Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering, you’ve found it! These Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth are not just visually stunning; they are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive cheer. The vibrant red and green colors make them perfect for Christmas celebrations, and they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll want to bake them again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a family get-together.

What makes these cookies even more special is how they fill your home with the warm aroma of vanilla and sweet treats. Plus, they are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them an ideal choice for gifting or sharing at parties. Let’s dive into this easy recipe, and I promise you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids will enjoy helping out with the mixing and coloring—perfect for bonding!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you need them.
• Customizable colors: Use any food coloring combination to match your holiday theme or personal preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They’re all simple and wholesome, making it easy to create delicious cookies without fuss. Here’s what you need:

• 1 box White Cake Mix (Can substitute with gluten-free cake mix)
• 2 large Eggs (Essential for binding)
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (Can use melted butter or coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be used for variation)
• 1 tablespoon Wilton Red Food Coloring Gel (Use gel for vibrant color)
• 1 tablespoon Wilton Green Food Coloring Gel (Gel preferred for potency)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For coating cookies)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative while baking! Here are some fun ideas to make your Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies even more exciting:

• Add sprinkles: Toss in festive sprinkles before baking for added crunch and color.
• Flavor twist: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor explosion.
• Change up the colors: Use blue and silver food coloring for a winter wonderland theme!
• Include chocolate chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey surprise.

How to Make Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and your chosen food coloring gels. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and vibrant! This step not only brings together all the flavors but also creates that lovely crinkle texture we adore.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps set the dough’s structure so that they hold their shape better while baking.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop rounded balls of dough into a bowl filled with powdered sugar. Roll each ball around until fully coated. This sugary layer creates that beautiful crinkle effect during baking!

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly puffy. The key here is not to overbake them—pull them out when they still look soft!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set while still remaining soft inside. Enjoy these colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies that melt in your mouth fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!

Now you have everything you need to create a batch of these festive delights! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Baking these delightful cookies is a joyous experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients, especially the eggs and vanilla extract, are fresh. This enhances flavor and ensures the right texture for your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: After mixing your cookie dough, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in that perfect crinkle.

• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Coating: Rolling your cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates a beautiful snowy finish and adds to the delightful texture of each bite.

• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to mix and match food coloring gels to create unique holiday colors. Not only does it make for a beautiful presentation, but it’s also a fun way to get creative!

How to Serve Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Presenting your colorful Christmas crinkle cookies can add an extra touch of festive cheer. Here are some cute ideas to make them shine during your holiday gatherings!

Garnishes

• Edible Glitter: Sprinkle a little edible glitter over your cooled cookies for a magical touch that catches the eye.
• Mint Leaves: A couple of fresh mint leaves on each plate not only adds color but also provides a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a cozy and indulgent treat for chilly winter evenings.
• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the crinkle cookies, offering a healthy option alongside.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting contrast against the sweet flavors of your cookies—plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who love dessert à la mode, serving your colorful crinkle cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream is always a winning combination.

These festive touches will not only enhance your cookie experience but also impress family and friends during this joyful season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These colorful Christmas crinkle cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit without any last-minute rush. You can easily make them in advance and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can be stored for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• After cooling, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy warm, soft cookies that taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies.

Can I use gluten-free cake mix for the Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free version, and you can still enjoy these delicious cookies without any worries.

How can I achieve vibrant colors in my Colorful Christmas Crinkle Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth?

Using gel food coloring is key! Gel colors provide richer hues compared to liquid coloring. Add more gel if you desire an even bolder color for your festive treats.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe?

Yes! You can use melted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil, giving your cookies a unique flavor twist while maintaining their delightful texture.

What’s the best way to decorate these crinkle cookies?

While powdered sugar gives a classic look, consider using edible glitter or sprinkles after coating with sugar for an extra festive touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these colorful Christmas crinkle cookies that melt in your mouth! They’re not just a treat; they’re an invitation to share warmth and happiness during the holiday season. Enjoy creating these vibrant delights with family and friends, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and love. Happy baking!