Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a festive look with a simple recipe. Using a box of cake mix makes the process quick and easy, while the gel food coloring allows for vibrant holiday colors. The result is a cookie that is soft on the inside and crinkly on the outside perfect for sharing and enjoying.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These cookies not only taste great, but they also add a cheerful splash of red and green to your holiday festivities. They are fun to make, especially if you’re baking with kids or friends. Plus, they don’t require any complicated ingredients, making them accessible for bakers of all levels.
How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Red and green gel food coloring
Equipments Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Split the dough into two equal portions.
- In separate bowls, color one batch red and the other green with gel food coloring.
- Mix well until colors are vibrant and even.
- Cover bowls with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are crinkled and set around the edges, but the centers should remain soft.
- Let cookies rest for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Optional Add-Ins
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to add even more flavor to your cookies.
How to Serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Serve these festive cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a treat for family and friends.
How to Store Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to three months.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to use gel food coloring for the best color results.
- Don’t overmix the dough; this helps create the crinkly texture.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to ensure they stay soft in the center.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try using different colors for the food coloring to suit any occasion.
- Substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or butter for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
2. How long do the cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies will last up to a week at room temperature.
3. Can I freeze Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Festive cookies with a soft inside and crinkly outside, easy to make with cake mix.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Split the dough into two equal portions.
- In separate bowls, color one batch red and the other green with gel food coloring.
- Mix well until colors are vibrant and even.
- Cover bowls with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are crinkled and set around the edges, but the centers should remain soft.
- Let cookies rest for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
These cookies can be made gluten-free using a gluten-free cake mix. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg