Introduction to Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
When you need a delightful, festive treat, these red white & blue cake mix crinkle cookies are a game changer! As a busy mom, I often find myself juggling work, kids, and everything in between. So, I love a quick solution that not only tastes amazing but also brings a splash of color to any celebration. These cookies are perfect for summer barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, or just a sweet surprise for your family. Trust me, these beauties would make anyone smile, and they’re easier to whip up than you might think!
Why You’ll Love This Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
First off, these cookies are incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. The vibrant colors alone are enough to brighten any table. Plus, their crinkly texture offers a delightful chew that your family will adore. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to please everyone!
Ingredients for Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
To create these stunning red white & blue cake mix crinkle cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- White cake mix: This is the star of the show! It provides the base for our cookie dough, giving it that light and fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cookies. You can also use canola oil if you prefer. Both options ensure a delightful taste.
- Large eggs: These act as a binding agent, helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Powdered sugar: This ingredient is essential for coating the dough balls. It gives those crinkle cookies a beautiful, snowy finish.
- Red gel food coloring: This brings a bold pop of color to your cookies, making them undeniably festive!
- Blue gel food coloring: The perfect match to create that patriotic look. Feel free to adjust the colors to your liking.
For exact quantities of these ingredients, be sure to check at the bottom of the article where you’ll find a handy printout. You can also get creative! If you ever want to switch things up, consider using different flavors of cake mix or adding chocolate chips for an extra treat. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While it’s heating up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, baking mats, or give them a quick spray of cooking spray. Lining the sheets helps the cookies bake uniformly and prevents sticking. Plus, cleanup becomes a breeze! Admittedly, I often forget this step, and let me tell you, it’s a disaster waiting to happen!
Mix the Cookie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, grab your hand mixer and combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Start on low speed to avoid a flour cloud, then gradually increase until everything is well blended. This should take about 1-2 minutes. If you’re like me and can never find the whisk, a hand mixer works wonders here! Your dough will be thick and ready for the fun part—coloring!
Divide and Color the Dough
Time to get colorful! Divide the thick batter into three separate bowls. Keep one bowl plain, then add red gel food coloring to your second bowl and blue to the last. Make sure to mix until vibrant hues emerge. The amount of coloring can depend on how bold you want your cookies. I prefer a playful pop of color, so I often just eyeball it. Get ready for that festive Instagram pic!
Shape the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop each color of dough into your hands. Roll the portions into balls and roll them in powdered sugar. This sugar coating creates that signature crinkle effect when baked. I take pride in making sure they’re evenly coated, as it enhances that striking presentation. Take your time; the joy is in the details, after all!
Bake the Cookies
Now that your cookies are beautifully shaped, place 12 dough balls on each prepared cookie sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges firm up but the centers look slightly puffy. Once done, let them cool on the sheets for about 10 minutes. This firming period makes a world of difference. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also look like little stars beneath that sugary coating!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip preheating the oven for even baking.
- Bake the cookies until the edges are set, but the centers remain puffy for best texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues; it takes less than liquid food coloring.
- For a fun twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy!
Equipment Needed
- Cookie sheets: Use any large baking sheets you have; non-stick options are great.
- Parchment paper or baking mats: These save time on cleanup, but you can also use silicone molds.
- Medium cookie scoop: A spoon will work in a pinch, just aim for uniform sizes!
- Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will do, but mixing bowls with a spout make pouring easier.
- Hand mixer: If not available, a whisk works fine; just put in a bit more elbow grease!
Variations
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: Switch up the white cake mix for lemon, chocolate, or strawberry for a unique taste twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and opt for a plant-based oil to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor.
- Fun Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the cookie dough for extra flair, or sprinkle on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these crinkle cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert combo.
- Serve them alongside fresh summer fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing twist.
- For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a colorful platter and garnish with additional sprinkles.
- Consider a tall glass of cold milk or a fruity lemonade to quench your thirst!
FAQs about Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! While the classic white cake mix is delightful, experimenting with other flavors can lead to fun surprises. Lemon or chocolate cake mix can add a lovely twist to your red white & blue cake mix crinkle cookies!
How do I store the cookies once they’re baked?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If there are any leftovers (which is unlikely but possible), they can last for about a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies. If freezing dough, scoop the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Just bake as usual when you’re ready!
Why are my cookies not crinkling as expected?
If your cookies aren’t crinkling properly, it may be due to over-mixing the dough or not enough powdered sugar coating. Ensure to coat them well and only mix until combined for that delightful texture!
Is there a way to make these cookies healthier?
For a lighter version of red white & blue cake mix crinkle cookies, try using a sugar substitute in place of the powdered sugar or swap out some oil for applesauce. Always remember, healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing fun!
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about baking these red white & blue cake mix crinkle cookies. The vibrant colors do more than just please the eye; they create a festive atmosphere that can make any gathering feel special. Not to mention, the delightful crinkle texture and sweetness are enough to bring smiles all around the table. As a busy mom, I treasure recipes like these that bring joy without taking hours to create. Whether it’s a cheerful summer picnic or a cozy family night, these cookies provide an easy way to spread love and laughter. Happy baking!
Print
Red White & Blue Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and colorful cookie treat perfect for patriotic celebrations featuring a delightful crinkle texture.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Red gel food coloring
- Blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, a baking mat, or spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the cake mix, oil, and eggs until combined, about 1-2 minutes. Start on low speed and increase as needed.
- Divide the cookie batter between three separate bowls. Leave one bowl white, dye the second bowl blue, and the third red.
- Place the powdered sugar into a separate bowl or plate.
- Working with one color at a time, use a medium cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoons) to scoop the batter and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining colors – wash the cookie scoop between each color.
- Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, making sure to coat it well. Place 12 cookies per cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies look puffy.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the warm baking sheet for 10 minutes. Move the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, lightly sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the cookies if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to not overbake the cookies to maintain a soft texture.
- The food coloring can be adjusted based on desired intensity.
- For a fun variation, try using different cake mix flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
