Name: Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies for Magical Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 71 min
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (Can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix.); 2 large eggs (For egg-free option, replace with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg.); 0.25 cup vegetable oil (Substitute with olive oil or melted coconut oil if desired.); 1 cup powdered sugar; a few drops red gel food coloring (Natural alternatives: beet juice can be used for red.); a few drops green gel food coloring (Natural alternatives: spinach powder can be used for green.)

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. When I discovered the recipe for Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies, I knew I had found the perfect addition to my holiday baking lineup. These cookies boast a soft and chewy center, adorned with a delightful powdered sugar blanket, and they couldn’t be easier to make! Ideal for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices, this colorful treat not only brightens up your dessert table but also brings joy to every guest. Imagine watching the kids’s faces light up as they help roll the dough and coat each cookie in the snow-like sugar. Enticing, right? So, are you ready to spread some holiday cheer with these scrumptious crinkle cookies? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Make Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies?

Joyful Baking Experience: Nothing brings the family together like baking festive treats—these cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Vibrant Colors: The striking red and green make these cookies a visual delight on any holiday dessert table.

Soft & Chewy Texture: Enjoy a delicious combination of soft, chewy centers and a sweet powdered sugar topping that melts in your mouth.

Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time. Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are bound to impress friends and family, leaving them eager for seconds. For more delightful options, don’t forget to check out our Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies or Cookies and Cream Delight Cookies.

Embrace the holiday spirit and make these Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies a part of your joyful celebrations!

Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

White Cake Mix – This serves as the base for your cookies, providing both structure and sweetness. You can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix if desired.
Large Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture; for an egg-free option, replace with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg.
Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb; feel free to use olive oil or melted coconut oil instead.

For the Coating

Powdered Sugar – This coating brings sweetness and creates the signature crinkled appearance; there’s no direct substitute for this ingredient.

For the Festive Color

Red and Green Gel Food Coloring – This gives your dough a vibrant holiday look; you can use natural alternatives such as beet juice for red and spinach powder for green if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine one box of white cake mix, two large eggs, and a quarter cup of vegetable oil. Using a spatula, mix until a thick, smooth dough forms, ensuring no dry cake mix remains visible. This will take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous stirring. Once done, proceed to divide the dough into two equal portions.

Step 2: Add Color
Take one portion of the dough and add a few drops of red gel food coloring, thoroughly mixing until the color is evenly distributed. Repeat this process with the second portion, using green gel food coloring instead. You want the colors to be vibrant and uniform. This step makes your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies visually delightful, so take your time!

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover both dough portions with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, ensuring a lovely crinkle appearance. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, retrieve the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of each colored dough, rolling them into balls between your palms. Make sure to give them a gentle squeeze to form compact balls, which will help them bake evenly. You’ll create both red and green balls, showcasing vibrant colors in your festive cookies!

Step 5: Coat in Sugar
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated. The powdered sugar will give your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies their signature snowy appearance when baked, creating a beautiful contrast against the vibrant colors. Set the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch closely as they bake—the edges should look set and crinkled while the centers remain soft. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this will help retain the chewy texture you desire in your cookies.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up before transferring to a wire rack for a complete cooling. You want to give them a gentle nudge to check if they’re firm enough before moving them, ensuring they don’t break apart.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Cookies
After cooling completely, your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies are ready to be served! Arrange them on a platter and watch as they bring joy to family gatherings and holiday parties. Their delightful color and soft, chewy texture will surely make them a favorite treat this season.

Expert Tips for Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies

Don’t Overbake: Ensure you take the cookies out while the centers are still soft. This keeps them chewy, a hallmark of perfect Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes is vital for achieving that beautiful crinkle. Skipping this step can lead to flat cookies.
Use Quality Food Coloring: High-quality gel food coloring yields vibrant results. Avoid liquid coloring to prevent altering the dough’s consistency.
Coat Generously: When rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar, be generous! A good coating will help create that signature snowy top after baking.
Experiment with Add-ins: For a fun twist, consider mixing in white chocolate chips or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor in your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the holiday baking experience without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow the recipe up to the point of chilling (step 3), then cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled or thawed dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and bake as instructed for deliciously fresh cookies that will impress your guests with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies

These colorful cookies are perfect for delighting your holiday gatherings and should be part of a memorable meal experience!

Warm Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing that enhances the cookies’ sweetness and festive spirit, adding a comforting warmth with every sip.
Spiced Apple Cider: The fragrant spices in this drink complement the cookies beautifully, creating a cozy, aromatic atmosphere.
Mini Cheesecakes: These creamy, rich desserts add a luscious contrast to the soft texture of the cookies, making dessert feel decadent.
Candy Cane Brownies: The minty freshness of these brownies adds a refreshing twist that works harmoniously with the crinkle cookies’ sweetness.
Holiday Fruit Salad: A burst of fresh fruit provides a delightful crunch and bright acidity, balancing the cookies’ rich, chewy texture.
Nutty Biscotti: The crispy crunch of biscotti provides a textural contrast, ideal for dipping alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Pecan Pie: This dessert’s rich, buttery flavor pairs well with the cookies, delivering a nostalgic holiday feel for your festive dining table.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade: A refreshing non-alcoholic drink option that cleanses the palate while adding a touch of sparkle to the celebration!
Red Velvet Cake: Keeping with the festive theme, the chocolatey flavor and bright color of red velvet cake create a harmonious dessert experience.

Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies for a unique twist that suits your taste!

Dairy-Free: Substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a creamy, tropical flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white cake mix for a rich, cocoa-infused version. Imagine the delightful surprise of chocolate crinkle cookies!
Nutty Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch and depth. Each bite will reveal unexpected nutty goodness.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that brightens the cookies.
Rainbow Treats: Instead of just red and green, add other colors like blue and yellow to make a rainbow crinkle cookie assortment for a fun party treat.
Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to add a warm spice note, giving your cookies an unexpected yet delightful heat.
Flavored Sprinkles: Roll the cookie balls in holiday-themed sprinkles in addition to powdered sugar for a festive finish! The texture and color will dazzle your guests.
Add a Creamy Center: Place a small piece of your favorite chocolate or caramel in the center of each dough ball before baking for a surprise-filled cookie experience.

Join the fun with these variations to your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies, and make sure to explore other scrumptious recipes like Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies or Butter Pecan Cookies for even more holiday baking joy!

How to Store and Freeze Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Place a slice of bread inside to keep them soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but they may lose some of their fresh-baked appeal.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Cookie Dough: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking to keep your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies deliciously fresh and vibrant.

Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right food coloring for my cookies?
Using gel food coloring yields the most vibrant results for your Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies. I recommend avoiding liquid food coloring, as it can alter the dough’s consistency. Look for high-quality gel options available in most baking aisles!

How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
Absolutely! After your cookies are cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread inside the container. The moisture from the bread keeps the cookies chewy—it’s a trick I’ve used for years!

Can I freeze my Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before indulging!

What if my dough isn’t setting properly?
If your dough feels too soft or sticky to roll into balls, it may need additional chilling time. Cover it back up and refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes to help firm it up. Alternatively, ensure you’re using the right measurements, as even a slight mistake can affect the dough’s consistency.

Are these cookies safe for pets or allergies?
While Festive Red & Green Crinkle Cookies are safe for humans, keep in mind that ingredients like chocolate and certain sweeteners can be harmful to pets. If you’re serving guests with allergies, be sure to check if they have any specific sensitivities to eggs or gluten, as the base of these cookies contains wheat.