The moment I pulled my fresh batch of Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies from the oven, my kitchen was transformed into a holiday wonderland. These delightful cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds; their vibrant colors and charming crackle make them a show-stopping addition to any festive gathering. With the ease of a simple white cake mix base, making these Christmas Crinkle Cookies is a joyful experience for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, they’re a surefire way to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen! Their soft, chewy texture and festive appearance will have everyone reaching for just one more—after all, who can resist a cookie that looks like the season itself? So, are you ready to bake some holiday magic into your life?
Why Are These Crinkle Cookies a Must-Bake?
Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple these Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are to prepare, making them perfect even for beginner bakers.
Vibrant Colors: The bright red and green hues bring a joyful pop to your holiday table, making them visually appealing and festive!
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents can’t resist these chewy, sugary treats, which will surely be the highlight of your holiday gatherings.
Versatile Fun: Mix up the cookie flavors with different cake mixes or colors, adapting these delights for any occasion, from Christmas to summer picnics!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance and freeze the dough—this way, you can whip up fresh cookies anytime while saving time during the busy holiday season!
Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready for vibrant holiday baking!
For the Cookie Base
- White Cake Mix – Provides a delicious foundation; feel free to swap with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a subtle flavor twist.
- Large Eggs – Create a soft, chewy texture; if you’re looking for an egg-free option, substitute with a flax mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and richness; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
For the Coating and Color
- Powdered Sugar – Dust these gems to add sweetness and achieve that delightful crackled look.
- Red and Green Gel Food Coloring – Infuses festive colors; natural alternatives like beet juice for red and spinach powder for green can be great substitutes.
With these ingredients at hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of joy-filled Red and Green Crinkle Cookies that will brighten up any holiday celebration!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a sturdy spatula or mixer to blend the ingredients until a smooth dough forms, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is thick and doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal halves. In one half, add red gel food coloring, and in the other, add green. Mix each portion thoroughly until the colors are bright and even, about 1-2 minutes for each. The vibrant hues will ensure your Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are visually delightful.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover both bowls of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to firm up the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels firmer and less sticky to the touch.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This preparation will ensure that your Red and Green Crinkle Cookies have a perfect baking environment when you’re ready to pop them in.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the chilled dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated, giving your cookies the classic crinkled look. The white sugar will help create that signature festive crackle during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to set while the centers remain soft. You want them crinkled and just barely golden for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow your freshly baked Red and Green Crinkle Cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Once slightly firm, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to achieve the ideal chewy texture that everyone will love during your holiday festivities.
What to Serve with Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
There’s something truly special about complementing these vibrant cookies with delicious side dishes and drinks that elevate your holiday gathering.
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Hot Chocolate Bar: A rich, velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and sprinkles makes for a cozy pairing, enhancing the festive vibes. Imagine the joy of guests customizing their drinks with flavored syrups and marshmallows!
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, creamy and spiced, perfectly balances the sweetness of your crinkle cookies. Its rich flavor provides an indulgent experience that warms the heart and soul.
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Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is an all-time favorite! Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy nature of the cookies, making for a nostalgic combination everyone will love.
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Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit medley of strawberries, apples, and grapes adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of your cookies. The juicy bites bring brightness and balance, making your dessert table even more appealing.
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Holiday Cheeseboard: Including a selection of cheese, crackers, and nuts provides savory elements that beautifully offset the cookies’ sweetness. The variety of textures and flavors makes for an impressive spread.
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Christmas Cake: A classic fruitcake or a light sponge cake can make for a festive dessert table addition. The richness of cake complements the cookies, creating a delightful ensemble that guests will adore.
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Coffee: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee can be the perfect end to your holiday meal. Its bold flavors enhance the sweetness of the cookies while offering a comforting touch during festive gatherings.
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Ice Cream: Topped with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream, these cookies become an unforgettable dessert experience. The cold creaminess contrasts wonderfully with the chewy cookie texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply color and shape the cookie balls, then roll them in powdered sugar. Afterward, arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you’d like to prep even further ahead, freeze the formed dough balls for up to a month—just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This way, your cookies will still be just as delicious, giving you festive treats with minimal effort when it’s time to serve!
Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists and substitutions on your festive cookies to make them uniquely yours!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a rich flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
- Egg-Free: Use a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs for a delightful vegan alternative.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Substitute the white cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a decadent flavor while maintaining that iconic crackled look.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the chewy cookies.
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries into the dough for a fruity surprise that adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Colors: Experiment with pastel colors like lavender and yellow for spring celebrations, using natural colorants to keep it vibrant yet festive.
- Minty Fresh: Blend in a teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a refreshing twist—perfect for the holiday season!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a warm, spicy twist that will surprise your taste buds and keep things interesting.
Looking for more creative ideas? Don’t forget to check out our other recipes for chocolate crinkle cookies or explore how to make delicious gingerbread treats to add to your holiday baking lineup!
Storage Tips for Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh, place a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.
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Fridge: If you prefer keeping them chilled, these cookies can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure they are in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: Freeze cookie dough before baking for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh whenever you crave Red and Green Crinkle Cookies.
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Reheating: If you have leftover baked cookies, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture before serving!
Expert Tips for Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and ensures a chewy center, key for perfect Red and Green Crinkle Cookies.
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Don’t Overbake: Watch the timer! Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set at the edges but still soft in the center. This preserves the delightful chewiness.
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Use Quality Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring for vibrant results. Liquid dyes can yield pale cookies, so invest in good-quality gel for the best outcome.
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Coat Properly: Roll the dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re completely coated before baking. This helps achieve the signature crackled appearance.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in white chocolate chips or a splash of vanilla extract to add depth to your cookies. This personalization can elevate your Red and Green Crinkle Cookies!
Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
Can I use any cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While the white cake mix is the base for these Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies, you can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix. Just keep in mind that the color might not be as vibrant; the flavors will still be delightful!
How should I store leftover crinkle cookies?
Store your baked Red and Green Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh and moist, pop a slice of bread inside the container—trust me, it works wonders in maintaining soft cookies!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! After coloring your dough, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, roll in powdered sugar, and bake!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that your dough is sticking to your hands or the bowl, don’t worry! This can occasionally happen, especially if it hasn’t chilled enough. Simply dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar or flour while shaping the cookies. Additionally, refrigerating the dough for a bit longer can help firm it up.
Are these cookies suitable for people with egg allergies?
Yes! You can easily make these cookies egg-free by substituting the large eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like. This will help bind the ingredients just like eggs do!
How do I know when to take the cookies out of the oven?
Look for that beautiful crinkle! Your Red and Green Crinkle Cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the centers when you remove them from the oven, usually around the 9-11 minute mark. If they’re crinkled and just barely golden, you’ve got a winner!
Delightful Red and Green Crinkle Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- Cookie Scoop
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- refrigerator
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 box White Cake Mix Can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 2 large Eggs Or substitute with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Can replace with melted coconut oil
For the Coating and Color
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar For dusting
- 1 tbsp Red Gel Food Coloring Or natural alternatives like beet juice
- 1 tbsp Green Gel Food Coloring Or natural alternatives like spinach powder
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil until a smooth dough forms, about 2-3 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two halves. In one half, mix in red gel food coloring; in the other, mix in green. Ensure colors are bright and even.
- Cover bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and then roll in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.