Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crinkle Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: Starting with a boxed cake mix means fewer ingredients and less preparation time, making this recipe accessible even for novice bakers.
• Kid-Friendly: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar is a fun activity that children will enjoy, making it a great family baking project.
• Versatility: With a simple change of food coloring or mix-ins, these cookies can be adapted for various occasions beyond St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Green food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 cup powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and green food coloring. Mix until smooth. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

2. Form the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and drop each scoop into a bowl of powdered sugar. Roll each piece into a ball, ensuring it’s fully coated with sugar.

3. Flatten and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are set.

4. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 22 to 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including chilling time)
• Bake Time: 7–9 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Enhancements: Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist.
• Mix-Ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips or green sprinkles into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Color Variations: Change the food coloring to match other holidays or themes, such as red for Valentine’s Day or orange for Halloween.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, warm them slightly in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

FAQs

What is a crinkle cookie?

A crinkle cookie is characterized by its soft, chewy interior and a powdered sugar-coated exterior that cracks during baking, creating a distinctive “crinkled” appearance.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with other flavors like lemon or chocolate to create different variations of crinkle cookies.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting during baking?

For a heavier coating, roll the dough balls first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar before baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can result from not chilling the dough, using warm baking sheets, or inaccuracies in ingredient measurements.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of food coloring is best?

Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.

How can I make the cookies more festive?

Decorate the baked cookies with colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of colored icing to enhance their festive appearance.

Conclusion

These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday celebrations. With their vibrant color, soft texture, and delightful flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite treat for both kids and adults alike. Happy baking!