Introduction

These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies have become a favorite in my household, especially during the holiday season. The moment I made them for the first time, my family couldn’t stop raving about how soft, chewy, and colorful they were. These cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, and the vibrant red and green hues make them perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion. The blend of vanilla and cake mix creates a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking with kids or just need a quick dessert for a party, these cookies are the ideal choice!

Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies❤️🎄

Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a simple yet delicious twist on the traditional crinkle cookie. They’re soft, chewy, and have a lovely light texture that comes from using cake mix as the base. What really sets them apart is their eye-catching red and green colors, making them an ideal treat for holiday celebrations. These cookies are quick to make and require minimal ingredients, making them an excellent choice for beginner bakers or those who need to whip up a batch of cookies in a hurry.

With just a few pantry staples like cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil, you can create a batch of beautiful, festive cookies that are perfect for any occasion. You can customize the colors or add your favorite mix-ins to make them even more unique. Plus, they are incredibly soft and chewy, with a delightful powdered sugar coating that adds a touch of sweetness with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just enjoying a sweet snack at home, Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Red and green food coloring gel (optional)
1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.
Optional Color: If you’d like to make your cookies extra festive, divide the dough into two equal portions. Place one portion in a small bowl and add a few drops of red food coloring gel. Do the same with the second portion, using green food coloring. Stir each color in thoroughly until the dough is evenly tinted.
Refrigerate the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and giving your cookies a fluffier texture when baked.
Shape the Cookies: After chilling, use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to measure out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball using your hands. Then, generously roll the dough ball in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes at 375°F, or until they have spread and developed the classic crinkle pattern on top. Let them cool for a minute or two on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Once your Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies have cooled, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy the soft, chewy texture and the sweet flavor of these colorful cookies.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 130 kcal
Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 1g

These cookies are a delightful treat, but it’s always important to enjoy them in moderation. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can also try using sugar-free cake mix or reducing the amount of powdered sugar on the cookies.

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes

How to Serve

These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few fun ideas for serving them:

Holiday Parties: Serve them on a festive cookie tray alongside other holiday treats.
Gift Giving: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Simply package them in a cute box or jar for friends and family.
With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate sweet treat.
As an After-School Snack: If you have kids, these cookies make a delicious after-school snack.
Cookie Exchange: If you’re participating in a cookie exchange, these crinkle cookies will definitely stand out on the table.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps prevent the dough from spreading too much and gives you a fluffier cookie with a beautiful crinkle top.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant, rich colors, gel food coloring is a better option than liquid food coloring. It won’t affect the consistency of the dough.
Add Mix-ins: You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, a cookie scoop is a great tool. It also ensures all your cookies are the same size.
Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer. Chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake mix would all work well.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just roll them in powdered sugar, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a ziplock bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Do I have to add food coloring?
No, the food coloring is optional. If you prefer plain white cookies, you can skip this step. The cookies will still taste delicious!
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable oil, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. The cookies will be a bit richer, but still delicious.
Why is the dough sticky?
The dough might be a little sticky, especially if you live in a humid climate. If that’s the case, just add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes easier to work with.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for rolling the dough?
Powdered sugar is preferred because it creates the signature crinkle texture, but regular granulated sugar can be used if you don’t have powdered sugar on hand.
Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
Yes, you can easily add chocolate chips or other mix-ins like nuts or sprinkles for additional flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies will have spread out and developed the classic crinkle pattern on top. They should look slightly puffed and soft, but not wet in the center.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated to keep them fresh longer.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes like chocolate or even carrot cake to make unique variations of this recipe!

Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a fun and easy treat to make, especially for the holidays! With their colorful appearance, chewy texture, and delicious flavor, these cookies are bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to indulge in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone.