If you’re looking for a fun and delightfully easy treat to whip up in no time, this Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. Soft, chewy, and covered in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies have a whimsical cracked surface that’s as inviting as their sweet vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they bring together the convenience of a cake mix with a dash of creativity—especially if you add a pop of color with festive food coloring. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these crinkle cookies will become your go-to for everything from last-minute parties to cozy afternoons with a warm drink.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the cake mix providing a tender crumb to the vegetable oil ensuring unbelievable moistness. Add eggs for structure and vanilla for that comforting hint of sweetness, and you’re almost ready to bake up magic.
- 1 box white cake mix: The base of your cookies, giving them a light, fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake mix’s flavor and adds warmth to the cookies.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and moist without weighing them down.
- Red and green food coloring gel, optional: Perfect for adding a festive splash of color to your dough.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Creates that signature crinkle effect and adds a delicate sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This preparation prevents sticking and ensures even baking, giving you perfectly shaped cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and cake mix until everything is blended into a smooth, soft dough. This easy mixing step is where your cookies begin to take shape, offering a tender base you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
If you want to add some festive flair, divide the dough into two bowls and mix red food coloring into one and green into the other. Stir these in thoroughly to get a bold, vibrant color that will make your crinkle cookies pop.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is key to making the dough easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking, resulting in that iconic crackled look.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar, giving the cookies both a sweet shell and the signature crinkle effect. If your dough feels too sticky, a tablespoon of flour can work wonders here for easier handling.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 9-11 minutes or until the cookies spread out and their cracked tops appear. Keep an eye on them to get the perfect balance of soft and set.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a minute or two, then transfer them to a cooling rack. This final step ensures they firm up just enough while staying tender and crumbly inside.
How to Serve Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but you can sprinkle additional powdered sugar just before serving for extra charm. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate gives a lovely touch of decadence for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even some rich hot cocoa to complement their subtle sweetness. The soft texture pairs beautifully with beverages that balance the sugar and enhance the comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or parties, try stacking these crinkle cookies in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also alternate colored dough balls for a fun, zebra-striped appearance that’s sure to impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekday treats or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm the cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back their just-baked softness and enhances their inviting aroma, making them feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white cake mix, experimenting with chocolate, lemon, or even red velvet mixes can yield delicious variations of the crinkle cookie. Just keep in mind that flavors may slightly alter baking times and appearance.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and shape. It also helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake, which is essential for the classic crinkled look and a fluffy texture inside.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free white cake mix will work wonderfully. Just be sure to check that your powdered sugar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If you find the dough sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it firms up enough to roll easily. This helps maintain the shape without compromising the soft texture once baked.
How do I get the perfect crackle on top?
The crackly top comes from rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking and ensuring the oven temperature is at 375°F for proper spreading. Also, make sure to chill the dough beforehand to help the surface set and crack beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as baking up a batch of these delightful Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe when you want a quick, reliable crowd-pleaser. Soft, sweet, and with just the right amount of festive fun, they brighten up any kitchen and mood. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just discover your new favorite cookie hack!
Print
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a quick and fun twist on classic crinkle cookies, utilizing a white cake mix for a light and fluffy texture. They feature a crackled top, can be customized with festive red and green food coloring, and are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want an easy, colorful cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Optional Ingredients
- Red and green food coloring gel
- Flour, as needed (for dough consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the entire box of white cake mix. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add color (optional): If desired, divide the dough equally into two bowls. Add red food coloring gel to one portion and green food coloring gel to the other. Mix thoroughly until the colors are fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in fluffier cookies when baked.
- Shape and coat cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add 1 tablespoon of flour to adjust the consistency before rolling.
- Bake the cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies have spread out and developed classic crinkles on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps the cookies set perfectly.
Notes
- Adding flour can help if the dough is too sticky to handle.
- Chilling the dough is important for achieving the perfect texture and to make shaping easier.
- Different colors can be made by adding food coloring to separate dough portions.
- Use powdered sugar to get the classic crinkled look and a sweet outer coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
