Diving into the world of holiday baking always fills my heart with joy, especially when it comes to making Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies. These cheerful treats not only brighten up any holiday spread but also bring a delightful twist with their soft, chewy texture and charming crackle. What I love about this simple recipe is that it requires just a few ingredients, including an easy-to-use white cake mix, making it perfect for bakers at every skill level. In a mere moment, you can whip up a batch that rivals any store-bought cookie and spreads cheer throughout your home. Plus, these cookies are freezer-friendly, so you can prepare them ahead of time for those unexpected guests. Ready to add a pop of color to your holiday festivities? Let’s get baking!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?
Festive vibes: The vibrant red and green colors make these cookies the perfect treat for any holiday gathering.
Simplicity: With just five core ingredients, even novice bakers can impress with minimal effort.
Versatile options: Feel free to shuffle flavors by mixing in chocolate chips or experimenting with different cake mixes!
Make-Ahead friendly: The dough can be frozen, ensuring you have delicious treats ready for surprise guests or festive events.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are an instant hit, combining a chewy texture with a sweet, powdered sugar coating that delights every palate. Dive into the joy of holiday baking and try the Lemon Oatmeal Cookies for a fun twist!
Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies
• Perfectly colorful holiday treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- White Cake Mix – This acts as the foundation for your cookies; it makes the process incredibly simple.
- Large Eggs – They provide the necessary structure and moisture; for a vegan alternative, try a flaxseed mixture.
- Vegetable Oil – Adds delightful moisture; olive or melted coconut oil work well if you want a flavor twist.
For Coating and Color
- Powdered Sugar – Not just for sweetness, it gives that signature crinkled look during baking.
- Red and Green Gel Food Coloring – Brings a festive vibe; natural colors like beet juice and spinach powder can be substituted for a healthier twist.
Embrace the joy of baking these Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies that are sure to spread holiday cheer!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until you create a smooth and thick dough, ensuring there are no dry clumps. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Once mixed, you’ll notice a silky texture, signaling it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Color the Dough
Divide the dough equally into two bowls, ensuring that both portions are roughly the same size. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one bowl and green to the other. Use a spatula or your hands to knead the colors in until each portion is vividly colored, creating a cheerful red and green for your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover each bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the colored dough for about 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape later. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels slightly stiff but still pliable, ensuring those delightful cracks will form when baked.
Step 4: Prepare the Oven
While the dough chills, begin preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Simultaneously, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it allows for even baking and easy removal of your cookies once they are baked, ensuring a hassle-free festive baking experience.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough
Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized portions of the red and green dough. Roll each portion into a ball in your hands. After rolling, coat these dough balls generously in powdered sugar, which not only adds sweetness but also creates that beautiful crinkled effect. You want the sugar to cling well so it forms a lovely shell as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they appear puffy and crinkled on top while the edges are set—aim for soft centers for that chewy texture signature of the Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, which helps them firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential for maintaining the soft, chewy interior you love in your vividly colored treats.
Expert Tips for Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should remain soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
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Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to cool for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crinkle effect while baking.
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Generous Coating: Coat the dough balls liberally with powdered sugar. A thicker layer creates that signature crinkled appearance and adds sweetness.
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Mix It Up: Feel free to add flavors by incorporating vanilla extract or your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture in your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies.
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Store Wisely: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, placing a slice of bread inside to help maintain their softness.
Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful and colorful cookie options!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based oil for a vegan treat.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added crunch and lovely nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap some white cake mix for chocolate cake mix to create a rich, cocoa-infused version.
- Zesty Twist: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the cookies.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive twist perfect for the holiday season.
- Loaded Cookies: Mix in mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles to the dough for extra sweetness and festive flair.
- Baking Buddy: If you’re up for a baking adventure, try combining these crinkle cookies with some Spicy Thai Red for a cultural twist in your holiday spread.
- Fruity Flavor: Instead of using food coloring, try incorporating freeze-dried fruits, like strawberries or spinach powder, to give color and natural flavor.
Let your festive baking begin, and don’t forget to explore the delightful variations of Red Velvet Strawberry and Lemon Oatmeal Cookies for more holiday cheer!
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it as instructed, then dividing it into two portions and coloring them. After shaping the dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar, place the dough balls in an airtight container or on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate. On baking day, just preheat the oven and bake the chilled dough directly, ensuring the cookies retain their soft and chewy texture. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll have delicious holiday treats ready to impress with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. To maintain softness, add a slice of bread inside the container.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that soft, chewy texture.
After Baking Storage: Once baked and cooled, store cookies in an airtight container to keep the deliciousness intact for festive gatherings, ensuring every bite of your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies is delightful!
What to Serve with Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
These cheerful cookies deserve a delightful spread that enhances their holiday charm and festive flavors.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage with whipped cream offers a cozy complement to your festive treats, creating a classic pairing.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookies, turning dessert into a fabulous sundae experience.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch, balancing sweetness and cutting through the richness of the cookies.
- Peppermint Milkshake: With its refreshing minty flavor, this indulgent shake brings a holiday twist, enhancing the fun of your dessert table.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Layering gingerbread flavors adds a nostalgic holiday touch, making your dessert table feel even more festive and varied.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this warm, fragrant drink alongside the cookies to create a cozy atmosphere that embraces the spirit of the season.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweet, juicy fruit coated in rich chocolate adds an elegant touch that beautifully balances the sweetness of your crinkle cookies.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Their creamy, decadent texture creates a delightful contrast with your cookies, offering guests a variety in every bite.
Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While a white cake mix is perfect for brightening up your festive treats, you can also use vanilla or yellow cake mixes. Just keep in mind that the colors may differ slightly, so if you want those vibrant red and green hues, stick with white cake mix for the best results.
How should I store my crinkle cookies to keep them fresh?
Very! Store your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For added softness, place a slice of bread in the container—this little trick works wonders for maintaining that delightful chewy texture.
Can I freeze the dough or cookies, and how?
Yes, you can! To freeze the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. If you’d like to freeze the baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll last for about three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What if my cookies don’t crinkle properly?
No worries! If your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies don’t achieve that signature crackled look, it could be due to a few reasons. Ensure that you’ve chilled the dough well before baking, as this step is crucial for forming those lovely cracks. Additionally, make sure your dough balls are generously coated in powdered sugar before baking; this coating creates the beautiful crinkled effect as the cookies expand in the oven.
Can my pets enjoy these cookies?
Kudos for thinking of your furry friends! However, it’s important to note that these cookies, like many baked goods, contain ingredients that are not advisable for pets, including sugar and eggs. If you’d love to treat your pet, consider making a special pet-friendly treat for them instead!
Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe contains common allergens like eggs and can easily be modified to be egg-free using a flaxseed mixture. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring you check the labels for any additional allergens. Always remember to inform guests about the ingredients to avoid any allergic reactions.
Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies That Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until you create a smooth and thick dough, around 2-3 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two bowls and add red gel food coloring to one and green to the other. Knead the colors in until vivid.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the colored dough for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take tablespoon-sized portions of the red and green dough. Roll each into a ball and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until puffy and crinkled.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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