Festive Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat Everyone Will Love

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of Festive Crinkle Cookies out of the oven. With their signature crackled tops and snowy powdered sugar finish, they don’t just taste like the holidays—they look the part too. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or adding color to your dessert platter, these cookies check all the boxes: easy, colorful, chewy, and full of festive spirit.

Using a simple white cake mix as the base, you’ll create two batches—one vibrant red and the other merry green—that come together in a delicious holiday explosion of flavor and texture. These cookies are soft and fudgy inside with a crackly, sugary crust on the outside—making them a seasonal favorite across generations.

If you’re looking for more cheerful treats to accompany your crinkle cookies, check out our Christmas Popcorn Candy—a fun and colorful snack that pairs beautifully with these cookies on a holiday table.

Now, let’s dive into what makes these cookies a must-have this season and how you can master them at home.

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What Makes Festive Crinkle Cookies So Special?

The Unique Crinkle Effect

The hallmark of a classic crinkle cookie is its gorgeous cracked surface. This happens when the dough, rolled in powdered sugar, expands in the oven, splitting to reveal colorful dough underneath. The contrast between the snowy coating and vibrant cookie base creates an irresistible visual that’s pure holiday magic.

Holiday Color Magic

Color plays a huge role in making these cookies festive. By using high-quality food coloring like Wilton’s Red-Red and Kelly Green, you can achieve deep, joyful tones that scream Christmas. The use of white cake mix keeps the hues pure and bold, avoiding the muddy look some cookie bases produce.

Why They’re the Go-To Christmas Cookie

Beyond their looks, Festive Crinkle Cookies win hearts for their ease and versatility. They require just a handful of ingredients, bake quickly, and store well—perfect for busy holiday weeks. They also hold up beautifully on cookie platters and are ideal for gifting in festive tins or bags. If you’re baking for a crowd or creating a holiday dessert board, these cookies are always a hit.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas Cookie Bars for another fun and shareable seasonal dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crinkle Cookies

The Importance of Using White Cake Mix

The foundation of this recipe is a 13.25 oz box of white cake mix, such as Betty Crocker. Choosing white over yellow or chocolate cake mix is crucial—it ensures your food coloring stays bright and true. Yellow bases can dull the vibrancy, while chocolate overtakes it completely.

If you’re planning a themed batch with vivid red and green cookies, don’t skip this ingredient tip.

Red & Green Food Coloring Tips

All food colorings aren’t created equal. For bold results, you’ll want Wilton Red-Red and Wilton Kelly Green—professional-grade gel colorings that won’t water down your dough or produce uneven tones. Start with a small amount and build slowly using a toothpick for precise mixing. You’ll be surprised at how just a drop can shift the tone.

Key Pantry Staples

You probably already have most of what you need:

Ingredient	Purpose in Recipe
Eggs (2 large)	Bind ingredients and provide moisture
Olive oil (⅓ cup)	Adds richness and helps dough come together
Powdered sugar (⅓ cup)	Creates signature crinkle effect when baked

Want to level up your cookie trays? Don’t miss our Christmas Fudge Cake for another soft, rich, crowd-pleasing treat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Festive Crinkle Cookies

Preparing the Dough

Start by mixing the white cake mix with eggs and olive oil in a large bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or Danish dough whisk—stand mixers can make the dough overly tough. Once it comes together, divide the dough into two equal parts and tint each one with your food coloring of choice.

Pro tip: Add color gradually and stir thoroughly to avoid streaking.

Rolling and Coating Technique

Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) to form dough balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar—don’t be shy! This coating creates the crackled finish and adds a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

If the dough feels sticky or soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.

Baking Time and Temperature Tips

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Space cookies about 1.5 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9–12 minutes—edges should be set, but centers still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Need more cookie ideas? Discover great ideas like our Magic Brownie Cookies—an ultra-chocolatey twist perfect for the holidays.

Tips & Tricks for Best Results Every Time

Chilling the Dough for Perfect Handling

If you’re finding the dough sticky or hard to work with, the fix is simple: refrigerate it. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into uniform balls and coat in powdered sugar. It also helps the cookies maintain their round shape and achieve a more defined crinkle on top.

Try working with one color batch while leaving the other in the fridge. This way, the dough stays cool and manageable throughout the baking process.

Avoiding Dull Colors After Baking

The secret to vibrant cookies even after baking lies in using true gel-based food coloring. Liquid coloring can fade during baking or make the dough too soft. Gel colors like Wilton Red-Red and Kelly Green are concentrated and produce brighter, more reliable results.

Also, avoid overbaking—if the cookies stay in the oven too long, the colors can dull and the centers dry out. Stick to 9–12 minutes, watching closely toward the end.

Making Ahead and Freezing Dough

Got a packed holiday schedule? Prep your dough in advance! Roll the dough into balls (without sugar coating), wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough to room temperature, coat in powdered sugar, and bake as usual.

Frozen dough lasts up to 2 months, making this a smart option for holiday prep. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them fully baked—just let them cool and layer between parchment paper in an airtight container.

Don’t miss our freezer-friendly Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies—another classic that pairs beautifully on a dessert tray with crinkle cookies.

Creative Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free Crinkle Cookies

If you or your guests are avoiding gluten, don’t worry—you can still enjoy this festive treat. Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free mix. Keep in mind that gluten-free cake mixes are often larger, so adjust the oil slightly to ½ cup for a smooth dough.

Flavor Twists for a Personal Touch

While traditional crinkle cookies are flavored mainly by the cake mix, you can easily customize them:

• Add peppermint extract for a candy cane flavor.
• Stir in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Mix in citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to brighten up the cookie flavor.

Want something truly unique? Try our Cinnamon Roll Cookies—they bring a spiced swirl that feels right at home on a festive platter.

Decorative Sugar Coatings

Though powdered sugar is the classic choice, you can experiment with fun toppings:

• Sanding sugar in festive colors adds crunch and sparkle.
• Edible glitter gives a magical shimmer perfect for gifting.
• Double coating (roll in granulated sugar, then powdered) adds an extra crunch layer.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Grinch Christmas Truffles for another colorful and whimsical treat.

Storing, Serving, and Gifting Festive Crinkle Cookies

How to Store for Freshness

These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To keep them soft, place a slice of white bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Packaging for Gifts

Festive Crinkle Cookies make beautiful edible gifts. Here are a few fun packaging ideas:

• Holiday tins lined with parchment or wax paper
• Clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon
• Glass mason jars for a rustic presentation

Label them with flavor tags or festive notes for a personal touch. Cookies like our Caramel Apple Fritter Bread also make excellent holiday gift ideas when packaged similarly.

Serving Tips for Holiday Platters

Arrange cookies in alternating colors for visual impact—red and green patterns pop beautifully. Pair them with chocolate-dipped pretzels, peppermint bark, and fudge bites to create a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Hosting a holiday brunch? Add our Gingerbread Pancakes for a warm and festive touch on the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Cheer with These Festive Crinkle Cookies

These Festive Crinkle Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be—easy to make, stunning to look at, and joyfully delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive gathering, they’re sure to steal the spotlight on any dessert table.

With just a few simple ingredients and a splash of color, you can create a cookie that delivers the magic of Christmas in every bite.

Don’t miss our Christmas Candy Bark for another sweet and colorful holiday snack to complement your cookie tray.

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