Easy Red White Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
One of the simplest ways to celebrate a patriotic holiday or just brighten up your dessert table is with these delightful red, white, and blue cookies. Using a mix, these crinkle cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or surprise guests when time is of the essence.
Years ago, my grandmother used to bake up a storm during the summer holidays, sharing her love for sweets with family and friends. These cookies remind me of her cheerful nature and love for sharing treats with everyone she came across. Whenever I bake them, it brings a sense of nostalgia, taking me back to joyful family gatherings on sunny afternoons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are a triumphant blend of simplicity and delight. Utilizing a cake mix as the base makes them incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers. The vibrant colors make these cookies not only tasty but visually pleasing, perfect for festive occasions. Additionally, their soft and chewy texture is a hit among both kids and adults, making them an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Notes
With only a handful of ingredients, these cookies are both budget-friendly and versatile. This recipe calls for a cake mix, which brings the added advantage of being readily available at most grocery stores. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mixes for a unique twist. If red food coloring isn’t on hand, a natural alternative can be beet juice.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with eggs and oil. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. This is the secret to ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Step 3
Divide the dough into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue to another, leaving the third as is for the white cookies. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 4
Roll the dough into small balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure they are well coated for the crinkle effect.
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Step 5
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges start to firm up. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage Options
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness. If you wish to keep them for longer, consider freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for an hour prior to serving.
Variations & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and replace some of the cake mix with almond flour. Want to cater to dietary restrictions? Try a gluten-free cake mix or substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and water mixture for a vegan version. Adding a hint of lemon zest can also enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are ideal for national holidays such as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. Serve them alongside a glass of iced lemonade or pair them with creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a thoughtful gift, neatly stacked in a mason jar with a festive ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely. These cookies store very well, so you can prepare them a day or two in advance. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
What if I don’t have food coloring? No worries! You can rely on flavors or natural colorings like beet juice for red and butterfly pea flower powder for blue. These alternatives will provide a subtle color change without affecting the taste.
Do I need a particular brand of cake mix? While any brand will work, it’s best to choose a high-quality cake mix for the richest flavor. Some cake mixes also have added flavors which might affect the overall taste, so be sure to pick a classic vanilla or similar flavor unless experimenting.
Enjoy making these vibrant, cheerful crinkle cookies and let them add a burst of color and joy to any occasion. Their simplicity and taste are sure to make them a regular feature on your dessert table.
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Easy Red White Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix about 15.25 oz
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large egg room temperature
- 0.25 cup red and blue food coloring as much as needed for desired color
- 0.75 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide dough into three equal portions. Tint one portion with red food coloring and another with blue food coloring. Leave the third portion plain.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball with powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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