Magical Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crisp winter nights call for magical christmas crinkle cookies that dance with sweet nostalgia.

Sweet powdered sugar blankets these dark chocolate delights like fresh snowfall.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through every delicate, crackled surface.

Kids adore watching the dramatic color transformation from deep cocoa to sparkling white.

Decorative and delicious, these treats bring playful charm to holiday gatherings.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich chocolate and sugary softness.

Bake these festive cookies and watch smiles sparkle brighter than the season’s decorations.

Christmas Crinkle Cookies for Snowy Bites of Joy

• Create stunning red and green cookies that instantly bring holiday cheer and visual excitement to any dessert spread.
• Whip up these cookies in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or spontaneous baking sessions with kids.
• Experience the magic of soft, chewy cookies with a delightful powdered sugar crackle that melts in your mouth and looks professionally crafted.
• Engage children in a fun baking activity where they can help roll dough balls, coat them in sugar, and enjoy the colorful transformation of ingredients.

Baking Ingredients for Christmas Crinkle Cookies

• Butter, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Tender and flavorful foundation for the Christmas cookies, rich taste and smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet background that helps create soft cookie consistency.

• Flour: Classic cookie base, provides structure and classic crumbly texture.
• Baking Powder, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and balance sweetness.

• Red Food Coloring, Green Food Coloring: Festive Christmas colors, creates holiday spirit.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates signature crinkle effect and adds delicate sweet coating.

• Choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Use fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Select pure vanilla extract for best taste.
• Opt for gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
• Use fresh, sifted powdered sugar for smoother coating.

Steps to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Blend until fluffy and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Color The Dough

Split dough into two equal sections. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to another. Mix until colors are vibrant and even.

Step 4: Chill The Dough

Cover dough portions with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help firm up the texture.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions. Roll into smooth balls. Coat each ball completely in powdered sugar.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place sugared dough balls on prepared baking sheets. Space them 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until puffy with crinkled sugar coating.

Step 7: Cool And Enjoy

Rest cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Serve on holiday cookie tray or package as sweet gifts.

Tips to Get the Perfect Crackle on Crinkle Cookies

• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
• Color with Care: Use gel food coloring for vibrant red and green shades without changing the dough's consistency.
• Prevent Sticking: Roll dough balls in powdered sugar just before baking to create those classic crinkle cookie cracks and prevent sticking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are set but centers are still soft for a perfect chewy texture.
• Gift-Ready Technique: Cool cookies completely before packaging to maintain their crisp exterior and prevent moisture buildup.

Keep Christmas Crinkle Cookies Soft and Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, layered with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked texture.
• If cookies become slightly dry, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help them regain moisture and maintain their soft, delicious crinkle.

Beverages and Bites to Pair with Crinkle Cookies

• Brew rich, creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream to complement the sweet, soft Christmas crinkle cookies. The warm, velvety drink balances the cookie's sugary texture.
• Craft a holiday-themed coffee drink featuring espresso, chocolate, and refreshing peppermint syrup. The mint notes enhance the cookie's festive red and green colors while providing a delightful flavor contrast.
• Scoop premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookies for a cool, creamy accompaniment. The smooth, classic flavor highlights the cookie's delicate crinkle texture and sweet powdered sugar coating.
• Prepare a warming chai latte with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The complex, comforting tea complements the cookie's subtle sweetness and adds a cozy holiday touch.

Christmas Crinkle Cookies in New Flavor Variations

Gluten-Free Holiday Crinkles: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring equal measurements and maintaining the cookie’s soft texture.

Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the festive crinkle effect.

Vegan Festive Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based vanilla extract to create dairy-free, egg-free cookie version.

Natural Color Variation: Replace artificial food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for red and matcha powder for green, creating healthier colored cookies without synthetic dyes.

Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic sparkles in these Christmas crinkle cookies, dusted with powdered sugar like a winter wonderland. Rich chocolate goodness meets classic Christmas cheer, inviting you to savor sweet seasonal memories with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Decorative Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• Red food coloring
• Green food coloring

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Instructions

1. Prepare workstation by arranging oven rack in middle position and preheating to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.
2. Create foundational dough by combining softened butter and granulated sugar in mixing bowl. Whip until texture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend vanilla extract into mixture for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt through gentle whisking. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain delicate texture.
5. Divide prepared dough into two equal portions. Introduce red food coloring to one section and green food coloring to another, mixing thoroughly until colors distribute evenly.
6. Wrap each colored dough portion in plastic film and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes. Chilling allows dough to stabilize and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
7. Extract tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, rolling into uniform spheres. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2-inch spacing to allow proper expansion.
9. Position sheets in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Monitor cookies until they develop characteristic crinkled surface and maintain soft, tender interior.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for initial 5-minute cooling period. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling, preparing them for festive presentation or gifting.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better dough consistency.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering dough texture.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar right before baking to create distinct crinkle patterns and prevent sugar absorption.
• Refrigerating dough prevents spreading and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly cookies.
• Reduce sugar by 25% for a less sweet version without compromising cookie texture.
• Storage tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg