Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one of those holiday treats that instantly brings joy to the kitchen. The bright colors, crackly powdered sugar coating, and soft, cake-like centers make these cookies a favorite every December. They look impressive, but the truth is they’re incredibly simple to make. You only need a few basic ingredients and a little food coloring to transform a classic crinkle cookie into a festive holiday dessert that stands out on any cookie tray.

One of the things I love most about this Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe is how fun and flexible it is. Kids can help roll the dough in sugar, and you can choose how vibrant you want the colors. You can make them bold and bright or softer and pastel for a more subtle holiday look. No matter how you customize them, the cookies still bake up soft and pillowy with that signature cracked top everyone recognizes.

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights with hot chocolate. They travel well, they freeze beautifully, and the dough itself is so simple that you can prepare it even on busy winter evenings. If you’ve been searching for an easy cookie recipe that feels festive without requiring advanced baking skills, this Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe will become one of your go-to December traditions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 24 cookies

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What Makes This Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe Special?

Holiday-Bright Colors
The vibrant red and green make these cookies instantly festive. They’re a beautiful addition to cookie boxes and holiday dessert tables.

Soft and Cake-Like Texture
The inside stays soft and tender, almost like a brownie-cookie mix. The powdered sugar forms a crisp exterior that contrasts perfectly.

Easy to Customize
Change the colors, add extracts, or change the flavor. This recipe is very forgiving and works with many variations.

Simple Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the food coloring is the only special item.

Time-Saving Dough
The dough chills in only 30 minutes, which helps the cookies crack properly and prevents spreading. You can even chill it overnight.

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Ingredient Notes

• All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure. For best results, spoon and level the flour instead of packing it. A gluten-free 1:1 blend works as a substitute.

• Cocoa Powder (optional if making chocolate version)
Some crinkle cookies use cocoa powder. This recipe does not require it unless you want a chocolate base. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate crinkles.

• Baking Powder
Helps the cookies puff up and create the crinkled top. Do not replace it with baking soda.

• Salt
Balances sweetness. If using salted butter, reduce added salt by half.

• Butter or Oil
Butter adds flavor. Oil makes the cookies extra soft. You can use 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup oil. Both work great.

• Sugar
Granulated sugar keeps the cookies tender and sweet.

• Eggs
Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture. Room-temperature eggs work best.

• Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.

• Gel Food Coloring
Gel gives vibrant color without thinning the dough. Red and green work best for the holidays.

• Powdered Sugar
This is what gives the cookies their crinkle effect. Do not skip the powdered sugar coating.

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How To Make Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Helpful tip: Whisking helps prevent lumps and keeps the cookies light.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter (or oil) with the granulated sugar for 2 minutes until creamy.
Look for a pale and smooth texture. This step helps the cookies stay soft.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla.
Tip: Room-temperature eggs blend more evenly and help the cookies bake evenly.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until the flour disappears.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

5. Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough into two bowls. Add red gel coloring to one bowl and green gel coloring to the other.
Use a small amount first, then add more as needed.
Tip: Gel coloring makes brighter cookies without thinning the dough.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover each bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Chilling helps the cookies form strong cracks and prevents spreading.

7. Shape the Cookies

Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat heavily in powdered sugar.
Tip: The thicker the powdered sugar layer, the better the crinkle effect.

8. Bake

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes.
The cookies should look puffed with visible cracks.
Do not overbake; the centers should look slightly soft.

9. Cool

Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Cooling helps them set without becoming dry.

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Storage Options

Room Temperature

Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a piece of bread to keep them soft.

Refrigeration

Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Freeze unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar) for up to 3 months and roll in sugar before baking.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 8 seconds for a soft texture.

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Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate Crinkle Version

Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate base.

Peppermint Crinkles

Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.

Red Velvet Crinkles

Use 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and red gel coloring.

Lemon Crinkles

Skip the food coloring and add lemon zest and lemon extract.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add one extra tablespoon of oil for moisture if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my crinkle cookies not crack?

Your dough may be too warm. Chill it longer for better cracks.

Why did the powdered sugar melt?

Use a thicker coating of sugar and avoid using icing sugar that contains cornstarch blends.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, chill up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.

How do I keep the colors bright?

Use gel food coloring, not liquid. Gel keeps the dough thick.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, everything scales perfectly.

Why are my cookies dry?

They were baked too long. Bake just until the edges set and the centers look soft.

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Conclusion

Red and Green Crinkle Cookies Recipe is the kind of dessert that brings instant cheer to any holiday gathering. With their bright colors, soft centers, and festive powdered sugar coating, they’re fun to make and even more fun to share. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treat boxes, or simply enjoying a cozy moment with coffee, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out in your kitchen.

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