as directed above.
More Christmas Cookie Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my recipe for Peppermint Blossom Cookies. Or you might like this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies. Want more peppermint-inspired treats for the holidays? Explore my peppermint Christmas cookie recipes roundup.
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
- 1 - 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt optional
- ¼ cup chopped peppermint candy
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer or using a hand mixer, combine together the cake mix and the baking powder.
- Add in the melted butter and eggs. Beat on low until fully incorporated.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop 1 ½ tablespoon sized balls onto the baking trays. Space them a few inches apart to leave room for the cookies to spread.
- Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until the tops are set and the edges are slightly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool in the pan completely before decorating.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Then add the powdered sugar a little at a time and mix until combined.
- Add both the vanilla and peppermint extracts and salt. Mix again until well incorporated and you have a smooth, easily spreadable frosting.
- Once the cookies have cooled, use a small icing spatula to frost about 1 tablespoon of frosting on each cookies.
- Finally, sprinkle the cookies with the chopped peppermints.
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