These festive, chewy cookies are perfect for the holiday season, featuring a soft texture and vibrant red and green colors. Here’s how to make them step by step, with additional tips to ensure they turn out beautifully every time.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 box white cake mix: Forms the base of the cookies, simplifying the recipe.
- 2 eggs: Adds structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Red and green food coloring gel (optional): Adds a festive touch. Gel colors are preferred for vibrant hues without thinning the dough.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Coats the cookies, creating the classic crinkle effect during baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 2 small if coloring dough)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and 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.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the cake mix. Stir until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- (Optional) If adding colors, divide the dough into two equal portions and transfer each to a small bowl.
- Add red food coloring gel to one bowl and green to the other. Mix thoroughly until the colors are evenly distributed.
3. Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl(s) with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to work with and resulting in fluffier cookies.
4. Roll and Coat the Dough
- Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms. If the dough feels too sticky, mix in 1 tablespoon of flour until the texture is manageable.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s well coated for the crinkle effect.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have a crinkled appearance. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Food Coloring Tips: Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency. Adjust the intensity by adding more gel as needed.
- Chilling: This step is crucial to prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Ensure the dough balls are generously coated for the best crinkle effect.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
- Flavor Swap: Use a flavored cake mix, like lemon or chocolate, for a twist.
- Festive Sprinkles: Instead of food coloring, mix in holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. They make great gifts when packaged in holiday-themed bags or tins.
Enjoy these vibrant and easy cookies that bring cheer to any celebration! 🎅✨