So here we are, down to the last few days before Christmas and you have not baked any cookies yet. Do not fear, because here is a quick and easy way to bake up a dozen or two cookies in fast fashion. Simply use a cake mix and adjust the ingredients added to create a quick cookie dough. Once you have the dough, the possibilities are nearly endless with add-ins and toppings to suit your heart’s desire. What, you think this is cheating? Popping cookies out of a roll onto a baking sheet is cheating (in my opinion!), I simply consider this effort as just being clever and taking advantage of a major time saver. Also, did I mention the results are great?  Well, they are. So with just a cake mix, a couple of eggs, and some butter, you can bake your own cake mix cookies. No one has to know if you don’t tell them!

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch, then set aside. In a large bowl, add the cake mix, butter, eggs, and almond extract. Using a spoon or spatula, mix the cake mix and other ingredients just until smooth. Create 1 1/2 inch balls from the batter using two soup spoons. Roll the dough balls in the powdered sugar mixture. Place the sugar coated balls on a parchment lined baking sheet, with 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 8 – 9 minutes or until edges are set. Cool for 1 – 2 minutes in baking sheet, then remove to a wire rack. Here is where the parchment saves time, simply slip it out of the baking sheet and onto the wire rack. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container to keep the cookies fresh.

Enjoy!