As I sift through the dazzling array of holiday treats, Christmas Crinkle Cookies always steal my heart. These little gems, bursting with a festive spirit, are so easy to whip up that even the busiest home chef can find time for them. Starting with a simple white cake mix, I’ve turned these cookies into a delightful canvas of red and green hues, topped with a fluffy dusting of powdered sugar that brings to mind freshly fallen snow. Not only are they the perfect quick and easy recipe for your holiday gatherings, but they’ll also have your friends and family clamoring for more. So, ready to add a touch of cheer to your cookie plate? Let’s get baking!
Why Are Christmas Crinkle Cookies a Must-Make?
Festive flair: These cookies bring vibrant red and green colors to your holiday spread, instantly elevating your cookie platter.
Easy to prepare: With just a few ingredients, this quick and easy recipe will have you baking in no time, perfect even for novice bakers!
Gluten-free friendly: Easily swap ingredients for gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
Crowd-pleaser: Their unique look and chewy texture are sure to impress guests at any holiday gathering or cookie exchange.
Make ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for added convenience—perfect for busy holiday weeks!
Christmas Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• White Cake Mix – A 13.25-ounce box creates the essential base and flavor for these delightful cookies.
• Eggs – Vital for moisture and binding—no substitutions recommended!
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth; swap with almond extract for a unique twist.
• Vegetable Oil – Ensures a moist and soft texture; can be replaced with melted coconut oil or butter.
For the Festive Color
• Wilton Red Food Coloring Gel – Provides a vibrant hue that won’t alter dough consistency; gel is preferred for bold colors.
• Wilton Green Food Coloring Gel – Adds additional festive flair—opt for gel to achieve the best results.
For the Sweet Coating
• Powdered Sugar – This iconic snowy topping enhances both sweetness and visual appeal; direct substitutions are not recommended.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with either a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This foundational step ensures your Christmas Crinkle Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped, ready for a delightful holiday treat.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Slowly add the white cake mix and blend until ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth batter. This step is crucial, as it forms the base for your fluffy and chewy cookies, so take a moment to ensure everything is combined evenly.
Step 3: Divide Dough
Once your dough is mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Tint one half with Wilton red food coloring gel and the other half with Wilton green food coloring gel, mixing until the colors are vibrant and well-distributed. This colorful division will create the signature festive look of your Christmas Crinkle Cookies, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Chill Dough
Refrigerate the colored dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies maintain a lovely puffy shape while baking. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels noticeably firmer to the touch.
Step 5: Form Cookies
After chilling, use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each portion into balls and coat them generously in powdered sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates the iconic crinkle texture as the cookies bake, enhancing the festive presentation.
Step 6: Bake
Carefully place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they should look puffy and have cracked surfaces. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a delightful chewy texture for your Christmas Crinkle Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your Christmas Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful chewy texture.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, place the cookies in the fridge where they can last up to a week. Ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and follow baking instructions.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat baked cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, keeping their softness in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can be made ahead of time to streamline your holiday baking! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it after mixing and coloring. To keep the vibrant colors intact and prevent drying out, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop, roll in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet, then bake as directed. By prepping the dough ahead, you’ll save precious time during the busy holiday season while still treating your friends and family to these delightful, chewy cookies!
Expert Tips for Christmas Crinkle Cookies
• Chill Time Matters: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes ensures a puffier texture and defined cracks, crucial for those iconic crinkle cookies.
• Correct Oven Temperature: Always preheat the oven before baking; an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and flat cookies.
• Watch for Overbaking: Ovens may vary, so check your cookies at the 9-minute mark. A slightly soft center will lead to delicious chewiness!
• Powdered Sugar Coating: Roll your cookie balls generously in powdered sugar before baking; this creates a snowy appearance while adding sweetness.
