Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood to add a burst of color and festive cheer to your holiday baking, this Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies offer the perfect balance of a soft, cakey crumb with that classic crinkle-covered exterior we all adore. What makes them truly special? They’re so simple to whip up using a white cake mix as the base—and with the addition of red and green food coloring, they instantly brighten up any cookie platter or holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in with hot cocoa, these crinkle cookies bring a joyful spirit with every bite. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a go-to for Santa’s cookie plate year after year. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough for kids to get in on the fun, making it a perfect festive activity!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity and pantry-friendly ingredients. Using a white cake mix gives the cookies a nice fluffy texture without any fuss, while eggs and olive oil bind everything perfectly. The powdered sugar is what creates that iconic crinkle look when you roll the dough before baking, and of course, the red and green food coloring make them show-stoppingly festive!

• White Cake Mix: I usually pick one with a simple vanilla flavor; it keeps the cookies light and lets the festive colors pop.
• Eggs: These add moisture and help the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Using olive oil instead of butter makes the cookies wonderfully tender. Plus, a mild olive oil won’t overpower the flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: This is key for that classic crinkle effect on the cookie surface, plus it adds a touch of sweetness without graininess.
• Red Food Coloring: Go with gel food coloring for the most vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.
• Green Food Coloring: Same tip here—gel food coloring really brings those bright, festive greens to life.

Variations

I love how easy it is to switch up this Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Playing with colors is the simplest way, but you can get creative with extracts or even mix-ins. Personalizing it is half the fun!

• Flavor Variation: I like adding a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract for a holiday twist that complements the vanilla beautifully.
• Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free, which is great for family-friendly baking.
• Texture Twist: Try rolling half the dough in finely chopped nuts or colored sugar before baking for extra crunch and festivity.
• Color Swap: If you want to mix things up, use blue and white food coloring for a winter wonderland look instead of traditional red and green.

How to Make Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Dough Ready

This step is where the magic begins. Start by dumping the white cake mix into a large bowl. Add in the eggs and olive oil, then stir just until everything comes together into a smooth dough. The dough will be a bit sticky but manageable. Now divide your dough in half right here so you can create red and green batches—adding just a few drops of your gel food coloring to each half. Use a spoon or your hands to knead the color evenly until you get a rich festive shade. Don’t rush this part because you want bright, consistent colors throughout.

Step 2: Form and Coat the Cookies

Next, grab your powdered sugar and pour it into a shallow bowl or plate. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls with your hands, and then roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar. This coating is crucial because it creates the beautiful crackled surface after baking. If you skip the powdered sugar, you’ll miss out on that signature look and texture, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them because they’ll spread slightly. Pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark—the cookies are done when the edges set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. That soft center is what makes these cookies so irresistibly tender. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving them; they firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning on their own, I often like to add a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect. For holiday parties, sprinkles on top before baking add some extra sparkle and cheer. A little edible glitter dust has also been a hit when I want to impress guests without extra work.

Side Dishes

These cookies are best enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or even a spiced holiday tea. I’ve found they pair wonderfully with mulled cider or a glass of milk left out for Santa if you’re baking for kids. If you want to complete a festive dessert spread, add some gingerbread and peppermint bark for a full seasonal treat table.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had so much fun making cookie bouquets by stacking these colorful crinkle cookies on decorative sticks or skewers. Wrapping a batch in simple cellophane tied with a festive ribbon makes a fantastic homemade gift. For holiday gatherings, arranging cookies by color on pretty platters or decorating trays with fresh pine sprigs and cranberries really amps up the festive vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I never seem to!), store your crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I recommend layering them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the powdered sugar coating intact and prevent sticking. They stay soft but hold their festive crinkled charm beautifully when stored this way.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works great if you want to prepare ahead of time. I like to freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The colors and texture hold up well, so you don’t lose that festive sparkle!

Reheating

If you want a slightly warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back a fresh-from-the-oven softness without melting that beautiful powdered sugar crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is genuinely one of my favorites to make as the holidays approach. It combines simplicity with eye-catching colors and a happy texture that really brings joy around the kitchen. If you’re looking for a no-fuss yet festive cookie that’ll impress family and friends, I can’t recommend these enough. Give it a try—you’ll soon find these cookies stealing the show alongside your other holiday classics!

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