Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Vibrantly colored with red and green hues, they have a soft, fluffy texture and a delicate powdered sugar coating. They’re simple to make and sure to brighten your cookie platter.

Ingredients
- 1 box (13.25 ounces) white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Wilton red food coloring gel
- Wilton green food coloring gel
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and cake mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into two equal portions and place each into separate small bowls.
- Step 4: Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green food coloring gel to the other. Start with a few drops and mix, adding one drop at a time until you reach the desired color.
- Step 5: Mix each portion thoroughly until the color is evenly incorporated, using a spoon or your hands.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to achieve a fluffier texture.
- Step 7: Using a medium cookie scoop, measure out the dough. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar and place it on the prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too sticky, add about one tablespoon of flour and mix it in.
- Step 8: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a cooling rack. Keep in mind that ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense color, add food coloring gradually to avoid overpowering the dough flavor.
- If you don’t have a cookie scoop, use a tablespoon to portion the dough evenly.
- Try using different food coloring colors for a multi-colored batch.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in a microwave or oven to restore softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, but white cake mix works best to highlight the bright food coloring.
What if my dough is too sticky to roll?
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing lightly until the dough becomes easier to handle without drying it out.
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Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
Description
These festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat made from a simple white cake mix dough, colored vibrantly in red and green. Soft and fluffy with a sweet powdered sugar coating, they are easy to prepare, perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving, and add a colorful touch to your seasonal cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (13.25 ounces) white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Wilton red food coloring gel (to taste)
- Wilton green food coloring gel (to taste)
Coating
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (if dough is too sticky)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture forms a uniform dough.
- Divide dough for coloring: Divide the dough into two equal portions and place each in a separate small bowl to prepare for coloring.
- Add food coloring: Add Wilton red food coloring gel to one bowl and Wilton green food coloring gel to the other. Start by adding a few drops and mix thoroughly. Continue adding one drop at a time until you achieve your desired vibrant colors.
- Incorporate color fully: Mix each colored dough until the color is completely blended throughout. You can use a spoon or your hands to ensure even coloration.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate both dough portions for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the dough easier to handle and contributes to a fluffier cookie texture.
- Form dough balls and coat: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball, then coat it thoroughly in powdered sugar. If dough feels too sticky, add about one tablespoon of flour and knead it in before scooping.
- Bake the cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Start checking at 9 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool the cookies: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking for doneness at 9 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- If dough is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour to improve handling.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Chilling the dough helps with easier shaping and a fluffier final texture.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, colored cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive treats, cake mix cookies

