Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are an absolute delight for the holiday season. Their soft, chewy centers and powdered sugar coating make them a festive treat that everyone loves. Not only are these cookies beautiful with their vibrant red and green colors, but they are also quick and easy to prepare.
Making these cookies can brighten up any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, these cookies spread joy. Plus, baking together can be a fun activity, bringing everyone into the spirit of Christmas.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Crinkle Cookies
To create delicious Christmas Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment. First, ensure you have a mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A baking sheet is essential, so prepare one lined with parchment paper.
A spoon or rubber spatula helps with mixing the dough. Don’t forget a tablespoon cookie scoop for shaping the dough into perfect balls. Last but not least, make sure to have a cooling rack to let your cookies cool properly once they come out of the oven.
What You Need to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red food coloring gel
- Green food coloring gel
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
How to Cook Christmas Crinkle Cookies Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will set the stage for perfect cookie results.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Add the white cake mix directly into the bowl and stir until everything is well blended into a thick batter. Make sure there are no dry spots in the mixture.
Once the mixture is combined, divide the dough into two equal portions and transfer each to a small bowl. This will allow you to create two distinct colors for your cookies. Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green food coloring gel to the other, adjusting the amounts based on how vibrant you want the colors to be.
Mix each bowl thoroughly. You can use a spoon for this, but your hands are great tools for getting the colors fully incorporated into the dough. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy; this adds to the fun of baking.
After mixing the colors, it’s time to chill the dough. Place the bowls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to work with and help ensure your cookies are fluffy and soft once baked.
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a ball. After shaping each cookie ball, roll it generously in powdered sugar. This will create that classic crinkle appearance on top.
Now, place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow room for spreading. If you find that your dough is too sticky to work with, feel free to add about a tablespoon of flour to the dough to help it come together more smoothly.
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Let the cookies bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops appear crinkled and set but still soft. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a cooling rack.
How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Making Christmas Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward process that results in deliciousness. Follow the steps carefully, and you will have a batch of festive cookies ready to share. It all starts with the basic ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dough.
The mixing process is key to achieving the right consistency and flavor. You’ll want to ensure everything is blended well to create uniform cookie dough. Dividing the dough and adding food coloring allows you to give your cookies a holiday flair. The vibrant colors during the season make these cookies both a treat for the taste buds and the eyes.
Letting the dough chill allows it to firm up, making it easier to shape. Rolling the cookie balls in powdered sugar gives them that signature crinkle that everyone loves. Watching them bake is exciting, as they puff up and develop a beautiful crackled surface.
How to Serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Christmas Crinkle Cookies can be served in various ways. A festive platter is an excellent option for displaying your beautifully baked treats at holiday parties. You can arrange them alongside other holiday favorites, creating a colorful cookie assortment.
Offering these cookies warm out of the oven is a delightful experience. The soft, chewy centers and sweet powdered sugar will appeal to both children and adults alike. Consider serving them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for an extra treat.
For a fun holiday gift, package the cookies in cute tins or boxes. You can also add a note or tag wishing your friends and family a Merry Christmas. Sharing these cookies shows your thoughtfulness during the holiday season.
What to Serve with Christmas Crinkle Cookies
While Christmas Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, they pair wonderfully with various beverages and treats. Hot chocolate is a classic choice. The creaminess of the cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Coffee is another excellent pairing, offering a lovely contrast with the cookie’s flavors. Serve these cookies alongside a nice cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
For a festive twist, try serving the cookies with flavored lattes or holiday-themed punch. This will elevate your cookie experience and make them even more enjoyable. Whatever you choose to serve alongside, these cookies will surely be a hit.
How to Store Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your Christmas Crinkle Cookies fresh for as long as possible. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This will help maintain their softness and prevent them from becoming stale.
If you plan to keep the cookies for more than a few days, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. They’ll maintain their delicious texture and flavor, making them perfect for later enjoyment.
Tips to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
To ensure the best results while making your Christmas Crinkle Cookies, here are some helpful tips. Start with high-quality ingredients, especially the cake mix and food coloring. This will enhance both the flavor and appearance of your cookies.
Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s vital for creating the perfect texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough for a shorter time, but a full 30 minutes is ideal for the best results.
When rolling the cookie balls, make sure they’re uniform in size for even baking. This will help prevent some cookies from overbaking while others remain undercooked. Lastly, keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
Variation
While the classic Christmas Crinkle Cookies are delightful, feel free to experiment with variations. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the dough for a unique twist. The addition of peppermint extract instead of vanilla can give your cookies a refreshing flavor.
You can also change the food coloring to create cookies for different occasions. Use pastel colors for spring treats or bold colors for birthday celebrations. The basic dough recipe remains the same, allowing you to adapt it to any theme or holiday.
Best Time to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
The best time to make Christmas Crinkle Cookies is in December. This month is filled with holiday spirit, making it a perfect time to bake festive treats. These cookies are an excellent addition to holiday gatherings, parties, and cookie exchanges.
However, you don’t have to limit yourself to just December. Baking these cookies can be a year-round joy. Adjust the colors and decorations for different occasions to enjoy the same delicious taste anytime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect Christmas Crinkle Cookies. One common error is not measuring the ingredients accurately. Baking requires precision, so be sure to use the correct measurements for each ingredient.
Another mistake is omitting the chilling step. Skipping this step can result in flat cookies. Additionally, avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until combined for the perfect texture.
Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can cause cookies to dry out. It is much better to check on them a minute or two early than to end up with too crunchy cookies.
Nutritional Notes
While Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat, they do contain sugars and fats. Moderation is key when enjoying these festive cookies. Consider serving them as part of a balanced spread during the holidays.
Using a box cake mix does simplify the process, but it also means you have less control over the ingredients. If health is a concern, look for cake mixes with lower sugar content or explore making cookies from scratch using healthier substitutions.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can use different flavors of cake mix like chocolate or lemon. This will change the overall taste of your cookies.
Can I make this dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
Can I add fillings to these cookies?
Certainly! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas Crinkle Cookies is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Their vibrant colors, soft texture, and sweet sugar coating make them a favorite for many. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, anyone can make these delicious cookies.
Share the joy these cookies bring by creating wonderful moments with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at holiday gatherings or gifting them to loved ones, Christmas Crinkle Cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your festive celebrations.
