Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) Recipe

If there’s ever been a treat that captures the very soul of holiday cheer, it’s these Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green). Each bite is a soft, pillowy cloud of sweetness, with crackly powdered sugar coating and pops of bright, festive color. They’re impossibly easy, eye-catching on any dessert tray, and just as fun for kids to help make as they are to devour. Whether you’re gearing up for a cookie swap, gifting tins of goodies, or looking for a baking project that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face, these Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) deserve a spot at the top of your holiday list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) is their utter simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few drops of food coloring, you can whip up cookies that look and taste like holiday magic. Each ingredient has a special job to do, adding to the cookies’ irresistible flavor, texture, or signature look.

• White cake mix (13.25 oz): This is the secret shortcut for soft, flavorful cookies without any fuss.
• Large eggs (2): They create structure and help bind the dough for a soft, cake-like interior.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Ensures perfect moisture and a tender crumb every time.
• Powdered sugar (1/3 cup, for coating): The key to those dramatic snowy crinkles on top.
• Red and green gel food coloring: Gel coloring makes for vibrant, deep hues without watering down the dough.

How to Make Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)

Step 1: Combine the Cake Mix, Eggs, and Oil

In a large mixing bowl, add your white cake mix, the two large eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together using a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon until a thick, smooth dough comes together. This dough should be easy to handle but dense enough to shape.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Split your cookie dough into two equal portions, scooping each into its own bowl. Squeeze a few drops of red food coloring into one, and green into the other. Mix each bowl well—don’t be shy! You want those colors vibrant and even throughout the dough. A silicone spatula works best for thorough mixing.

Step 3: Chill the Colored Dough

Cover both bowls tightly with plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This quick rest helps firm up the dough, making it much easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape (and those crinkles!) as they bake.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet

When your dough is almost done chilling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough from each color. Gently roll each into a smooth ball. Drop each ball right into powdered sugar and roll it around until it’s completely coated. Don’t skimp here—the more sugar, the prettier the crinkles!

Step 6: Bake to Crinkly Perfection

Arrange the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the cookies are delightfully crinkled and just set around the edges. The centers should still be soft—don’t overbake! Let them cool for a couple of minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, your Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) are ready to dazzle any dessert spread or gift box. The cracked sugar coating and vibrant colors make them simply irresistible.

How to Serve Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green)

Garnishes

Certainly, these cookies are stunning all on their own, but for a special touch you can sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on just before serving. Even adding a tiny sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter right after baking makes Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) feel even more festive and fun for parties or gifting.

Side Dishes

Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a cup of cocoa, or even an afternoon holiday tea. Pair them with fresh fruit, a bowl of winter berries, or alongside other holiday cookies for a colorful cookie tray that bursts with joy.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests or recipients, stack these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon, or arrange them in decorative tins layered with parchment. You can alternate the red and green cookies for a playful pattern, or serve them on a snowy-white platter for real wow-factor at any get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. Press a piece of parchment between the layers of cookies so the powdered sugar doesn’t stick the cookies together.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, either as baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. For baked cookies, layer them between pieces of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For dough balls, freeze them after rolling in sugar, then bake straight from the freezer (add a minute or two extra baking time).

Reheating

If you prefer your Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) slightly warm, just pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked and the colors will pop. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them too soft.

FAQs

Can I use different food coloring types?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring creates the most vibrant colors without altering the dough’s texture, but you can use liquid if that’s what you have—just add a little extra flour if the dough feels sticky.

Can I use other cake mix flavors?

Yes! While classic white cake mix gives the best canvas for bright red and green hues, you can try vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate for fun twists. Just remember, darker mixes may mute the colors slightly.

Can I make these ahead for gifting?

These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Bake them a day or two before gifting, and store in an airtight container. The powdered sugar stays pretty for days, making Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) a reliable gift option.

Can I add flavorings or mix-ins?

You can make these your own! Try a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a dash of almond, or a handful of white chocolate chips folded into the dough before coloring for an extra-special treat.

Why aren’t my cookies crinkling?

The classic crinkle happens thanks to the thick coating of powdered sugar and a slightly chilled dough. If your cookies aren’t crinkling, check the dough consistency (chill longer if needed) and roll in more powdered sugar next time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Crinkle Cookies (Red & Green) pop up at every holiday gathering—they’re almost too delightful to resist. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll love how easy, colorful, and joy-filled each batch is. So fire up the oven, gather your loved ones, and let the holiday baking fun begin!

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