why make this recipe
This festive, easy-to-make cookie brings bright holiday colors and tender, cakey texture to any cookie plate. Using a box white cake mix keeps the dough forgiving and fast, so you can make large batches for parties, school events, or last-minute hostess gifts. If you enjoy classic seasonal shapes and flavors, you might also like a spiced option like this holiday gingerbread cookie recipe for a complementary platter.
introduction
Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) are soft, slightly chewy cookies with a crinkled powdered-sugar coating and jewel-bright colors. They’re simple enough for bakers of any level: the base is a white cake mix combined with eggs and oil, split into two doughs and tinted for classic holiday impact.
how to make Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)
These cookies are made from a quick cake-mix dough, chilled briefly, rolled in powdered sugar, and baked until crinkled at the surface but still soft inside. The steps below will walk you through forming and baking the cookies so they come out consistently pretty and tender.
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
Directions :
- 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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop 1 tbsp portions and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are crinkled and set around the edges. Do not overbake – centers should remain soft.
- Let cookies rest for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Optional Add-ins: fold in a few chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, or a hint of almond extract to vary flavor.
how to serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)
Serve these cookies at room temperature on a festive platter, layered with parchment between stacks to protect the powdered sugar coating. They’re excellent alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. For a decorative touch, arrange alternating red and green cookies in a circle or stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts.
how to store Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)
- Use gel food coloring for brighter colors without thinning the dough.
- Chill the dough well — it keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain the crinkled appearance.
- Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating; it creates the signature crinkle look and adds a sweet contrast to the colored dough.
- Measure dough portions with a small cookie scoop (1 tbsp) for uniform cookies and even baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time—cookies should be set at the edges but still soft in the centers when you remove them.
variation (if any)
- Chocolate Crinkle Twist: Stir 2 tbsp cocoa powder into each dough for a faint chocolate flavor while maintaining color.
- Peppermint Kiss: Press a small peppermint candy or chocolate kiss into the center immediately after baking for a festive finish.
- Sprinkle Swirl: Before baking, lightly press festive sprinkles into the tops (not too many, or they’ll burn).
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without food coloring?
A: Yes — omit the gel and you’ll have snowy-white crinkle cookies instead of red and green ones.
Q: Can I substitute oil with melted butter?
A: Yes, melted butter can be used for richer flavor, though texture may be slightly denser.
Q: Will these spread a lot while baking?
A: Chilling the dough and using a 1-tablespoon scoop helps prevent excessive spreading.
Conclusion
For a tried-and-true recipe and extra photos to guide you, refer to the original inspiration at original Christmas Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)
Ingredients
Method
- 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 and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop 1 tbsp portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until cookies are crinkled and set around the edges; do not overbake – centers should remain soft.
- Let cookies rest for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
