Sarah Mitchell
These red and green crinkle cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season! Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive colors, they’re not just delicious but also a joy to look at. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to fill your home with the warm aroma of fresh-baked cookies, these crinkle cookies are a must-try. Plus, they’re easy to make and so much fun to prepare with family or friends.
Ingredients for Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these cookies to life:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
The base of our cookies, providing structure and chewiness. Make sure to sift it for a smoother dough! - 1 teaspoon baking powder
This helps give the cookies their delightful puff and cracks as they bake. - ¼ teaspoon salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly. - ¾ cup granulated sugar
Adds just the right amount of sweetness for a classic cookie taste. - ¼ cup vegetable oil
Keeps the cookies soft and moist. - 2 large eggs
The binder that gives your cookies their chewy texture. Let them come to room temperature for easy mixing. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For that warm, comforting flavor. - Red and green gel food coloring
Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering the dough’s consistency. - ½ cup powdered sugar
This is what gives the cookies their beautiful, snowy crinkle top. Coat generously!
How to Make Red and Green Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix the sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a soft dough.
Step 2: Divide and Color
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and green food coloring to the other. Mix each dough portion until the color is evenly distributed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilled dough is easier to handle and bakes perfectly.
Step 3: Roll and Coat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed and developed beautiful crinkles. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake them fresh when needed, or even freeze the dough for longer storage.
Why is my dough sticky?
Sticky dough is normal before chilling. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to make it easier to handle.
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant colors without affecting the dough’s texture. If you use liquid food coloring, you may need to adjust the dry ingredients slightly.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
What makes the cookies crackle?
The powdered sugar coating creates a dry crust that cracks as the cookie expands during baking, giving it that signature crinkle effect.
Can I use different colors?
Of course! You can customize the colors to suit any holiday or occasion—just swap the red and green for your desired shades.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and achieving the perfect crinkle effect during baking.
Conclusion
I hope you loved this festive red and green crinkle cookie recipe as much as I do! These cookies are sure to add a pop of color and cheer to any occasion. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on Facebook or save it to Pinterest for your next holiday baking session. Happy baking! 🎄✨
