Festive Crinkle Cookies: A Fun Holiday Treat

Name: Festive Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; Few drops green food coloring; Extra sugar, for rolling; Red heart candies, for decoration

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Looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s not only delicious but also festive and fun? Festive Crinkle Cookies are your answer! These easy-to-make, vibrant cookies are ideal for Christmas celebrations, gatherings, or simply indulging in something sweet while enjoying a holiday movie. With a chewy texture, a pop of bright green color, and a sweet surprise of red hearts on top, these cookies will instantly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Festive Crinkle Cookies

Festive Crinkle Cookies are perfect for the holidays! Not only are they visually stunning with their bold green hue and adorable red hearts, but they also have a delicious minty flavor that evokes the Christmas spirit. The dough comes together in a snap, making them an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and beginners. These cookies are a huge hit with kids and adults alike, especially when served at a festive gathering or holiday party.

Ingredients

Before you start baking, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for these Festive Crinkle Cookies:

• Flour: Adds structure to the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that signature crinkle texture.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the cookies’ crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Provide moisture and bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Brings richness and tenderness to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: A holiday favorite, giving the cookies a refreshing minty taste.
• Green Food Coloring: Turns the dough into a fun, vibrant shade of green.
• Extra Sugar: For rolling the dough balls and adding extra sweetness.
• Red Heart Candies: These tiny candies add a pop of color and a festive touch to the cookies.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for substitutions, here are a few options:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Butter Substitute: Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make the cookies dairy-free.
• Peppermint Extract: If you’re not a fan of peppermint, feel free to use almond extract or even vanilla for a more traditional flavor.
• Red Heart Candies: Try other holiday-themed candies like star-shaped sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a different look.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Festive Crinkle Cookies

Baking Festive Crinkle Cookies is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well-mixed.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and eggs. Continue beating until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Color the Dough: Add a few drops of green food coloring and knead until the dough is evenly tinted.
Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Coat each ball in sugar, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them with your fingers.
Add the Red Hearts: Place a red heart candy on top of each cookie and gently press it into the dough.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to ensure your Festive Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Watch the Bake Time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them. You want them golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
• Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
• Press the Hearts Gently: Ensure the red heart candies stay secure by pressing them lightly into the warm cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. Let them finish cooking on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Pairing Suggestions: Serve these Festive Crinkle Cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or holiday punch for the perfect treat at any festive gathering.
• Make-Ahead: If you’re preparing ahead of time, freeze the dough balls (without the sugar coating) and bake them fresh whenever you need them.
• Flavor Variations: For a twist on the classic, try adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to the dough. You can also use different colors for the food coloring, like red or blue, for other holidays or themed events.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to check that the candy hearts are gluten-free as well.

Festive Crinkle Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Their bright green color and sweet minty flavor make them a standout on any cookie tray. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply making a batch to enjoy with your family, these cookies will definitely bring joy to your holiday season.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a batch of Festive Crinkle Cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Conclusion

Festive Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat to add a splash of color and joy to your celebrations. With their chewy texture, vibrant green color, and sweet minty flavor, they are sure to bring smiles to anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or just a fun baking session with kids, these cookies are quick and easy to make, yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Don’t forget to try the fun variations and flavor tweaks to make them your own, and enjoy the holiday spirit with every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Festive Crinkle Cookies in advance?

Yes, you can! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you prefer to prep ahead, you can also freeze the dough. Simply form the dough balls, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough thaw for about 30 minutes before rolling them in sugar and baking as usual.

How do I keep Festive Crinkle Cookies soft?

To ensure your cookies stay soft, make sure you do not overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread will also help maintain their moisture and softness.

Can I make a gluten-free version of Festive Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that any other ingredients, like the candy hearts, are also gluten-free. If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add 1/4 teaspoon to help the dough hold together. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste amazing!

More Relevant Recipes

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: These soft and chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are a perfect fall treat. The blend of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar brings a warm, cozy flavor, making them an excellent alternative to Festive Crinkle Cookies for those who love autumn spices.
Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies: With the richness of pumpkin and the sweetness of white chocolate, these cookies offer a festive, seasonal twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. The flavors are subtle yet decadent, perfect for a cozy holiday gathering.
Apple Cinnamon Jam: If you’re in the mood for more autumn flavors, this apple cinnamon jam recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, making it an ideal companion to cookies or as a gift for loved ones during the holiday season.