Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

There’s something extra magical about Christmas cookies, isn’t there? This Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is my go-to when I want a batch that’s simple, festive, and downright delicious. The fun crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar aren’t just pretty — they give you that classic chewy texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe to make with the kids, bring to a holiday party, or just keep around for sweet snacking, this one checks all the boxes. I remember the first time I made these: the red and green coloring swirled into bright holiday cheer made my kitchen smell amazing, and the smiles around the table were the best part. You’ll love how effortlessly you can whip these up, even if you’re new to baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are refreshingly straightforward, yet they work together to create those soft, melt-in-your-mouth crinkle cookies. Since this recipe uses white cake mix as a base, you’re getting a tender crumb without the effort of making everything from scratch — perfect for busy holiday days.

• White Cake Mix: Using a boxed cake mix speeds up the process and guarantees a soft texture every time. Pick your favorite brand; I’ve had great luck with classic vanilla.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best mixing.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and a slight fruitiness that balances the sweetness nicely. Don’t substitute with butter here—olive oil keeps the dough soft and pliable.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough balls, this creates the beautiful powdered “crinkle” effect and a light sugary coating that melts in your mouth.
• Red Food Coloring: A little goes a long way to brighten up your dough and get those festive red crinkles.
• Green Food Coloring: Just like the red, it adds a pop of holiday green—feel free to adjust color intensity based on your preference!

Variations

What I love most about this Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Whether you want to add a new flavor twist or make it friendlier for diet restrictions, you can easily tailor the recipe to suit your mood or what you have in the pantry.

• Chocolate Crinkle Twist: Swap the white cake mix for a chocolate one to create chocolate crinkle cookies—double yum! From personal experience, rolling the dough in powdered sugar twice helps bring out the classic crinkle look.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free white cake mix and make sure your powdered sugar is gluten-free too. I tried this last year, and they turned out wonderfully tender.
• Holiday Spice: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for that cozy holiday feeling. I sprinkle in about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon— it’s subtle but so festive.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and choose an olive oil or plant-based cake mix. It worked surprisingly well when I tested it for a vegan friend!

How to Make Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base Dough

Start by combining the white cake mix with eggs and olive oil in a medium bowl. I like to use my hands here—they give me a better feel for when the dough is just right (not too sticky, not too dry). Mix until you get a soft, uniform dough that’s easy to shape. If it’s a bit sticky, no worries — a quick chill in the fridge helps.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

Split your dough into three portions—leave one plain, add a few drops of red food coloring to the second, and green to the third. I find using gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without changing the dough’s consistency. Knead each portion gently until the color is even.

Step 3: Shape and Roll in Powdered Sugar

Take small amounts of dough from each color and gently press them together to create that marbled, festive look. Roll into 1-inch balls, then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. Don’t skip this step—it’s key for the signature crackled surface you’re aiming for!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for around 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes: you’re looking for cracked tops with edges set but a soft center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with just a dusting of extra powdered sugar after baking—this makes them look like little snow-dusted treats. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or tiny red and green sprinkles if I want to add extra sparkle for a party.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a nice cup of hot cocoa or spiced eggnog, which complements their sweetness and chewy texture. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a plate of sharp cheese for a fun sweet-and-savory holiday snack platter.

Creative Ways to Present

One time I arranged these crinkle cookies in a wreath shape on a large platter, alternating colors to make a festive pattern. It was a showstopper at a Christmas brunch! Wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes a lovely edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay soft and delicious for up to a week. Keeping a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture—I learned this little trick from my grandma!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, wrap the cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When I’ve done this, thawing them overnight on the counter yields the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll dry out. A quick warm-up brings back that homemade-baked charm instantly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is truly a favorite in my holiday baking lineup. I adore how it brings simple ingredients together with a pop of color and texture that practically screams Christmas cheer. Whether you’re making these to share or keep all to yourself (no judgment here!), they’re sure to fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Seriously, grab that cake mix and get baking—these cookies are a holiday game changer!

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