Every December, as holiday tunes play softly in the background and the scent of pine fills the air, I find myself baking batch after batch of these delightful Christmas crinkle cookies. They’re a tradition in my home—a fun, colorful, and delicious treat that feels like the holiday season wrapped up in sugar-dusted magic. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. What makes them special? It’s that snowy powdered sugar coating, which “crinkles” as the cookies bake, creating a whimsical, wintry look that’s perfect for your Christmas cookie platter.

Let me tell you a little story about these cookies. One year, I made them for a neighborhood cookie exchange. I remember carefully stacking the red-and-green crinkled cookies into a festive tin, thinking, “These are going to stand out!” Sure enough, they were the first cookies to disappear. A neighbor came up to me afterward, powdered sugar on her sweater, and said, “I need this recipe!” Ever since, they’ve become my go-to holiday cookie because they’re as eye-catching as they are tasty.

These cookies aren’t just about tradition, though—they’re about pure joy. The soft, cake-like texture, the cheerful colors, and that dusting of powdered sugar feel like a little celebration in every bite. So, whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just a quiet night at home, these Christmas crinkle cookies are guaranteed to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen.

A little history behind crinkle cookies

Crinkle cookies have been around for decades, originating as a chocolate variety that became popular in the mid-20th century. The signature “crinkle” effect is created when powdered sugar cracks apart as the cookies spread and bake, leaving behind a striking pattern. Over time, bakers started experimenting with different flavors and colors—enter these festive red-and-green Christmas crinkles. By swapping traditional chocolate with white cake mix and adding holiday hues, this recipe transforms a classic into a bright and merry holiday treat.

Let’s talk ingredients: small list, big impact

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—you only need six ingredients to whip up these cookies. Let’s take a closer look:

White cake mix: The base of the recipe, it brings that soft, cake-like texture and just the right amount of sweetness. If you don’t have white cake mix, yellow cake mix works in a pinch, though it may slightly affect the color.
Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together and add richness. Use large eggs for the best results.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor. Almond extract can be a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the cookies moist. Canola oil works as a substitute, or you can try melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
Food coloring gel: The key to their festive charm. Gel food coloring is more vibrant and concentrated than liquid, making it perfect for achieving bold holiday colors.
Powdered sugar: The “snow” of the cookies! It creates the classic crinkled look and adds a touch of sweetness.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

Making Christmas crinkle cookies is low-maintenance when it comes to equipment. Here’s what I recommend:

Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls will do the trick since you’ll be dividing the dough into two portions.
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: These prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cookie scoop: For evenly-sized cookies (and less messy hands). If you don’t have one, just use a tablespoon.
Whisk or spoon: A whisk works great for mixing the wet ingredients into the cake mix, but a sturdy spoon will work too.
Cooling rack: While not essential, it helps the cookies cool evenly and keeps them from getting soggy bottoms.

Step-by-step: how to make Christmas crinkle cookies

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make these merry little cookies, step by step.

Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper—it’s nonstick magic and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, vanilla, and cake mix. Stir until everything is well-blended. You’ll end up with a soft, sticky dough. (Pro tip: If you’re making these with kids, this is the perfect step to let them join in—it’s like edible playdough!)
Divide and conquer: Split the dough into two smaller bowls. Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green to the other. Mix until the colors are fully incorporated. I usually use a spoon, but if you want to channel your inner kid, go ahead and mix with your hands.
Chill the dough: Pop the bowls into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring fluffier cookies.
Scoop and roll: Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to measure out dough balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. If the dough is too sticky, knead in a tablespoon of flour before rolling.
Bake and cool: Place the powdered dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 9-11 minutes—just until the edges are set and the cookies have puffed up. Let them cool for a minute or two on the sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Fun variations to try

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Gluten-free: Swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Vegan-friendly: Use a vegan cake mix, substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and replace oil with melted vegan butter.
Peppermint twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a minty holiday flavor.
Seasonal colors: Try blue and white for a winter wonderland theme or pink and red for Valentine’s Day!
Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a little extra flair.

Serving and presentation tips

To make these cookies the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table, stack them on a festive plate or tiered stand. Dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for an extra snowy effect. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or some spiced apple cider for a cozy treat. If you’re giving them as gifts, arrange them in a decorative tin with wax paper between the layers.

Drink pairings for festive vibes

These cookies pair beautifully with warm holiday drinks. Here are my favorites:

Hot cocoa: The rich chocolatey flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Eggnog: The creamy, spiced drink feels just as festive as the cookies.
Mulled wine: For an adult pairing, the warm spices of mulled wine play nicely with the vanilla notes in the cookies.

Storing and reheating

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re making them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, coat in powdered sugar, and bake as usual.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Need to make a bigger batch? Double or even triple the recipe—it scales easily! Just make sure to chill the dough between batches to keep it easy to work with. For smaller servings, you can halve the recipe without any issues.

Troubleshooting tips

Too sticky to handle? Chill the dough longer or add a tablespoon of flour.
Powdered sugar melting during baking? Make sure the dough balls are well-coated.
Cookies spreading too much? Check that your oven is at the right temperature, and try chilling the dough a bit more.

Go ahead, bake some holiday magic!

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s easy to make and brings a smile to everyone’s face, these Christmas crinkle cookies are it. They’re fun to bake, delightful to eat, and guaranteed to add a little extra joy to your holiday season. So, grab your mixing bowl, crank up the Christmas tunes, and let’s get baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but you may need to use more to achieve vibrant colors, and it could slightly affect the dough’s consistency.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough may have been too warm. Chill it longer next time, and ensure your baking sheet is cool before adding more cookies.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies after they’ve cooled. Just thaw before enjoying.

4. How do I make these cookies fluffier?
Chilling the dough is key! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them soft and pillowy.

5. Can I add sprinkles?
Yes! You can mix sprinkles into the dough or roll the cookies in sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for a colorful twist.