Name: Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Ingredients: 13.25 ounces white cake mix (boxed); 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter/coconut oil); 1 teaspoon red food coloring gel; 1 teaspoon green food coloring gel; 1 cup powdered sugar

“Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a festive wonderland? My Christmas Crinkle Cookies are just the thing to bring joy to your holiday baking! With vibrant red and green hues cloaked in a snowy sugar coating, these easy-to-make treats are sure to add a pop of color to your dessert table. Made from a simple boxed cake mix, they come together in a flash, perfect for those who crave homemade goodness but need a shortcut. Plus, their soft, chewy texture means they’re bound to be a hit at every gathering. Have you ever wondered how a few simple ingredients can create such festive magic? Let’s dive into the delicious details!”

Why are Christmas Crinkle Cookies a must-try?

Easy to Make: With a simple boxed cake mix as the foundation, these cookies come together quickly, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Vibrant Colors: The festive red and green hues not only look appealing but also add to the holiday spirit, making them a great addition to your festive baking.

Deliciously Chewy: Expect a delightful texture that’s soft and chewy, giving you a melt-in-your-mouth experience akin to soft Christmas meringues.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up the color palette or add chocolate chips for added richness. You’ll find plenty of inspiration here to try different flavors, similar to my Maraschino Cherry Cookies or Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or bringing treats to a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike!

Christmas Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

• • Here’s what you need to create these festive delights!

For the Cookie Base

White cake mix – A 13.25-ounce box ensures your cookies are fluffy and moist.
Eggs – Provide binding and structure; flax eggs work well for a vegan substitute.
Vanilla extract – A splash of this adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Vegetable oil – Keeps your cookies moist; melted butter or coconut oil can be a tasty alternative.

For the Festive Color

Red food coloring gel – Use this to achieve vibrant red cookies without changing the dough’s liquid balance.
Green food coloring gel – The perfect counterpart to red; mix to your desired shade for a holiday pop.

For the Signature Coating

Powdered sugar – This is essential for that delightful snowy exterior; it gives your Christmas Crinkle Cookies their hallmark appearance.

Now, gather these ingredients and get ready to bake some holiday cheer!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This simple preparation sets the stage for your Christmas Crinkle Cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and come out beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract with the white cake mix until the mixture is fully blended and smooth. You’ll want the dough to have a thick consistency, and the aroma of vanilla should be inviting. This base is the heart of your festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies.

Step 3: Divide and Tint the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, divide it evenly into two separate bowls. Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green food coloring gel to the other, mixing until you achieve your desired vibrant shades. This step not only brings festive color to your cookies but also allows for creative variations in your Christmas Crinkle Cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover both bowls of colored dough with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period enhances the texture and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. When you remove the dough, it will be firmer and easier to scoop, leading to that coveted crinkly effect.

Step 5: Portion and Coat the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, form balls of chilled dough and roll them generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step gives your Christmas Crinkle Cookies their signature snowy look. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. You’ll see the characteristic crinkles forming on the surface. Remove them from the oven once they are lightly golden, and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Cool and Store
After letting the cookies cool for a few minutes, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step allows them to firm up slightly while maintaining that delicious chewy center. Once cooled, store your delightful Christmas Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or share them with family and friends for the holidays!

Christmas Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own by experimenting with flavors and colors that excite your senses!

Color Swaps: Try shades of blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme instead of traditional red and green.
Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the dough for added richness and a delightful bite.
Flavored Extracts: Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract to give your cookies a unique twist, aligning with the festive season’s spirit.
Nutty Surprise: Stir in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture.
Spiced Variation: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of gingerbread.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep things buttery while being mindful of dietary restrictions.
Fruit Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the mix for a pop of citrus that brightens the cookies, adding a refreshing flavor burst.
Coconut Delight: Roll the dough balls in unsweetened shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar for an exotic twist that enhances texture and flavor.

With these suggestions, your Christmas Crinkle Cookies can be as unique as your holiday celebrations! If you love the festive spirit, you might also enjoy my Hot Chocolate Cookies, or perhaps you’d like to try the delightful Butter Marshmallow Cookies for a gooey treat this season. Enjoy creating!

Expert Tips for Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect crinkled appearance. It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, so don’t skip this step!
Use Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain the right dough consistency while achieving vibrant hues. A little goes a long way!
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your Christmas Crinkle Cookies and bake them just until edges are set. This ensures a soft, chewy center.
Avoid Stickiness: If your dough feels sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour to improve its texture and workability. This keeps your cookies perfectly formed!
Coat Generously: When rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar, be generous! A good coating not only looks festive but also adds delightful sweetness to each bite.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful chewiness and snowy appearance.

Fridge: For extended freshness, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a labeled airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating: If you’ve frozen the cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste. Enjoy the festive magic again!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy holiday cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it as directed, then dividing and tinting the dough. After chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, use plastic wrap to cover the bowls and simply store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop, coat in powdered sugar, and pop them in the oven. They’ll come out just as delicious and all crinkled up as if made fresh that day. Enjoy the benefits of a festive treat without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Christmas Crinkle Cookies

There’s nothing quite like elevating your holiday dessert experience with delightful pairings that bring joy to your festive gatherings.

Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy, a cup of hot cocoa perfectly complements the sweet, chewy cookies for a cozy treat. The warmth of the cocoa enhances the festive spirit.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a luscious touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to your dessert table.
Eggnog: This classic holiday drink brings a creamy, spiced richness that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of Christmas Crinkle Cookies. It’s a festive match made in heaven!
Peppermint Bark: The crunchy, minty flavors of peppermint bark create an exciting contrast to the chewy cookies, providing a delightful burst of flavor and color.
Decorative Jars: Gift your cookies in festive jars along with a ribbon. It’s a charming way to share your baking love and make sweet memories with family and friends.
Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of fresh fruits, like strawberries and kiwis, adds a refreshing touch to balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast on your dessert table.
Milk: A glass of cold milk is the classic partner to cookies, enhancing the experience of every bite. It’s a nostalgic choice that brings back memories of childhood holiday treats.

With these pairings, your celebration will be filled with warmth, cheer, and delicious flavors that everyone will adore!

Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, always opt for a high-quality white cake mix, as it significantly affects the cookie’s texture. Look for a mix that has a short ingredient list for the best results. For the eggs, fresh ones work best for binding, and if you’re going vegan, choose flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

How should I store Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Very! To keep your Christmas Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks, but be sure to let them return to room temperature before enjoying. This helps maintain their chewy texture and festive flavor!

Can I freeze Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option for these cookies. Allow them to cool completely after baking, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, labeling it with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

What do I do if my dough feels too sticky?
No worries if you encounter sticky dough! Gradually add a tablespoon of flour to your mixture until the dough reaches a workable consistency. Additionally, chilling the dough not only enhances texture but also helps with stickiness, so make sure you allow for that chilling time. Remember, each kitchen environment can vary, and adjusting the flour can make all the difference!

Are there any dietary considerations with Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re accommodating allergies, it’s important to be aware that these cookies contain eggs, which can be a common allergen. For vegan options, substitute eggs with flax eggs. Also, if baking for young children or pets, be cautious with the sugar dusting as too much sugar isn’t ideal for them. Always double-check the ingredients on your cake mix to ensure it meets dietary needs, as they can vary by brand.