These festive and delightful Christmas Crinkle Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Soft, chewy, and bursting with color, these cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful, snowy appearance. Each bite combines the rich flavor of vanilla cake mix with a hint of sweetness, creating a treat that will brighten up any holiday gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will adore this recipe not only for its delicious taste but also for its ease and visual appeal. The vibrant red and green colors make these cookies a charming centerpiece during holiday celebrations, while the simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are baking with family or preparing gifts for friends, these Christmas Crinkle Cookies will definitely spread joy and festive cheer.
Introduction
The holiday season is synonymous with flavor, joy, and togetherness. As friends and family gather around to celebrate, one of the best ways to express love and festivity is through baking. Among the myriad of baked goods that adorn holiday tables, cookies hold a special place in our hearts. This year, highlight your cookie platter with a batch of Christmas Crinkle Cookies—easy to make and stunning to look at!
These cookies are a unique spin on traditional holiday treats, incorporating vibrant colors that represent the essence of Christmas. They are incredibly soft and chewy, while the powdered sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and a classic crinkle effect. Perfect with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Pillsbury™ Purely Simple™ White Cake Mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and cake mix. Stir the ingredients together until well-blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 2: Once the mixture is smooth, divide the dough into two equal portions. This will allow you to create both red and green dough.
Step 3: In separate small bowls, add a few drops of red food coloring to one half of the dough and green food coloring to the other half. Mix each colored dough until well combined, achieving a vibrant and uniform color. The dough should have a playful, pliable texture.
Step 4: After coloring, cover both portions of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps create fluffier, more structured cookies.
Step 5: Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough from each color and roll them into round shapes. Individually roll the dough balls in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Place the cookies on a Silpat mat or parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for spreading.
Baking Note:
Bake the cookies for approximately 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Presentation Suggestions:
For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies in a decorative holiday tin or on a platter lined with festive parchment paper. You could also dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a freshly baked look. Add some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top for an extra holiday sparkle.
Tips:
- Ensure that you don’t overbake the cookies; they should remain soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different food colorings to create variations beyond the traditional red and green-blue, silver, or a mixture could be festive too!
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dough mixture.
Time Estimates:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 9-11 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Conclusion
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat to share during the holiday season—both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious! With their simple preparation and colorful appearance, these cookies are bound to be a hit at holiday parties or as gifts to loved ones. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or family member to join in the fun, and create lasting holiday memories with this delightful recipe!
Questions and Answers
1. Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or red velvet, to create unique variations of these crinkle cookies.
2. How do I store the Christmas Crinkle Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just make sure they are well-wrapped.
3. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Certainly! Folding in chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add a delightful twist and texture to your cookies.
4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free while maintaining their delightful taste.
5. How can I make these cookies more festive?
In addition to the food coloring, you can sprinkle holiday-themed edible decorations like sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top of the powdered sugar before baking for an extra festive touch.
