Easy Holiday Cookies
Delightful holiday cookies with a buttery, vanilla flavor and festive colored sugar, perfect for sharing during celebrations and adding a cheerful touch to your cookie platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Mix half of the cake mix (dry), shortening, butter, vanilla, and egg in a large bowl until well mixed.
- Stir in the remaining cake mix.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough.
- Form desired shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown around the edges.
- Cool for 1 minute before removing from the cookie sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter or margarine is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. If you don’t have shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using a reduced-fat cake mix. Be cautious with baking time; check cookies at the 6-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters, complementing recipes like Pumpkin-Cranberry Cookies for a colorful and varied presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their softness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Holiday Cookies contains roughly 37 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can experiment with any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate or red velvet, to create unique holiday cookies. Just keep in mind that flavors may alter the overall taste and sweetness, so adjust toppings accordingly.
What if I don't have a cookie press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can drop spoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet instead. Just shape them into balls or flatten them slightly with your hand for a rustic look. Bake as directed for equally tasty results.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor and texture. About 1/2 to 1 cup of mix-ins should work well, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if necessary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).