Easy Confetti Cake Mix Cookies: Festive, Fun & Fast Holiday Treats
Looking for a super simple, incredibly delicious, and wonderfully festive cookie recipe that’s perfect for any celebration? Look no further than these fantastic Confetti Cake Mix Cookies! Using a store-bought cake mix as a shortcut, these cookies come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Add a generous sprinkle of colorful confetti, and you’ve got a treat that’s ideal for Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, or any special occasion that calls for a touch of joy and sweetness. They’re soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. The magic of cake mix cookies lies in their ability to deliver a homemade taste with a fraction of the usual time and fuss. This means less stress in the kitchen and more precious moments spent enjoying the holidays or celebrating milestones with your loved ones. Get ready to bake a batch of happiness!
Why These Cake Mix Cookies Are a Must-Try
This recipe for confetti cake mix cookies isn’t just easy; it’s brilliantly effective for several key reasons, making it a go-to for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike:
- Unbeatable Convenience: The primary advantage is the use of a cake mix. This ingenious shortcut drastically cuts down on prep time. You don’t need to measure out flour, sugar, baking powder, or salt individually. The dry ingredients are already perfectly proportioned for you, ensuring consistent results every time. This translates to less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season or celebrating with friends and family.
- Foolproof Results: Cake mixes are designed for success. Their balanced ingredient ratios minimize the chances of baking mishaps, making this an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or for those times when you need a reliable treat without any fuss. The cookies turn out consistently soft, chewy, and flavorful.
- Incredible Versatility: While we’ve highlighted Christmas colors for a festive touch in this particular batch, the beauty of these confetti cookies lies in their adaptability. You can effortlessly swap out the sprinkles to match any theme or holiday imaginable! Think vibrant rainbow sprinkles for birthdays, orange and black for Halloween, pastels for Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or even team colors for a game day snack. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your cookies for literally any special occasion throughout the year.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is perfect for getting kids involved in the baking process. From stirring the simple dough to decorating with a generous shower of sprinkles, it offers engaging steps that even little hands can help with. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories while making delicious treats.
By leveraging the simplicity of a cake mix and the delightful addition of sprinkles, these cookies become more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite, promising smiles and satisfied sweet cravings.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Confetti Cookies
Crafting these delightful confetti cake mix cookies requires just a few basic ingredients, making your shopping list short and sweet. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
For the Cookies:
- 15 oz box white cake mix (dry mix only): This is the star of our shortcut. A white or yellow cake mix works best as a base, allowing the colors of the sprinkles to really pop. Ensure you only use the dry powder from the box, ignoring any instructions on the back for making a cake. Funfetti cake mix can also be used for an extra layer of colorful excitement!
- ⅓ cup oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil is perfect here. It provides the necessary fat for a moist and tender cookie texture, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly. For a slightly richer flavor, you could experiment with melted butter, though the texture might vary slightly.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together, adding moisture, and contributing to the chewy texture. Make sure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles (for the dough): Use festive Christmas sprinkles or any color combination that suits your occasion. Adding some directly into the dough ensures that beautiful confetti look throughout the cookie, not just on top.
For the Homemade Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter is key to achieving a light and fluffy buttercream. It creams much more easily with the sugar, creating a smooth consistency.
- 6 cups powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar dissolves easily to create a silky-smooth frosting. Sifting it beforehand can help prevent lumps.
- Milk or water to thin frosting if needed: Start with a tablespoon at a time and add more gradually until your frosting reaches the desired spreadable consistency. Whole milk or heavy cream will yield a richer frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: High-quality vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the buttercream, giving it that classic, comforting taste. You can also experiment with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Christmas sprinkles (for decorating): These are for the final flourish! Have plenty on hand for generous decoration after the cookies are frosted.
Gathering all your ingredients before you start (mise en place) will make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable!
Baking Delight: How to Make Confetti Cake Mix Cookies
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
Making the Cookies:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies enter. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Combine the Cookie Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of your chosen sprinkles. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula to stir these ingredients together. Mix until all components are well incorporated and a thick, uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Portion and Place Dough: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) or your hands, shape the dough into uniform balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared cookie sheets, ensuring there’s plenty of space (about 2 inches) between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
- Flatten the Cookies: Lightly flatten each cookie dough ball. You can do this gently with the palm of your hand, the bottom of a flat glass, or even a fork for a decorative crosshatch pattern. Flattening helps the cookies bake more evenly and achieve that classic rounded cookie shape rather than staying as thick mounds.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown. The centers might still look slightly soft, but they will set as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. It’s crucial that the cookies are fully cooled before you begin frosting them, otherwise, your frosting will melt and slide right off.
