Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies are a vibrant and delightful holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and coated in powdered sugar, they bring a pop of color and a burst of sweetness to any celebration.

Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Step 2: Split the dough into two equal portions.
- Step 3: In separate bowls, add red gel food coloring to one portion and green to the other. Mix well until the colors are vibrant and even.
- Step 4: Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the dough.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Step 6: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a ball.
- Step 7: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Step 8: Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 9: Bake for 9–11 minutes until the cookies are crinkled and set around the edges, but centers remain soft.
- Step 10: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor depth.
- Stir in white chocolate chips before chilling for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the centers soft and chewy.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh softness, warm in the microwave for a few seconds. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, though white cake mix works best for vibrant colors. Yellow or vanilla mixes can be used, but may slightly alter the cookie’s taste and color.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping prevent spreading, which keeps the crinkle shape distinct and the texture chewy.
Print
Festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Red and Green Crinkle Cookies made from a white cake mix base. Soft and chewy with a vibrant splash of color, these easy-to-make cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to create a beautiful crinkled appearance when baked. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re quick to prepare and bring holiday cheer with every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box white cake mix (13.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Red gel food coloring (as needed)
- Green gel food coloring (as needed)
Coating
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- White chocolate chips (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, thick dough forms.
- Divide and color the dough: Split the dough evenly into two separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and green gel food coloring to the other. Mix each until the colors are vibrant and fully blended.
- Chill the dough: Cover each bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which makes it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies have a crinkled surface and are set around the edges, but still soft in the center.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to rest for 2 to 3 minutes on the baking sheet after removing from the oven. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Optional enhancements: For extra flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough before dividing and coloring. Additionally, mixing in white chocolate chips will add sweetness and texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain soft for the best texture.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without thinning the dough.
- Refrigerating the dough helps achieve a better crinkle effect in the cookies.
- For easier handling, use a small cookie scoop to portion dough evenly.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red and green cookies, crinkle cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, cake mix cookies

