Crinkle Cookies Recipe

There’s something about crinkle cookies that screams holiday spirit. Maybe it’s the soft, chewy texture hidden beneath the crinkly, powdered sugar-dusted exterior, or maybe it’s the burst of color that makes them so fun. Either way, these crinkle cookies are always a hit—especially when you use vibrant red and green food coloring to really capture the festive vibe. Not only are they super easy to make, but they also bring a pop of color to any cookie platter, making them a favorite for holiday parties and family gatherings.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, but essential

This recipe only has a few ingredients, but each plays a key role in making these cookies both delicious and easy to bake.

• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (about 80 ml)
• Red food coloring gel
• Green food coloring gel
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (about 40g)

These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, making this recipe accessible and quick to prepare. You can substitute gel food coloring with natural options if you prefer, though the gel gives the most vibrant color.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Mixing bowls (one large and two small)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (or tablespoon)
• Cooling rack

Having the right equipment makes the preparation smoother and helps ensure your cookies bake evenly.

How to Prepare the Crinkle Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a smooth dough. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer for faster results.

3. Divide the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two equal portions, placing each in a small bowl.

Adding Festive Colors

Now comes the fun part! Adding the iconic red and green colors gives these cookies their festive holiday look.

4. Add Red Food Coloring

In one small bowl, add red food coloring to the dough. Start with a few drops and mix well until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the color intensity as desired by adding more coloring.

5. Add Green Food Coloring

In the other bowl, repeat the process with green food coloring.

Tip: Gel food coloring is preferred because it gives a vibrant color without altering the consistency of the dough.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Consistency

6. Chill the Dough

After adding the food coloring, place both bowls of dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

If your dough is still too sticky after refrigerating, you can add a tablespoon of flour to each portion and mix it in.

Rolling the Dough Balls in Powdered Sugar

This step is crucial for getting that classic crinkle cookie look.

7. Scoop the Dough

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to measure out even portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball.

8. Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This powdered sugar layer is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle texture as they bake.

Tip: Be sure to coat the dough balls right before baking to ensure the powdered sugar stays thick and doesn’t dissolve.

Baking the Crinkle Cookies

9. Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Bake at 375°F for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and developed their crinkly tops.

10. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking apart while still hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky to work with, it’s likely that it wasn’t chilled long enough. Adding a tablespoon of flour can also help firm it up.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies after 9 minutes. You want them to be soft and just baked through. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie instead of a soft, crinkly texture.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Crinkle Cookies

These crinkle cookies look stunning on a festive platter, surrounded by other holiday treats. I love piling them up on a simple white plate to let the colors pop. For a little extra flair, you can dust them with more powdered sugar right before serving—it makes them look like they’ve been kissed by snow. If you’re hosting a holiday party, arrange them alongside a few bowls of candy canes and chocolate truffles for a sweet, eye-catching display.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Crinkle Cookie Variations

While this recipe focuses on red and green colors, you can easily switch it up for other occasions or preferences. Try these ideas:

• Different colors: Swap the red and green for blue and white, or another festive color combination for other holidays or special events.
• Add flavor: Mix in a little peppermint extract for a wintery flavor, or try adding lemon zest for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate crinkle: For chocolate lovers, you can use chocolate cake mix instead of white for rich, fudgy cookies with the same crinkle effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly.

Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky to roll?

Chill the dough for longer or add a tablespoon of flour to each batch. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to handle.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just freeze them after rolling them in powdered sugar, and then bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready (just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time).

Conclusion

These Crinkle Cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season! With their festive colors and soft, fluffy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a fun and easy holiday treat, this recipe is perfect. Try it out and let us know how it goes!

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