Preparing the Homemade Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it’s light and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is in, add the vanilla extract and beat on high speed for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Adjust Consistency (if needed): If your frosting appears too thick or stiff, add milk or water one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can make the frosting runny.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool and your frosting is ready, generously spread a layer of buttercream over each cookie. Immediately after frosting, scatter plenty of your colorful Christmas sprinkles (or any sprinkles of your choice) over the top. The frosting will help the sprinkles adhere beautifully.
These Confetti Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful treat that looks as good as it tastes, making them a perfect addition to any festive occasion or a wonderful homemade gift!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Mix Cookies
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your cake mix cookie baking experience is a breeze:
Absolutely! Using canned frosting is another fantastic shortcut to save time in the kitchen. It’s perfectly acceptable and will still yield delicious results. To elevate canned frosting, you can whip it with an electric mixer for a minute or two to make it lighter and fluffier, and even stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor and reduce its sweetness.
No, for this cookie recipe, you should only use the dry cake mix and the specific ingredients (oil, eggs, sprinkles) that are listed in this blog’s recipe card. The instructions on the back of the cake mix box are for making a cake, which requires different liquid-to-dry ingredient ratios than cookies. Following our recipe ensures the correct consistency and texture for perfect cookies.
While white or yellow cake mixes are ideal for allowing the colorful sprinkles to stand out, you can experiment with almost any flavor! Vanilla, Funfetti, strawberry, chocolate, or even lemon cake mixes can all create delicious cookies. Just be mindful that darker cake mixes (like chocolate) might obscure the confetti effect a little, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
Once frosted, these cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is very warm, or if you prefer a firmer frosting, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Yes, both unfrosted baked cookies and raw cookie dough can be frozen. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. To freeze dough, scoop balls and flatten slightly, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively. Ensure your butter (if using in place of oil) isn’t too soft or melted, and that your oven temperature is accurate (an oven thermometer can help). Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm. Also, make sure you’re using the exact amount of oil specified in the recipe.
Fun for holidays, birthdays, and other occasions, easy cake mix cookies are a genuine time-saver in the kitchen. Sprinkles are a fun addition to these festive cookies, making them visually appealing and extra special for any gathering.
Explore More Delicious Cake Mix Recipes
The versatility of a simple cake mix extends far beyond just cookies! It’s an incredible base for a wide array of easy and delicious desserts. If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these confetti cake mix cookies, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fantastic recipes that leverage the convenience of a cake mix:
- Crockpot Apple Cobbler: A comforting, warm dessert that practically makes itself with minimal effort.
- Carrot Cake Trifle: Layers of deliciousness, perfect for feeding a crowd, all starting with a cake mix.
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake: The ultimate easy dessert, requiring just a few ingredients for a satisfying sweet treat.
- Crockpot Chocolate Cherry Cobbler: A rich and fruity dessert made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Maraschino Cherry Bundt Cake: A beautiful and moist cake with a delightful cherry flavor, perfect for special occasions.
- Shortcut Zucchini Muffins: A great way to use up garden zucchini, resulting in moist and flavorful muffins.
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies: Another colorful and fruit-flavored cookie option that’s just as simple to make.
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: Zesty and bright, these cookies offer a refreshing citrus twist on the cake mix cookie concept.
Each of these recipes proves that a cake mix isn’t just for cakes; it’s a secret weapon for quick, easy, and impressive desserts that will make you look like a baking pro!
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Confetti Cake Mix Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Cookies
- 15 oz box white cake mix dry mix only
- ⅓ cup oil
- 2 large eggs
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- Milk or water to thin frosting if needed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Christmas sprinkles
Things You’ll Need
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Insulated baking sheets
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Wire cooling racks
Before You Begin
- For another short cut, use canned frosting instead of making homemade.
- Change out the sprinkles to make cake mix cookies for birthdays, football games, other holidays, and more!
Instructions
Make the Cookies
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together the dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of the Christmas sprinkles until all ingredients are well mixed and a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Using approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, shape the dough into uniform balls. Place these balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring ample space between them for spreading.
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Gently flatten the cookies slightly using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a flat glass. This helps them bake evenly and achieve a consistent shape.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft but will set upon cooling.
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Remove the baked cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely. This is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
Prepare the Frosting
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In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
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If your frosting is too thick, you can add 1 tablespoon of milk or water at a time, beating after each addition, until your desired spreadable consistency is achieved.
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Generously spread each cooled cookie with frosting and immediately sprinkle with your chosen festive sprinkles.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.