The holidays always bring out my softest, coziest baking side, and these Christmas Crinkle Cookies are the treat I return to every December. They come out of the oven with tender centers, snowy powdered tops, and those cheerful red and green crinkles that feel like pure Christmas magic.
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I tested this version several times to get the texture just right. The dough mixes in one bowl, bakes in minutes, and the result is a cookie that stays soft for days. This Best Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe is simple, festive, and perfect for gifting or sharing with your holiday crowd. Ready to bake a little cheer?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy centers with crisp, sugar-dusted tops
- Only a handful of ingredients
- No chilling required
- Kid-friendly and great for cookie boxes
- Festive colors without complicated steps
INGREDIENTS
- 1 white cake mix (13.25 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
- White cake mix: Any reputable brand works. I like using one with a light vanilla aroma so the colors stay bright.
- Olive oil: A mild-flavored oil keeps the cookies tender. You can use a neutral oil like canola if you prefer.
- Powdered sugar: Sift if it looks lumpy so you get an even snowy finish.
- Food coloring: Gel coloring gives more vibrant shades without thinning the dough.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together. The texture will be thick and slightly stretchy.
- Divide the dough evenly into two bowls.
- Tint one bowl with red food coloring and the other with green. Mix until the shades look bright and even.
- Scoop the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon portions. Roll gently between your hands to form smooth balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until generously coated.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet with 1 ½ inches between each cookie so they can spread.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes. The tops should look crackled and set, while the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or completely cooled.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Top Tip
- Don't overmix the dough after adding food coloring. Overworking it can make the cookies dense.
- If the powdered sugar melts during baking, simply coat the dough balls more generously next time.
- Slightly underbake for softer centers.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet so they finish setting without drying out.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Warm in a low oven for a few minutes if you want that fresh-baked feel.
MAKE AHEAD & FREEZING
- Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge.
- You can also shape and freeze the dough balls before coating with powdered sugar. Let thaw slightly, roll in sugar, then bake.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- Healthier touch: Use a reduced-sugar cake mix.
- Flavor twist: Add a touch of almond extract for a holiday bakery aroma.
- Presentation idea: Roll half the dough balls in red sugar before coating with powdered sugar for a sparkly finish.
- Chocolate version: Swap white cake mix for chocolate and skip the coloring for classic crinkles.
FAQs
A thick coat of powdered sugar helps. Also check that your oven is fully preheated.
Yes. They'll bake into soft vanilla crinkles.
Absolutely. They stay soft, pack well, and look bright and festive.
📖 Recipe
Best Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 19 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, festive, and impossibly easy - these Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a colorful holiday classic made from cake mix and a few simple ingredients. Perfect for gifting or sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix (13.25 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough evenly into two bowls.
- Tint one bowl with red food coloring and the other with green. Mix until shades are bright and even.
- Scoop the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until generously coated.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet with 1 ½ inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until tops are crackled and centers are soft.
- Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or cooled.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. To prep ahead, shape and freeze dough balls, then roll in sugar before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve these cookies with hot cocoa, warm cider, or a simple Christmas brunch spread. They look beautiful on a dessert tray next to peppermint bark or shortbread. Kids love them after decorating the tree, and they add instant color to any cookie exchange.
NUTRITION & NOTES
Makes about 18 to 20 cookies.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly.
Approximate calories per cookie: 115 to 130, depending on the brand of cake mix.
I've tested this version several times to keep the texture fluffy and tender.
READER REVIEWS
"These cookies disappeared in minutes. Soft, sweet, and so festive. My kids asked for another batch the same day!" - Maria
RELATED RECIPES / INTERNAL LINKS
If you're building a full holiday dessert table, here are a few cozy favorites from the blog:
- Try these cookies alongside my Soft Gingerbread Cookies for a warm, spiced contrast.
- For a buttery classic, my Simple Vanilla Shortbread always pairs beautifully with Christmas treats.
- If you want something richer for gifting boxes, don't miss my Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies.
Sandy says
Oh my gosh, there is no way to roll cake batter into balls! I had to scoop these on the cookie sheet and put powdered sugar on top. In the oven now, I see cracks but what a mess I had.