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I've found my new favorite holiday cookie recipe and I can't wait to share it with you! These Christmas Crinkle Cookies start with a white cake mix which makes them super easy but they turn out so soft and chewy. The best part? Their gorgeous red and green colors make them perfect for the holidays! Every time I bring these to a cookie exchange they're the first to disappear.
What Makes These Extra Special
Using cake mix gives these cookies the most amazing brownie-like texture and when you roll them in powdered sugar they get these beautiful crackly tops. The red and green colors make them so festive you almost don't want to eat them... almost! They're perfect for gifting or just making your cookie platter look extra special.
Your Shopping List
- White Cake Mix: 13.25 oz box makes the perfect base for our colors.
- Eggs: These make our cookies nice and tender.
- Vegetable Oil: The secret to keeping them super soft.
- Powdered Sugar: For that pretty snow-like coating.
- Food Coloring: I use gel colors for the brightest reds and greens.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Mix Your Dough
- Stir together your cake mix eggs and oil until you've got a thick dough then split it between two bowls.
- Time for Color
- Add red to one bowl green to the other and mix until you get those beautiful Christmas colors.
- Quick Chill
- If your dough feels sticky pop it in the fridge for a bit.
- Roll and Coat
- Scoop out portions roll them into balls then give them a good coating of powdered sugar.
- Into the Oven
- Bake at 375°F for about 9-12 minutes then let them cool briefly before moving to a rack.
My Best Cookie Tips
I always use gel food coloring it gives you those beautiful vibrant colors without making the dough too wet. Keep your dough nice and cold it's much easier to work with. Watch them closely in the oven you want them soft and chewy not crispy.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days on your counter or about a week in the fridge. You can even freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months just thaw them when you're ready to bake.
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Why Everyone Loves These
These cookies are such a hit during the holidays because they're not just delicious they're beautiful too! The combination of that soft texture pretty colors and powdered sugar coating makes them irresistible. Plus they're so easy to make you'll want to bake them all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different cake mix flavors?
Yes, though white cake mix works best for showing the red and green colors clearly.
- → Why are my cookies not crinkly?
Make sure to coat them generously in powdered sugar before baking and don't skip chilling if the dough feels too soft.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Why use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Either works fine - olive oil is just one option. Use any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cake mix but adjust the liquid ingredients as noted in the recipe since package sizes differ.