Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Bring festive magic into your kitchen with these Christmas Crinkle Cookies—soft, chewy, and beautifully crackled with powdered sugar. Perfect as a quick holiday dessert, easy baking project, or crowd-pleasing treat, these cookies combine vibrant colors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for anyone looking for easy recipes, dessert ideas, and holiday food inspiration.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest optional
- red gel food coloring as needed
- green gel food coloring as needed
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- 4. Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- 5. Divide dough into two portions and mix in red and green gel food coloring separately.
- 6. Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- 7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 8. Roll dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls.
- 9. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- 10. Place on baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
- 11. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cracks form and edges are set.
- 12. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack and serve.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly to achieve the perfect crinkle texture and prevent spreading.
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant colors without affecting consistency.
Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft in the center for the best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10g
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