Christmas is a time filled with joy, laughter, and delectable treats, and nothing encapsulates this festive spirit quite like Christmas Crinkle Cookies. These delightful cookies, with their beautiful crinkled tops and vibrant colors, are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The combination of a soft, chewy center and the sweet dusting of powdered sugar creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave your friends and family reaching for seconds. Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday festivities, these cookies are both simple to make and a true crowd-pleaser.
One of the standout features of Christmas Crinkle Cookies is their versatility. You can easily customize their color to match your holiday theme, whether you choose classic red and green or opt for a snowy white aesthetic. They’re a great way to get the kids involved in the holiday baking spirit, too! With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also affordable, making it ideal for those who love to bake without breaking the bank. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these festive treats!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crinkle Cookies
These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a holiday favorite for many reasons:
- Visually Appealing: Their distinct crinkle design and vibrant colors will make them a gorgeous addition to any holiday table.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time, making this recipe ideal for any skill level.
- Customizable: You can tailor the colors and flavors to fit your festive needs.
- Perfect for Sharing: They make great gifts for friends, family, and coworkers during the holiday season.
- Chewy Texture: With a soft center that pairs beautifully with the sweet powdered sugar, each bite is a delightful experience.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making these delightful cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and clutter-free, allowing for smooth cookie-making. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Baking Sheet: A standard-sized baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
– Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium bowl for mixing your cookie dough, and a smaller bowl for rolling the cookies in powdered sugar.
– Mixing Utensils: A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon will help blend your ingredients seamlessly.
– Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial, so have your measuring cups ready, especially for the oil and cake mix.
With these tools in place, you’ll be well-equipped to create delicious Christmas Crinkle Cookies!
Ingredients
- 436 g white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t worry—simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour and knead the dough until it reaches the ideal consistency.
Step 2: Color the Dough
Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal halves. Using your preferred food coloring—red and green—apply a few drops to each dough ball and knead until you achieve the desired vibrant colors. This not only enhances the cookie’s appearance but adds a fun twist to the baking process!
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap each colored dough ball in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the dough for approximately 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As your oven heats, prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and make cleanup much easier.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls using your palms. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. This sugar coating will create that lovely crinkle effect during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly underbaked to maintain their chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful Christmas Crinkle Cookies with friends and family during the festive season!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for a bit of crunch in the soft cookies.
- Vegetables: For a festive twist, incorporate finely grated zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutrition.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of your cookies, making them even more reminiscent of the holiday season.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough, as this step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
- If the dough continues to be too sticky after adding flour, consider refrigerating it for a bit longer.
- Experiment with different food color combinations to create a rainbow of cookies for your holiday gatherings.
- For best results, do not overbake; remove the cookies when they are still soft in the center.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a nostalgic holiday treat.
- Consider packaging them in decorative tins as gifts for neighbors, friends, or family.
Tips
- Use fresh eggs for better texture and flavor in your cookies.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to retain their freshness.
- If making multiple batches, consider varying colors for a vibrant dessert display.
- Don’t be afraid to sprinkle some festive decorations on top after rolling them in powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday spirit!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While white cake mix is traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as chocolate or yellow cake mix for a unique twist.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and baking.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any unused cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Can I add icing or frosting on top?
Of course! Drizzling a simple icing or adding a light layer of cream cheese frosting can elevate the flavor and add a rich touch to your cookies.
Conclusion
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their holiday celebrations. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavors make them the perfect addition to any dessert table, whether for family gatherings or as gifts to loved ones. With vibrant colors and a soft, chewy texture, they truly embody the joy of the season. We encourage you to try out this recipe and experiment with your unique touches. Don’t forget to share your version with us in the comments below. Your holiday baking will be all the more joyful with these delightful cookies!
Print
Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a festive delight perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 436 g white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t worry—simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour and knead the dough until it reaches the ideal consistency.
- Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal halves. Using your preferred food coloring—red and green—apply a few drops to each dough ball and knead until you achieve the desired vibrant colors.
- Wrap each colored dough ball in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the dough for approximately 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As your oven heats, prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls using your palms. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make sure to chill the dough to achieve the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 2 g