Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holidays with these festive red and green crinkle cookies! Soft, chewy, and coated in powdered sugar, they bring a burst of color and flavor to any cookie tray. Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the season.
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 gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Step 2: Split the dough into two equal portions. In separate bowls, add red gel food coloring to one portion and green gel food coloring to the other. Mix well until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Cover both bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Step 5: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Step 6: Arrange the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are crinkled and set around the edges. Be careful not to overbake; the centers should remain soft.
- Step 8: Let the cookies rest for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra depth of flavor.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, rich colors without altering the dough texture.
- For easier handling, chill the dough longer if it feels too soft to roll.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, but white cake mix works best for bright colors and a neutral flavor. Yellow or vanilla mixes will work similarly, though the cookie color may be less vibrant.
Why are the cookies cracked on top?
The cracks form as the dough spreads and expands in the oven, creating the signature crinkle effect. Powdered sugar helps highlight these cracks and adds a sweet, delicate coating.
Print
Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies! Made from a simple white cake mix base and tinted with vibrant red and green gel food coloring, these soft, powdered sugar-coated cookies are perfect for adding a pop of color and cheer to your seasonal cookie platter. With a tender, moist interior and a delicately crackled surface, they’re easy to make yet impressive to serve.
Ingredients
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
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- White chocolate chips (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir well until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Divide and color the dough: Split the dough evenly into two separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and green gel food coloring to the other. Mix each thoroughly until the colors are vibrant and fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough: Cover both bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into a ball. Generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This coating will give the cookies their signature crinkled surface and a sweet finish.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies have formed crinkles and are set around the edges but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For more flavor complexity, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough before coloring it.
- Mix in white chocolate chips to the dough before shaping for an added sweet surprise inside each cookie.
- Ensure not to overbake the cookies to keep the centers soft and chewy.
- Keep dough chilled until ready to bake to prevent spreading.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, red and green cookies, festive cookies, cake mix cookies, easy Christmas cookies
