Festive Red and Green Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Crinkle Cookies bring festive cheer with their vibrant red and green colors and classic crackled appearance. Made from a simple cake mix base, they turn out soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting.

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Red and green gel food coloring
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until you form a smooth, thick dough.
2. Step 2: Split the dough into two equal portions. In separate bowls, add red gel food coloring to one and green to the other. Mix well until the colors are vibrant and even.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
5. Step 5: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into balls. Roll every ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
6. Step 6: Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are crackled and set around the edges, but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking.
8. Step 8: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor depth.
• Mix in white chocolate chips before chilling for added sweetness.
• Use gel food coloring to achieve vivid, festive colors without thinning the dough.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough; it makes rolling easier and enhances texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh slightly, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. These cookies also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can use other white or yellow cake mixes. However, avoid flavored or colored mixes to maintain the classic cookie texture and vibrant holiday colors.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Make sure not to overbake; the centers should remain soft and slightly under-set when taken out of the oven. Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes also helps retain softness.

Festive Red and Green Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 447 reviews

These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are festive, colorful, and incredibly soft treats made with a simple cake mix base. Coated in powdered sugar to achieve the classic crackled top, they are perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or baking with kids. With vibrant red and green colors, these cookies bring holiday cheer to any occasion.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Red gel food coloring
• Green gel food coloring

Coating

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, thick dough is formed.
2. Divide and color dough: Split the dough into two equal portions and place each into separate small bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and green gel food coloring to the other. Mix each well until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
3. Chill the dough: Cover both bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
4. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
5. Shape cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated to achieve the signature crinkle effect.
6. Arrange and bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the cookies are crinkled and set around the edges. Be careful not to overbake as the centers should remain soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Optional: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor depth.
• Optional: Mix in white chocolate chips to the dough for added sweetness and texture.
• Do not overbake to maintain the soft center texture.
• Ensure even coating of powdered sugar to get the classic crackled appearance.

Keywords: Christmas Crinkle Cookies, Crinkle Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Festive Cookies, Cake Mix Cookies