Let me warn you now, these Christmas Crinkle Cookies have a way of disappearing faster than you can say “batch number two.” Picture this: the butter is melting, sugar is swirling, and that heady scent of vanilla and a hint of something sweet is wafting through your kitchen. The anticipation builds as you catch a glimpse of those delectable, sugar-dusted cookies, their cracked tops revealing soft, chewy centers. It’s all about creating moments in the kitchen, where each batch feels like a hug from the oven, and trust me, these cookies deliver that warm and fuzzy feeling every time.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of joy and nostalgia. This delightful treat has a magical way of drawing family and friends together. Imagine your children and grandchildren reaching for one while giggling in excitement during the holidays, or how they brighten up a dreary winter day. Every time I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of those gleeful moments spent in the kitchen with my own loved ones, laughing and decorating, as the sweet aroma fills the air.
These cookies are simple yet fancy enough to impress. Their striking green and red colors make them the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. No one can resist their festive spirit. Plus, the fun of rolling the dough in powdered sugar makes the experience even more delightful. It’s not just baking; it’s about making memories that will last long after the cookies are gone. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, and it will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies
“If your kitchen smells like butter and brown sugar, you’re doing it right.”
Now that you know why they are so special, let’s get right into the baking fun. Making Christmas Crinkle Cookies is as simple as pie or should I say cookie? Before you jump in, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some magic. You’ll be mixing vibrant dough that feels soft and buttery, and soon your kitchen will be filled with sweet scents that will have everyone racing into the room.
The Sweet Line-Up
For these delightful cookies, you will need:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red food coloring gel
- Green food coloring gel
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Friendly tip: Always use fresh ingredients for the best results. Opt for real butter instead of substitutes whenever possible. The flavor will shine through!
Step-by-Step Directions
Ready to dive into the world of crinkle cookies? Grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the box of white cake mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine until it turns into a thick batter.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and place each one in a small bowl.
- To one bowl, add red food coloring gel. To the other bowl, add green. Mix each one until the color is fully incorporated into the dough. A spoon will do just fine, but your hands can give it that extra love.
- Once combined, cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to work with and helps achieve fluffier cookies.
- Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out the dough. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, giving them a generous coating, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- If the dough feels sticky, don’t panic! Just add about one tablespoon of flour and work it into the dough until it’s the right consistency.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes in the preheated oven. You know they’re done when the tops look cracked but are still soft. Allow them to cool for a minute or two on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.
There you have it! Each step is easy and fun, inviting little hands to help and stirring up laughter along the way.
Serving Christmas Crinkle Cookies With Love
Once you’ve pulled these beauties from the oven, they deserve to be shared. Serve them warm at family dinners, alongside hot cocoa, or as a sweet surprise for holiday parties. These cookies are perfect on cookie platters or as gifts for neighbors and friends. Just think how their faces will light up when they take a bite!
A warm cookie, fresh from the oven, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a grand way to indulge. You can also enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a delightful afternoon treat. The joy these cookies bring is only matched by their taste.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
Now, if you find yourself with leftover Christmas Crinkle Cookies though I wouldn’t blame you for not having any leftovers here’s how to keep the sweetness fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them moist and chewy, throw a slice of bread in with them; it works like a charm!
If you need to save some for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them out on the counter when you’re ready to indulge again, and they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
Tips, Tricks, and Sweet Secrets
Every baking session comes with its own set of lessons learned. Here’s what I’ve picked up over my many kitchen adventures with Christmas Crinkle Cookies:
- Don’t overmix: We want tender crumbs, not tough dough. A gentle hand keeps them soft and chewy.
- Glaze it up: For a little extra pizzazz, drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Try different colors: Play around with seasonal colors how about purple and orange for Halloween or pastel colors for spring?
- Nuts are nice: Mix in some finely chopped nuts for an added crunch. Pecans or walnuts can give these cookies an exciting twist.
- Make it a sandwich: For fun, turn two cookies into a sandwich with frosting or whipped cream in between. It’s like a cookie hug!
Delicious Variations
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a canvas waiting for your creative touch. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Add cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon in the dough adds warmth and depth a delightful twist for the winter season.
- Berry toppings: During summer months, top with fresh berries before serving. They add a refreshing burst and look vibrant.
- Festive glaze: Substitute the red and green food coloring with some festive sprinkles to tie in the holiday spirit.
- Change the flavor: Swap the cake mix for chocolate or lemon for a zesty twist that’ll mix things up.
Remember, the essence of baking lies in experimenting and having fun, so feel free to let your imagination run wild.
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Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the box of white cake mix until it turns into a thick batter.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and place each one in a small bowl.
- Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green food coloring gel to the other. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out the dough and roll each dough ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to spread.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until the tops crack but remain soft.
- Allow them to cool for a minute or two on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Q: Can kids help make these cookies?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for little hands. They can help with mixing, rolling, and of course, enjoying the finished cookies.
Q: What if I don’t have cake mix?
A: You can easily make a cookie dough from scratch using flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: In an airtight container at room temperature, they can last a week. If frozen, they remain good for months.
Q: Can I use other types of food coloring?
A: Sure thing! Gel colors work best because they don’t thin out the dough but feel free to use any food coloring you have.
Q: What if I don’t want to use vegetable oil?
A: You can replace it with melted coconut oil or even apple sauce for a lighter, fruitier flavor.
A Final Bite
As you settle down with a plate of warm Christmas Crinkle Cookies, know that you’re not just enjoying a treat; you’re embracing moments filled with laughter and love. This recipe has a charm that makes you want more, drawing you back into the kitchen for yet another batch. Bake this once and you’ll find yourself roped into bringing it to every family gathering you’ve been warned. So go ahead and whip up some joy in cookie form; your oven is calling, and sweet memories await!
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