Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland of flavor! These Easy Peppermint Buttercream Cake Mix Cookies are about to become your new holiday obsession. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery - but takes less than 30 minutes to make. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress everyone from kids to sophisticated dessert lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be thick and well-incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the peppermint glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or piping bag.
- Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the glazed cookies while the icing is still wet, allowing the candy pieces to stick.
- Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for the smoothest dough consistency
- Don't overmix the cookie dough - mix just until ingredients are combined
- For extra peppermint flavor, use high-quality peppermint extract
- Crush peppermint candies just before sprinkling for maximum crunch
- Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent runny icing
- Store cookies in a single layer to maintain their perfect texture
- For a festive look, use red and white peppermint candies
- If glaze is too thick, add milk by tiny increments
- These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 weeks
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
