Christmas crinkle cookies treat

These Christmas crinkle cookies have been a festive favorite in my home for years, bringing a burst of joyful color and soft, tender texture to every holiday gathering. They are simple to make yet deliver that charming cracked sugar appearance that instantly feels seasonal and special.

I first made these during a busy holiday season when I needed a quick, crowd-pleasing treat. Now they are a must-make because the kids love rolling the dough and seeing the powdered sugar crackle as they bake.

Ingredients

• White cake mix: This is the base for a tender, soft cookie and saves you time on measuring separate dry ingredients
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the dough together so cookies hold their shape
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft after baking
• Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls creating the signature crackled surface once baked
• Red food coloring: Adds vibrant, festive color for the holidays& use gel color for more intense shade without altering dough texture
• Green food coloring: Same as red& choose good quality gel for best effect

Instructions

Sift and Mix Dough:

Combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Stir thoroughly until the dough is smooth. If the dough feels too sticky to roll, lightly sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour and knead until it is easier to handle but still soft.

Color and Chill:

Cut the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half and green to the other. Knead each portion gently until the color is uniform. Cover both dough balls tightly with plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll into neat balls.

Preheat and Prepare for Baking:

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.

Roll in Sugar:

After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a smooth ball. Generously coat every ball with powdered sugar by rolling it around in a small bowl. This coating creates the classic crinkled effect on the cookie surface once baked.

Bake and Cool:

Arrange the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they will not touch as they spread in the oven. Bake for exactly 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool completely before serving to let their texture set perfectly.

One special holiday moment is gathering around the kitchen with my kids rolling these dough balls and seeing their delight as the sugar cracks just so in the oven. It makes the whole season feel a little brighter.

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container which helps maintain moisture without making them soggy. These cookies also freeze well for up to three months when sealed in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the white cake mix for a yellow or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cake mix and substitute eggs with flax eggs made by mixing one tablespoon flaxseed meal with three tablespoons water per egg. If you cannot find gel food coloring, natural alternatives like beet juice for red and spinach powder for green can be tried but may affect dough consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a holiday coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert twist. Arrange them on a holiday platter with other cookies for a colorful display.

These delightful cookies combine ease and festive flair perfectly, making them a holiday tradition you&ll want to keep baking year after year.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

If the dough feels too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour gradually while kneading until it’s easier to handle.

→ Can I use different colors for the dough?

Yes, you can customize the dough with any food coloring to match your desired festive theme.

→ What is the purpose of rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar?

Rolling in powdered sugar creates the signature crackled surface as the cookies bake and spread in the oven.

→ How long should the dough chill before baking?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps firm it up and makes it easier to shape into balls.

→ Can I store these cookies after baking?

Yes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture for several days.