My fondest memories of the holidays revolve around the kitchen, filled with the warm scent of baking and the cheerful chatter of family. Among all the holiday treats, there was one that always held a special place in my heart: cookies. More specifically, these delightful red and green crinkle cookies.
These weren’t just any cookies; they were a vibrant symbol of the season, their colorful hues and sugary coating bringing a touch of magic to our festive gatherings. I remember eagerly anticipating the moment when my mom would pull out the box of cake mix, and I knew the holiday baking had begun. It was a family affair, with everyone pitching in to mix, color, roll, and coat those delightful red and green crinkle cookies. These traditions make me feel grateful for her, especially when I read about ways to make the perfect grinder tortellini salad recipe.
The best part? The anticipation of that first bite, the soft, chewy texture, and the burst of vanilla sweetness that danced on my tongue. These red and green crinkle cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of the joy and love that fills our hearts during the holiday season.
Why you’ll love this Red and Green Crinkle Cookies with Red Green Crinkle Cookies
- These red and green crinkle cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The soft, chewy texture and sweet vanilla flavor make them a delightful treat for kids and adults alike.
- Using a cake mix as the base simplifies the baking process, ensuring consistently delicious results every time.
- The vibrant red and green colors add a festive touch to any holiday cookie platter.
- These cookies are perfect for gifting to friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
- You can easily customize the colors and flavors to match your own holiday theme or personal preferences when baking these red and green crinkle cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Directions
Step 1
Red green crinkle cookies makes every moment feel velvety. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3
Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. For the best results, use gel food coloring.
Step 4
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar.
Step 5
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Step 6
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
Step 7
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Get creative with your red and green crinkle cookies by adding different flavor extracts to the dough. Almond extract, lemon extract, or peppermint extract can add a unique twist to the classic vanilla flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the dough. This will create a more tender and flavorful cookie. Just be sure to adjust the amount of vegetable oil accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
You can also add some festive sprinkles to the powdered sugar coating for an extra touch of holiday cheer. Edible glitter or colored sugar crystals will make your cookies even more visually appealing.
Pairings
These red and green crinkle cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. The sweetness of the cookies complements the creamy richness of the milk or cocoa.
For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving them with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. The subtle flavors of the tea or coffee will balance the sweetness of the cookies.
You can also include them as part of a dessert platter along with other holiday treats. This makes them a great addition to any festive gathering.
Serving ideas
Arrange the red and green crinkle cookies on a decorative platter or in a festive cookie jar for a visually appealing presentation. Consider mixing and matching the colors for an eye-catching display. You can find fantastic tips for dessert plating and other baking tips on Cookreel, like this article on strawberry cream cheese pound cake, perfect for any occasion.
Wrap the cookies in cellophane bags or tie them with ribbon for easy gifting. Add a handwritten note or tag for a personal touch. This is a great way to share the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Serve the cookies at your holiday gatherings, parties, or potlucks. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store the baked red and green crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
To prevent the cookies from sticking together during storage, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.
Make-ahead
You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for later use. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Making the dough or freezing the dough balls in advance is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season.
Common mistakes when making Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Not using enough powdered sugar: The powdered sugar is essential for creating the signature crinkle effect. Be generous when coating the dough balls.
- Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool completely: Allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack will prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Using old baking powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the cookies rise properly.
Final notes
These red and green crinkle cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday celebration. Their vibrant colors and sweet vanilla flavor are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the colors and flavors to make them your own. Experiment with different extracts, sprinkles, and decorations to create a truly unique cookie.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some holiday magic! These red and green crinkle cookies are the perfect way to spread cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Loved this Red and Green Crinkle Cookies? Try these next
- Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies
- Sparkling Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies
- Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies
Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
These festive red and green crinkle cookies are incredibly easy to make using a cake mix! Perfect for holiday baking, these soft and chewy cookies are a delightful treat for all ages.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use gel food coloring. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg