Oh, holiday baking—it’s my favorite kind of chaos. The flour-dusted countertops, the scent of vanilla in the air, and those little flecks of red and green M&Ms scattered everywhere? Pure magic. But let’s be real: December is busy enough without spending hours creaming butter and sifting flour. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Christmas Healthy M&M Cookies—they start with a cake mix hack! One bowl, three main ingredients, and *boom*: festive cookies that look like you fussed (but secretly took a shortcut). My kids go wild for them, and I love that they’re a tad lighter than traditional recipes. Trust me, these will disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Healthy M&M Christmas Cookies
These cookies are my holiday baking MVP for so many reasons:
- Speed demon: From bowl to baking sheet in under 15 minutes – Santa’s elves would be jealous!
- Festive flair: Those holiday M&Ms make every cookie look like a wrapped present.
- Lighter touch: No butter means less guilt when you “accidentally” eat three in a row.
- Kid magic: My littlest helpers can mix these with minimal mess (okay, some mess – it’s half the fun).
Seriously, they’re the cookie version of holiday joy in edible form.
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy M&M Christmas Cookies
Grab these simple ingredients – trust me, you probably have most in your pantry right now! The cake mix does all the heavy lifting here, but those holiday M&Ms? That’s where the Christmas magic happens. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix – any brand works, but I swear by Betty Crocker for this recipe
- ½ cup vegetable oil – or try applesauce for an even lighter version
- 2 large eggs – room temperature blends smoother
- ½ cup holiday M&Ms – the red and green ones make me so happy!
- ¼ cup sprinkles (optional) – because more sparkle never hurt anybody
See? No fancy ingredients – just simple, joyful baking. Now let’s make some cookie magic! If you are looking for other quick meal ideas, check out this healthy power breakfast bowl.
How to Make Christmas Healthy M&M Christmas Cookies
Okay, let’s get baking! These cookies come together so fast you’ll think you forgot a step (you didn’t – that’s the beauty of cake mix magic). Here’s how I make them, with all my little tricks for perfect cookies every time.
Step 1: Prep and Mix
First, crank that oven to 350°F (175°C) – no fancy preheating wait needed, just get it going while you mix. Now dump that cake mix into a big bowl (I use my favorite chipped blue one – it’s seen many cookie batches!). Add the oil and eggs, then stir just until combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine – we’re going for tender cookies, not tough ones. The dough will be thick and glossy, like happy cookie playdough.
Step 2: Add Festive Touches
Here’s where the holiday spirit comes in! Gently fold in those gorgeous M&Ms (I always sneak a few extra – quality control, you know). If you’re using sprinkles, add them now too. Pro tip: Reserve a handful of M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookie balls before baking – makes them picture-perfect! If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes (but honestly? I’m usually too impatient and bake them straight away).
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet (no need to space them too far – these cookies don’t spread much). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges just start turning golden. They’ll look underdone – that’s perfect! Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes (this is when they firm up), then transfer to a rack. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm… though I won’t judge if you do! For more baking tips, you might find this article on roasting pumpkin seeds helpful for other snack ideas.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy M&M Christmas Cookies
After making these cookies every December (and eating way too many test batches), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Parchment is your friend: No sticking, easy cleanup – just slide the whole sheet of cookies off!
- Underbake slightly: They firm up as they cool, so pull them when edges are barely golden.
- Applesauce swap: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture without the oiliness.
- Color bomb: Mix regular and mini M&Ms – you get more chocolatey bites per cookie!
Oh, and always make a double batch – these disappear faster than Santa’s milk and cookies! If you are looking for a savory option, try this healthy garlic parmesan cheeseburger bomb recipe.
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about these cookies? They’re practically begging for creative twists! Here are my go-to riffs when I’m feeling adventurous (or just cleaning out the pantry):
- Gluten-free friends: Swap in a gluten-free vanilla cake mix – the texture works just as well!
- Chocoholic’s dream: Use dark chocolate M&Ms or even peanut butter ones if you’re feeling wild.
- Less sugar: Try a “yellow” cake mix instead of vanilla – it’s slightly less sweet but still delicious.
- Coconut lovers: Replace ¼ cup oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut to the dough.
- Spiced up: Toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy twist.
The best part? No matter how you tweak them, they still taste like holiday happiness in every bite.
Storing and Serving Christmas Healthy M&M Christmas Cookies
Here’s the thing about these cookies – they rarely last long enough to store! But when they do (miracle of miracles), just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days – if you hide them well. For that just-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for 10 seconds and watch the M&Ms get all melty and magical again. I always stack them in festive tins for gifting… though half the batch usually “accidentally” stays home with me!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates (your exact counts will depend on brands and how many M&Ms you “accidentally” eat before baking!). Per cookie, you’re looking at about 120 calories, 8g sugar, and 6g fat. Not bad for a festive treat! The cake mix keeps portions reasonable, and using vegetable oil instead of butter keeps the saturated fat lower than traditional recipes. That’s my kind of holiday math!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these cookies every December – here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it! The oil keeps these cake mix cookies soft for days, while butter makes them crispier. If you must, use melted butter but expect a different texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
In an airtight container, they’re perfect for 3-5 days. Pro tip: Toss in a slice of bread to keep them extra soft – the cookies steal the moisture!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes. Holiday baking on demand!
Why do mine turn out cakey?
You probably overmixed! Stir just until combined – lumps are good. Also check your cake mix weight; some brands run smaller than 15.25oz.
Can I use chocolate cake mix?
Oh yes, and they’re delicious! The M&Ms still shine through. Just know they’ll be darker – perfect for a “coal” joke if you’re feeling cheeky!
Share Your Holiday Creations
I’d love to see your festive cookie masterpieces! Snap a pic of your M&M creations and tag me – bonus points if your kitchen looks as flour-dusted as mine always ends up. Happy baking, friends!
Print
3-Ingredient Christmas Healthy M&M Cookies – Cake Mix Hack
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Easy and healthy Christmas cookies made with cake mix and M&Ms. Perfect for holiday treats with a fun twist.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, oil, and eggs until combined.
- Fold in M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Use festive M&Ms for a holiday touch.
- Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American