Chocolate Candy Cane Cake Mix Cookies
If there’s one flavor combination that immediately feels like Christmas, it’s chocolate and peppermint. These chocolate candy cane cake mix cookies are one of those recipes that fit every box for chocolate peppermint lovers.
This is one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” desserts, and the best part? It starts with a box of chocolate cake mix. Which means less measuring, fewer dishes, and more time to actually enjoy the season.
If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that feels special without requiring a full afternoon in the kitchen, this is it.
Chocolate Peppermint Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1/3 cup neutral oil vegetable or avocado
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Peppermint Icing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to taste
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings
- Crushed candy canes
- Holiday sprinkles
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
For the cookies:
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Dough should be soft but scoopable and hold its shape. If sticky, chill 10 minutes.
- Scoop and shape
- Using a standard cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons), scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
- Press the centers
- Use the bottom of a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon or the end of a wooden spoon to press a shallow well into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft.
- If centers puff up, gently re-press while cookies are still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
For the peppermint icing:
- In a medium bowl, beat butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, cream, peppermint extract, and salt.
- Beat until thick, smooth, and pipeable. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
Assemble:
- Pipe or spoon peppermint icing into the center of each cooled cookie.
- Finish with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings if desired.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies check all the holiday baking boxes:
- Made with chocolate cake mix for an easy base
- Soft, fudgy centers with a rich chocolate flavor
- Topped with a creamy peppermint icing
- Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and gifting
- Easy enough for beginners (or baking with kids)
They’re also mini, which somehow makes them more fun!
everything I used:
The Peppermint Icing (The Best Part)
The peppermint icing is what takes these cookies from good to holiday-level good. It adds just enough minty freshness to balance the chocolate without being overpowering.
A few tips:
- Start with a small amount of peppermint extract, it goes a long way
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing
- A simple spoon or piping bag works perfectly for topping them
If you want to make them extra festive, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces on top while the icing is still soft.
Easy Ways to Customize This Recipe
Once you’ve made these once, they’re easy to tweak:
- Swap peppermint icing for vanilla if you want a milder flavor
- Add chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness
- Use white chocolate drizzle instead of icing
- Top with holiday sprinkles for a fun, festive look
It’s a great base recipe to adapt depending on who you’re baking for.
These chocolate candy cane cake mix cookies are proof that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. They’re festive, crowd-pleasing, and easy enough to make even on the busiest December days.
If you’re building a collection of go-to Christmas cookie recipes, this one definitely deserves a spot.
Do you love chocolate and peppermint as much as I do? Let me know!
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