Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies

Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with their vibrant green color and a delightful raspberry center. This recipe is a joyful blend of chewy, soft cookies that practically melt in your mouth, surrounded by a light dusting of powdered sugar, resembling a festive wreath. As the aroma wafts through your home, it’s hard to resist the feeling of warmth and celebration that baking these cookies brings. Worth every moment spent in the kitchen, these treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and step-by-step simplicity, they are perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The recipe comes together quickly, making it a family-friendly option to get everyone involved. Plus, the combination of a lovely cake mix with fresh flavors captures the essence of the holidays without requiring hours of complex preparation. You’ll find that this recipe is both traditional in spirit and modern in its ease.

Ingredients for Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies

1 box white cake mix: The foundation of these cookies, offering a subtle sweetness and soft texture that pairs well with the festive theme.
2 large eggs: These add richness and help bind the ingredients together, providing moisture for chewy cookies.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: A must-have for a tender bite, contributing to the overall softness of the crinkle cookies.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm and inviting flavor, enhancing all the other ingredients.
Green gel food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature wreath color; a fun addition that screams holiday cheer!
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating): This adds the classic sugary crust, creating that delightful contrast in texture.
1/4 cup raspberry jam: The perfect tart complement to the sweet cookie; it adds a pop of vibrant color and a delicious surprise in every bite.

Step-by-Step Directions for Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring until it forms a soft dough. Use a spatula or your hand for a well-combined mixture that feels slightly sticky.
Roll tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls and coat them generously in powdered sugar. This step adds a beautiful snowy look to each cookie and creates a delightful sweet crust.
Place the coated balls on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
Create a small indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb. This space will hold the delicious raspberry jam and gives the cookies their unique wreath shape.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are slightly puffed and the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Add a small dollop of raspberry jam into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The heat will slightly melt the jam, making it oozy and delectable.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld and the cookie to firm up for the perfect bite.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the dough: If the dough feels too sticky for rolling, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
Experiment with colors: Feel free to use different gel food colors to match your festive theme or personal preference.
Make a variation: Instead of raspberry jam, use strawberry, apricot, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread for a unique twist.
Add sprinkles: For extra festivity, toss some red and white sprinkles into the powdered sugar when coating the dough balls.
Taste tests: Always taste your dough before baking; if you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a little extra sugar.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a cup of warm spiced tea. For a more elaborate display, remember to plate them on a festive tray with seasonal decorations like holly or pinecones. You could also create cookie gift boxes, wrapping them in clear cellophane and tying with red ribbon as a lovely homemade gift for friends and family.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately 130 calories, making them a sweet indulgence ideal for special occasions. They boast a delightful mix of carbohydrates and sugars primarily from the cake mix and jam. While they are certainly a treat, consider them a delightful part of your holiday celebrations in moderation.

Storing Tips & Variations for Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies

To keep your Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them: simply layer them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. For healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat flour in place of cake mix or attempting a sugar-free jam.

Conclusion for Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies

There’s no time like the holidays to get creative in the kitchen, and these Holiday Wreath Crinkle Cookies are inviting you to do just that! Their visual appeal and delicious flavor make them a standout treat that family and friends will adore. Don’t wait; dive into the holiday spirit and whip up these delightful cookies today!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Chocolate or red velvet cake mix could create delicious variations.
Do I have to use gel food coloring?
No, liquid coloring can work, but gel provides more vibrant colors without altering the dough consistency.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have raspberry jam?
You can substitute with any fruit preserves or even nut butter for a unique flavor twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be slightly puffed up and just set at the edges. The center will remain soft; they firm up as they cool.