preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. in a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix,eggs, oil, vanilla extract and fold just until the dough comes together, then stir in the sprinkles. scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place on the baking sheet. bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
beat the butter until smooth, then add the cream cheese and mix until fully combined. add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low until thick and pipeable. mix in the vanilla, salt. if it's too thick, add a splash of milk or cream. pipe or spread onto cooled cookies and top with sprinkles immediately.
... Read moreThese sugar cookies are a delightful twist on traditional recipes, using yellow cake mix as a convenient base that ensures a tender texture. Baking them at 340°F (170°C) for just 10-12 minutes creates cookies with lightly golden edges and a slightly underbaked center that stays soft and chewy.
The addition of Christmas sprinkles not only adds a festive look but also a slight crunch, making them visually appealing and perfect for holiday treats. The cream cheese frosting is made by beating softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth, then gradually adding sifted powdered sugar to reach a thick, pipeable consistency. A touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt enhance the flavor balance, making the frosting irresistibly rich but not overly sweet.
For best results, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting. If the frosting feels too thick, adding a splash of milk or cream helps achieve the perfect consistency for spreading or piping. Applying the frosting immediately on cooled cookies prevents melting and keeps the sprinkles intact.
This recipe is a great option for holiday baking because it combines convenience with festive flair, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. You can customize the sprinkles according to themes or occasions, and the gentle vanilla flavor complements a wide array of decorations and toppings.
Additionally, these sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting hold up well when stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of parties. Whether you’re baking with family or bringing treats to gatherings, this recipe offers a delicious, visually attractive, and simple sugar cookie option that embodies the spirit of holiday baking.