The holidays are the perfect time to bake bright, cheerful treats, and these festive red & green crinkle cookies are just the ticket. Using a simple cake mix base, you can whip up these colorful crinkle cookies quickly, making them a go-to recipe for holiday parties or gifting.
You’ll love how easy it is to get that delightful crackled surface dusted with powdered sugar, plus the soft, chewy texture inside that makes every bite irresistible. These crinkle cookies are not only fun to make but also bring a pop of holiday spirit to your cookie platter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super easy and quick with cake mix as the base
- Vibrant red and green colors perfect for festive occasions
- Soft, chewy texture with a classic crinkle look
- Minimal ingredients and fuss-free preparation
- Great for holiday gifting or parties
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive crinkle cookies. The cake mix provides the foundation, and with a few pantry staples, you’re ready to bake.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (any brand)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Red and green gel food coloring (about 10-15 drops each)
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
How to Make Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies | Easy Cake Mix Cookies!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, baking powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and green gel food coloring to the other, mixing each until you achieve a vibrant, even color.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) of the red dough and roll them thoroughly in the powdered sugar to coat. Repeat with the green dough.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops have cracked beautifully, revealing the colorful crinkle effect underneath the powdered sugar.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy these festive crinkle cookies fresh, or store them for later to savor the holiday spirit anytime!
Tips for the Best Results
- Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the dough and achieve vibrant colors.
- Don’t skip rolling in powdered sugar—it creates the classic crinkle appearance.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft for easier handling.
- Space cookies well on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging during baking.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Storage and Reheating
Store your festive red & green crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture and enjoy them as if freshly baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While white cake mix works best for bright colors, you can experiment with vanilla or yellow cake mixes. Just keep in mind the color might be less vibrant.
Why do the cookies crackle when baking?
The crackled surface forms because the powdered sugar coating dries and cracks as the dough expands in the oven, giving the cookies their signature look.
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Absolutely. If you prefer a more natural look, you can omit the food coloring or use natural alternatives, but they won’t have the festive red and green appearance.
What if my dough is too sticky to roll?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This firms it up and makes rolling in powdered sugar much easier.