Christmas Crinkle Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! Christmas Crinkle Cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple to whip up. With their vibrant colors and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite at family gatherings and festive parties. They bring back warm memories of baking with loved ones and the sweet smell of sugar in the air.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert idea that will impress your guests. Plus, kids love getting involved in the fun of mixing colors and rolling the dough in powdered sugar—it’s truly a joyful experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy preparation: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids will love mixing colors and watching the cookies puff up in the oven!
• Festive appearance: The bright red and green colors make these cookies a stunning addition to any holiday dessert platter.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Delicious flavor: Soft, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying—these cookies are simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple and wholesome, making it easy to bring this festive treat into your kitchen.

• 1 box (13.25 ounces) white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• Wilton red food coloring gel
• Wilton green food coloring gel
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Try different colors: Instead of red and green, why not use blue and yellow? The possibilities are endless!
• Add sprinkles: Fold in some festive sprinkles before rolling them in powdered sugar for an extra crunch.
• Flavor twists: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist on classic flavors.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a chocolatey delight, add mini chocolate chips into the dough for an added surprise!

How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly right from the start. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white cake mix. Stir until everything is well blended. This step is crucial as it creates the base of our delicious cookies!

Step 3: Divide the Dough

Now it’s time to divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion into separate small bowls. This is where we get creative!

Step 4: Add Color

To one bowl, add red food coloring gel; to the other bowl, add green. Start with just a few drops. Mix well until you achieve your desired color intensity. It’s so much fun watching those colors come alive in your dough!

Step 5: Combine Colors

Make sure each color is fully incorporated into its respective dough. You can mix with a spoon or even use your hands if you prefer! Just be sure to wash up afterward.

Step 6: Chill Out

Refrigerate both colored doughs for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to work with and gives you fluffier cookies when baked.

Step 7: Scoop & Roll

Using a medium cookie scoop, measure out portions of dough. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. If they’re too sticky, sprinkle in about a tablespoon of flour until manageable.

Step 8: Bake & Enjoy

Bake those beauties for about 9-11 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different! Let them cool on the sheet for a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Christmas Crinkle Cookies! Perfectly puffy and dusted with sugar, they’ll make any holiday celebration feel even more special. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Making these cookies is a joyful experience, and a few simple tips can help you achieve the perfect festive treat!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your cake mix and baking ingredients. Fresh ingredients can significantly improve the flavor and texture of your cookies.
• Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match food coloring! You can create marbled effects or even add some fun swirls to your cookie dough for a unique twist.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look set but still soft in the center. This helps maintain that delightful chewy texture!
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies

These colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a delight on their own, but with a little creativity, you can turn them into a stunning holiday centerpiece!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add festive holiday sprinkles on top of each cookie right before baking for an extra pop of color and crunch.
• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves on the serving platter can enhance the festive feel and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a cozy experience that everyone will love.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like oranges and cranberries adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese along with crackers for a savory option that complements the sweetness of dessert.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or spiced tea brings out the flavors of the cookies beautifully, making it an inviting option for guests.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to spread some holiday cheer with your delicious Christmas Crinkle Cookies! Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing these delightful treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making your holiday baking stress-free. Here’s how to store and preserve them for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making Christmas Crinkle Cookies.

Can I use different colors for my Christmas Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different food coloring shades. You can create a variety of festive colors that suit your holiday theme!

How do I know when my Christmas Crinkle Cookies are done?

Check your cookies after about 9 minutes. They should look slightly puffed and have cracked tops. If they appear too soft, give them another minute or two, but be careful not to overbake!

Why are my Christmas Crinkle Cookies flat?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or not enough chilling time. Make sure to refrigerate the dough before baking as directed in the recipe!

Can I make these Christmas Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum if needed.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can mix in chocolate chips or sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top before baking for an added touch of fun!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Christmas Crinkle Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring a cheerful pop of color to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they are bound to spread joy. Happy baking—may your kitchen be filled with laughter and sweet aromas this season!