Cake Mix Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful shortcut to classic holiday baking. Made with a box of spice cake mix and a few simple add-ins, these cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and perfect for decorating with icing and festive candies. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or leaving treats for Santa, these cheerful gingerbread men are guaranteed to spread seasonal joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer all the cozy flavor of traditional gingerbread with a fraction of the effort. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Uses cake mix for a quick and consistent dough.
Infused with classic holiday spices and rich molasses.
No stand mixer or special equipment required.
Perfect for decorating with the whole family.
Great for gifting, cookie platters, or classroom parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

spice cake mix (15.25 oz box)
molasses
melted butter
large eggs
ground ginger
cinnamon
nutmeg
holiday icing (red, white, green)
assorted candies (M&Ms, candy eyes, sprinkles)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, molasses, melted butter, eggs, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and cut.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, decorate the cookies with colored icing and festive candies—create buttons, eyes, and happy holiday smiles.
Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 170 kcal

Variations

Add orange zest: For a citrusy twist, mix in 1 tsp of orange zest to the dough.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free spice cake mix for a celiac-friendly treat.
Make sandwich cookies: Fill with marshmallow cream or white chocolate ganache for a fun twist.
Use different shapes: Try stars, trees, or snowflakes for variety.
Maple glaze finish: Drizzle with maple icing instead of decorating with candies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw completely and decorate as desired.

Reheating: Not necessary—these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other cake mix flavors?

Spice cake mix gives the best gingerbread flavor, but yellow or vanilla mix with added spices can work in a pinch.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape when baked.

What type of molasses should I use?

Use regular or mild molasses—avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter for cookies.

Can kids help with decorating?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for family decorating sessions.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll to about 1/4 inch. Thicker dough yields softer cookies.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

No, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and chill the dough in two batches if necessary.

What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?

Lay them flat in a container with parchment between layers to prevent smudging.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. Bake them a day in advance and decorate the next day.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These are soft and slightly chewy with a tender center—perfect for all ages.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Gingerbread Cookies are a festive, flavorful, and fun way to celebrate the holidays without spending hours in the kitchen. With their soft texture, warm spices, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are a joy to bake and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie swap, baking with little ones, or simply embracing holiday traditions, these cookies are a sweet success every time.

Cake Mix Gingerbread Cookies

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Skip the stress and embrace the holiday fun with these Cake Mix Gingerbread Cookies! Made with a spice cake mix, molasses, and cozy spices, these soft, cheerful cookies are perfect for decorating with kids, cookie exchanges, or Santa’s special snack on Christmas Eve. No mixer required—just fun and festive flavor!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, molasses, melted butter, eggs, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes.
On a floured surface, roll dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
Cut out gingerbread men using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, decorate cookies with holiday-colored icing, candies, and sprinkles.
Let icing set before serving or packaging.

Notes

Use different shaped cutters (trees, stars, snowflakes) for variety.
These cookies are soft and cake-like—store in an airtight container to maintain texture.
Great for holiday gift bags, classroom treats, or as a decorating party activity.

Nutrition

Calories: 170 kcal per cookie