What is the secret to crinkle cookies?

The real magic happens when the dough is chilled and rolled in a thick layer of powdered sugar. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, and the sugar coating ensures a dramatic, crackly finish. Be generous with that sugar!

What are crinkle cookies made of?

Classic crinkle cookies are made from a base of flour, sugar, eggs, oil or butter, and baking powder. For this patriotic version, we use white cake mix for ease and add food coloring to create the red, white, and blue theme. Powdered sugar is the key finishing touch!

Why is it called crinkles?

The name “crinkles” comes from the signature cracks that form on the surface of the cookie during baking. As the dough spreads and expands, the sugar coating separates, revealing the colorful dough beneath.

What's the difference between crinkles and brownies?

Brownies are typically dense, fudgy, and baked in square pans, while crinkle cookies are soft and chewy with a sugar-coated crackled surface. Crinkles have more of a cookie texture, while brownies are rich and gooey.

Why is a brownie not a cookie?

Though both are sweet baked goods, brownies use a different ratio of fat and flour, resulting in a cakier, thicker consistency. Cookies are individually portioned and meant to be crisp or chewy, while brownies are sliced from a single pan.

Are crinkle cookies good?

Absolutely! They’re soft, sweet, and have that perfect outer crunch from the powdered sugar. Kids love the colors and texture, and adults love the flavor—especially when paired with coffee or milk!

Patriotic Crinkle Cookies | Easy 4th of July Recipe!

Description

These red, white, and blue crinkle cookies are festive, chewy, and perfect for the 4th of July! Made with cake mix and rolled in powdered sugar, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Red gel food coloring
Blue gel food coloring
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
Divide dough into three bowls: leave one white, tint one red, and one blue. Mix well.
Chill dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
Scoop 1-inch dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes until tops are crackled and set.
Cool on tray for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

For vibrant color, use gel food coloring. Add-ins like white chocolate chips or sprinkles make them extra fun. Store in an airtight container for 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 115mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg