Easy Festive Cookies

These colorful Christmas cookies use white cake mix as a shortcut, split into red and green batches and rolled in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look. They're quick to make and perfect for holiday cookie plates.

Clare Greco
Updated on Thursday 12 December 2024
A plate of colorful crinkle cookies in red and green, dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by festive decorations.
A plate of colorful crinkle cookies in red and green, dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by festive decorations. Pin it
A plate of colorful crinkle cookies in red and green, dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by festive decorations. | Recipesbyclare.com

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.

A plate of colorful green and red crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by festive decorations. Pin it
A plate of colorful green and red crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by festive decorations. | Recipesbyclare.com

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.

Holiday Crinkle Cookies

Red and green crinkle cookies made with white cake mix and rolled in powdered sugar. An easy, festive treat that's perfect for holiday baking.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
9 Minutes
Total Time
19 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 28 Servings (28 cookies)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 box (13.25oz) white cake mix.
02 2 eggs.
03 1/3 cup olive oil.
04 1/3 cup powdered sugar.
05 Red food coloring.
06 Green food coloring.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 03

Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil.

Step 04

Split dough into two bowls.

Step 05

Add red coloring to one bowl and green coloring to the other bowl. Mix each until color is even.

Step 06

Scoop 1.5 tablespoon balls of dough and roll in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Place balls on baking sheet spaced 1.5 inches apart.

Step 08

Bake for 9-12 minutes.

Step 09

Cool cookies for 2 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

  1. Easy holiday cookies using cake mix shortcut.
  2. Can be made gluten-free using gluten-free cake mix with adjusted measurements.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat.
  • Cookie scoop.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (cake mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 33
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
  • Protein: ~