Introduction

When it comes to baking, sometimes you want something quick, easy, and delicious without all the effort. These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are the perfect solution. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come out soft, chewy, and with a delightful crinkle that makes them look like they’ve come from a professional bakery. I was skeptical at first, but after making them, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful they were. The best part? You can make these cookies in no time, and they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. My family devoured them as soon as they were out of the oven, and I bet your family will too!

Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Quick and easy: These cookies are made using cake mix, which cuts down on prep time and makes them a breeze to prepare.
Soft and chewy: The end result is a soft, chewy cookie with a delicate crinkle pattern that is irresistibly good.
Customizable: You can add food coloring to give the cookies a festive touch, perfect for holidays or any occasion.
Minimal ingredients: With just five main ingredients, this recipe is as simple as it gets.
No chill dough required (mostly): While the dough is best refrigerated for a little bit, there’s no need for complicated steps or long waits.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Red and green food coloring gel (optional, for festive colors)
1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated into a smooth dough.
Optional – Add color:
If you’d like to make the cookies more festive, divide the dough into two equal portions and place each in a separate bowl. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other. Mix each bowl of dough until the colors are fully incorporated.
Chill the dough:
Place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and ensuring fluffier cookies. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and mix it in.
Shape the dough:
Once chilled, use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each dough ball into a ball and then roll it in powdered sugar to coat the dough thoroughly.
Place on baking sheet:
Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for the cookies to spread.
Bake:
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly golden. The center may appear slightly soft, but it will firm up as the cookies cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 130 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 9-11 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Enjoy them as a snack: These cookies are perfect for a quick snack with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.
Serve at a party: The bright colors and crinkle texture make these cookies a fun addition to any holiday or birthday party.
Package them as gifts: These cookies make a lovely gift, especially when wrapped in a festive box or tin.
Pair with ice cream: Make an ice cream sandwich with these cookies by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between two cookies.
Great for bake sales: If you’re looking to contribute to a bake sale or potluck, these cookies are always a hit.

Additional Tips

Add sprinkles: For extra flair, sprinkle some colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top of the powdered sugar before baking.
Use cake mix flavors: Try different cake mixes like lemon, strawberry, or chocolate to change up the flavor of these crinkle cookies.
Don’t skip the chilling: While it’s tempting to skip the refrigeration step, it really helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll into perfect dough balls.
Test with a toothpick: If you’re unsure if the cookies are done, insert a toothpick into one of the cookies—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Store in an airtight container: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with any cake mix flavor. Chocolate, lemon, or even funfetti could work great for different varieties.
How can I make the cookies thicker?
If you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for a longer period, or slightly increase the amount of flour added.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, which makes it easier to handle and results in fluffier cookies.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable oil, but the texture may differ slightly.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then store the frozen dough in a Ziploc bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time and mix it in until the dough is easier to handle.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. If you prefer plain white crinkle cookies, simply skip this step.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
If you don’t have a cookie scoop, simply use a tablespoon to portion out the dough and roll it into balls by hand.

Conclusion

These Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are the perfect solution for anyone who wants a quick, simple, and delicious cookie. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can have a batch of soft, chewy, and crinkled cookies ready to enjoy in just under an hour. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The optional food coloring adds a fun touch, making them ideal for festive occasions. So, next time you need a sweet treat, give these cake mix crinkle cookies a try—you won’t be disappointed!