Cake mix crinkle cookies are a festive, delicious, and incredibly easy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these soft and chewy cookies are an ideal option for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a fun family baking day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with cake mix, this recipe takes the hassle out of holiday baking.
- Festive and Fun: Add red and green food coloring to make these cookies pop with holiday cheer.
- Soft and Chewy: The powdered sugar coating creates a delightful crinkle effect while keeping the cookies perfectly tender.
- Customizable: Experiment with different cake mix flavors and colors for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red and green food coloring gel (optional)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and cake mix. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Color (Optional): Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring gel to one portion and green to the other, mixing until the colors are fully blended.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies stay fluffy during baking.
- Form the Cookies: Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then coat thoroughly in powdered sugar. If the dough feels too sticky, mix in 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have a crinkled appearance.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Flavorful Mixes: Try chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mix for unique crinkle cookie flavors.
- Bright Colors: Use different food coloring combinations to match the season or occasion (e.g., pastel shades for spring).
- Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake mix work wonderfully in this recipe.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is more vibrant and requires less quantity, but liquid food coloring can work if used sparingly.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?
Ensure the dough balls are fully coated in powdered sugar before baking. You can even roll them twice for a thicker coating.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Mix in a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is easier to handle.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.
How do I know the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are set, but the centers may still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Most cake mixes are dairy-free, but double-check the label. Use dairy-free powdered sugar and ensure no dairy is added to the mix.
Can I skip the powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar is essential for the crinkle effect, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler look.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll the dough into balls, skip the powdered sugar, and freeze. Coat in powdered sugar just before baking.
Conclusion
Cake mix crinkle cookies are an easy, festive treat that delivers big on flavor and charm. Perfect for the holiday season or any celebration, these cookies are a versatile and foolproof recipe that’s great for both novice and experienced bakers. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the delightful combination of soft, chewy texture and powdered sugar sweetness!
Print
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Whip up festive and delicious crinkle cookies with this easy recipe using white cake mix. Perfect for holiday baking, these cookies are soft, sweet, and beautifully dusted in powdered sugar. Customize them with red and green colors for extra holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red and green food coloring gel (optional)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Festive Colors (Optional):
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring gel to one portion and green to the other. Mix each until the colors are fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps make the dough easier to handle and creates fluffier cookies.
- Shape and Coat:
- Scoop the dough using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball and coat generously in powdered sugar. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and mix gently before shaping.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These soft, colorful cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or a fun treat for any cookie exchange
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