• Gel Food Coloring: When adding color, opt for gel over liquid. Gel provides vibrant hues without altering the cookie dough’s texture.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this festive treat and make it your own, tailoring flavors and textures to delight your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to keep these treats accessible for everyone.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough to offer a delightful crunch that beautifully complements the chewy texture.
- Chocolatey Delight: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white for a deliciously rich and indulgent version, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Citrus Zing: Add a zest of lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing brightness that contrasts with the sweetness. A little citrus can make a world of difference!
- Minty Fresh: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist that will bring the spirit of the holidays to every bite. Just remember to balance the peppermint so it doesn’t overpower!
- Colorful Sprinkles: Mix in some colorful holiday sprinkles before rolling in powdered sugar for an extra festive touch that’s sure to catch the eye.
- Coconut Bliss: Replace half of the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or add shredded coconut for a tropical element that pairs wonderfully with the holiday flavors.
- Spiced Variation: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter to introduce warm spices that will hug your taste buds with comfort. A hint of spice adds depth to the sweet dough!
No matter which variation you choose, these Christmas Crinkle Cookies are sure to spread joy, just like a delicious plate of freshly made holiday cookies! Happy baking!
What to Serve with Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
When the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Crinkle Cookies fills your home, it’s time to think about what pairs beautifully with these festive treats.
- Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich, velvety hot cocoa enhances the sweet flavors of these cookies and adds warmth on chilly winter evenings.
- Festive Spritz Cookies: These buttery, delicate spritz cookies offer a crisp contrast to the chewy texture of crinkle cookies, making for a delightful cookie platter.
- Sparkling Cider: The crisp, bubbly nature of sparkling cider not only refreshes but also complements the sweet notes of the cookies, creating a jubilant holiday atmosphere.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Their earthy, nutty flavor introduces a wonderful texture contrast and brings a seasonal touch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: This rich chocolate and peppermint treat adds a crunchy texture and a minty freshness that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of crinkle cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for an indulgent treat; the creamy coldness enhances the warm cookies’ soft texture. The combination is truly irresistible!
- Warm Apple Cider: Infused with cinnamon and spices, this warm drink creates a cozy pairing, enhancing the festive spirit as you enjoy your cookies.
- Gingerbread Men: The spiced, slightly chewy gingerbread cookies provide a delightful flavor challenge while harmonizing with the festivity that Christmas Crinkle Cookies bring.
- Holiday Fruit Salad: A fresh, colorful fruit salad with a drizzle of honey adds brightness and offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the cookies.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cake mix for my Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using a high-quality white cake mix, preferably around 13.25 ounces. This base provides structure and flavor. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, there are gluten-free cake mixes available that work wonderfully, just ensure you check the package for the appropriate measurements and instructions.
What is the best way to store Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
To maintain their delightful chewy texture, store your Christmas Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their freshness a bit longer, place them in the fridge where they can last for about a week. Just make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze the dough for Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Of course! Freezing the unbaked dough is a great idea for future baking. Simply portion the cookie dough into balls, then place them in airtight freezer bags or containers. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions as normal. It’s a convenient way to have fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is too sticky to handle after mixing, adding an extra tablespoon of flour can help. Mix it in gradually until the dough reaches a firmer consistency that’s easier to roll into balls. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes (as indicated in the recipe) should also make it less sticky and easier to work with.
Are Christmas Crinkle Cookies safe for people with allergies?
It’s essential to consider allergies when baking! These cookies contain eggs and wheat, so they’re not suitable for those with egg or gluten allergies. For those seeking alternatives, you can use gluten-free cake mixes and egg replacers, such as flaxseed meal or applesauce, to accommodate dietary restrictions. However, always check ingredient labels, especially with packaged cake mixes, to ensure they meet your needs!
Delicious Christmas Crinkle Cookies for Festive Munching
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Slowly add the white cake mix and blend until smooth.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Tint one half with red food coloring gel and the other half with green food coloring gel.
- Refrigerate the colored dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar before placing on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until puffy and cracked. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
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