Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of holiday cheer. They are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which creates the classic crinkle pattern as the cookies spread in the oven. When you add colorful Christmas sprinkles, they become even more festive and perfect for holiday cookie trays. These cookies are simple to make, use basic ingredients, and bake quickly. Their texture is soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, making them a favorite for kids and adults. Because they are easy to prepare, they are ideal for holiday parties, school events, cookie exchanges, or last-minute baking.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies
They are soft, chewy, and full of chocolate or vanilla flavor. The powdered sugar coating gives them a snowy appearance. The sprinkles add color and crunch. They use pantry ingredients. They bake in minutes. They look beautiful on Christmas platters. They stay soft for days. They are easy enough for beginners. They bring holiday spirit to any dessert table.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe if you want a festive cookie that requires simple steps but gives impressive results. The crinkle effect looks bakery-quality without extra work. The dough mixes quickly and chills well. You can make them in different flavors such as chocolate, red velvet, or sugar cookie. The final cookies look bright and joyful thanks to the sprinkles. They make wonderful edible gifts and are perfect for Christmas traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
1 box cake mix (chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Optional Add-Ins
White chocolate chips
Crushed peppermint
Extra sprinkles for rolling
How to Make This Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies (Detailed)
1. Mix the Dough
Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until the dough becomes thick and sticky. This is normal for crinkle cookies.
2. Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough roll smoothly and enhances the crinkle effect.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough with a spoon or cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
4. Coat in Powdered Sugar
Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. Make sure each cookie is fully covered. This step creates the snowy crinkle pattern during baking.
5. Add Sprinkles
Press Christmas sprinkles gently onto the tops or sides of each cookie. The sprinkles add color and texture.
6. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–12 minutes. When the cookies crack on top and look slightly set around the edges, they are ready.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a rack to finish cooling.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie)
Calories: 110
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 16g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for the Best Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies (Detailed)
Chill the dough so the cookies hold their shape. Use plenty of powdered sugar for a strong crinkle pattern. Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup. Do not overbake or the cookies will become dry. Use gel sprinkles that won’t bleed. Roll the dough balls evenly so the cookies bake uniformly. Let them cool fully to keep the texture soft and chewy. Store them in a cool place so the powdered sugar stays crisp.
Variations & Substitutions
Make chocolate crinkle cookies with chocolate cake mix. Use red velvet mix for a deep red holiday effect. Try lemon cake mix for a bright winter flavor. Add crushed peppermint for a mint twist. Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Roll the dough in sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar. Make half red and half green for Christmas swirl cookies.
What to Serve with Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies
Serve with hot cocoa, eggnog, peppermint coffee, or milk. Add them to Christmas cookie boards. Pair with brownies, fudge, gingerbread cookies, or sugar cookies. They also work great as edible gifts or party favors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip chilling the dough. Do not use liquid food coloring because it may change the texture. Avoid overmixing or the cookies may become dense. Do not undercoat in powdered sugar or the crinkle effect will be weak. Do not overbake because they finish cooking as they cool. Avoid stacking cookies before they cool fully to prevent sticking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. Keep them in a cool place. Add parchment between layers to protect the powdered sugar. Freeze the dough balls before baking for up to two months. Freeze baked cookies for up to six weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Christmas Crinkle Sprinkle Cookies are soft, festive, and full of holiday charm. Their bright colors, snowy crinkle coating, and chewy texture make them a holiday favorite. They are easy, fast, and perfect for any Christmas celebration. Whether you bake them for parties, gifts, or cozy nights at home, these cookies bring joy to every bite.
Recipe FAQ’s
1. Can I use any cake mix flavor? Yes, chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet all work well.
2. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle? The dough may not have been chilled or was under-coated in sugar.
3. Can I make the dough ahead? Yes, chill it for up to 24 hours.
4. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze rolled dough balls before baking.
5. Can I add sprinkles inside the dough? Yes, mix them in before chilling.
6. Why are my cookies dry? They were overbaked. Remove them when edges set.
7. Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix.
8. Can I use butter instead of oil? Yes, melted butter works but creates a denser cookie.
9. Can kids help make these? Absolutely, they are great for kids.
10. How do I get brighter colors? Use gel coloring in the dough or choose colorful sprinkles.