IMPORTANT NOTICE: Some cake mix companies have reduced the amount of mix over the last few years which can negatively affect the cookie results. I’m currently in the process of reworking the recipe to still have good consistency (Ex. more flour or chilled dough). Please note that if you make this recipe with the newer smaller size mixes your cookies will not turn out the same.
If you’re looking for a cookie to get you in the Christmas spirit, these decadent Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Mix Cookies will do the trick! Introduced to me by my Mom, these cookies have been a staple in my family during Christmas time for years.
This recipe is quick and easy to remember, making it ideal during the busy holiday season. Best served chilled, the texture is almost a cross between a cookie, a brownie, and fudge all in one.
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With how straight forward this recipe is, I don’t feel the need to elaborate much on the process! I will say though, if you’re looking for dehydrated marshmallows, there are plenty of options on Amazon. Here is the brand I used.
If you want to experiment with other flavor variations of this recipe, I’ve listed the base ingredients below.
Cake Mix Cookie Base Recipe
1 Block Cream Cheese (8 oz)
1 Stick of Butter (4 oz)
1 Box Cake Mix (15.25 oz)
1 Egg
1/3 Cup Flour
See what I mean by easy? The options to create different combinations of flavors and mix ins are endless!
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Mix Cookies
Festive peppermint, marshmallow, and chocolate come together in these quick and delicious cake mix cookies. The texture is almost a cross between a cookie, a brownie, and fudge all in one, and is best served chilled!
1boxBox Chocolate Cake Mix15.25 oz (Some cake mix companies have reduced their cake mixes to 13.25. Using a smaller cake mix will have a negative impact on the consistency of the cookie)
1Egg
1/3CupFlour
8Crushed Standard Size Candy CanesSet aside 2 for Garnish (Do not use the circle peppermint candies)
3/4CupDehydrated MarshmallowsSet aside 3 TBS for Garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, (or the bowl of an electric mixer), beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add in room temperature butter, and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add egg and beat until fully incorporated.
With mixer on a low speed, add in cake mix and flour and beat until just combined. Scrape down sides as you go to ensure even incorporation.
Add in 6 crushed candy canes, and 2/3 cup of the marshmallows, and mix until just combined.
Using a medium size cookie scoop, scoop out 10 cookies per baking sheet leaving a few inches of space in between.
Use the remaining crushed candy canes and marshmallows for garnish by pressing them on top of the cookies.
Allow dough balls to chill on their trays in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
Bake 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just set.
Immediately after removing from the oven, the cookies will probably be wonky shaped. If you want them to be in perfect circles, take an upside down bowl or cup (or cookie cutter) that is larger than the cookie, place it over the cookie so it’s touching the tray, and swirl it around the cookie to scoot it back into shape.
When trays are cool enough to handle, transfer to fridge to finish chilling. Serve cold. Enjoy!
I’ve found I have to add a pinch with most cookie recipes! I’m not sure if it’s how I mix or my oven or what, but they tend to spread less when I do. Love you too! ♥️
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Yum!! and oh so pretty.
Thank you Theresa! 😊
Great idea to add a little bit of flour! Love you.
I’ve found I have to add a pinch with most cookie recipes! I’m not sure if it’s how I mix or my oven or what, but they tend to spread less when I do. Love you too! ♥️