Joyful Holiday Cookie Magic

As seen on: Delicious Dessert Recipes

Grab cake mix and a few basics to make these super simple cookies. Powdered sugar gives them a cool crackled surface after baking.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:42:15 GMT
Bright red and green crinkle cookies with a thick coat of powdered sugar sit on a rack under some cozy lighting. Save this
Bright red and green crinkle cookies with a thick coat of powdered sugar sit on a rack under some cozy lighting. | emilyscooks.com

I can't wait to tell you about something super close to my heart—baking Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies during the holidays! By the time December hits, my kitchen's a cheerful mess, with flour flying and sugar everywhere. Making these treats with my kids is the best. They're always easy to whip up and look wonderful every single time.

Playful Quick Snack

What makes these cookies awesome? They're crazy easy—just four simple things and you're set! But there's more to it than just cookies. It's about giggles in the kitchen, little hands rolling cookie balls in sugar, and that lovely smell all around the house. It's those moments that make these special for me.

Stuff to Grab

  • Your Essentials:
    • One box of cake mix—pick any flavor you love (15.25 oz size)
    • Two eggs, nice and fresh
    • 1/3 cup of veggie oil
    • Powdered sugar to roll 'em in and get that powdery bite
Close-up shot: bright, crackled cookies in festive red, green, and white, all dusted with sugar on a cooling rack. Save this
Close-up shot: bright, crackled cookies in festive red, green, and white, all dusted with sugar on a cooling rack. | emilyscooks.com

Magical Baking Time

Cool Down Time:
Let your cookies chill on the baking sheet for a bit, then shift them over to a rack to cool all the way.
Time to Bake:
Spread the powdered dough balls onto your pan and watch the tops crack and crinkle as they bake.
Sugar Coating Fun:
Take spoonfuls of the dough you just mixed, roll each into a ball, then toss in a bunch of powdered sugar.
Get Started:
First, warm up your oven to 350°F, put parchment on your tray, then stir together the cake mix, eggs, and oil so it forms a soft dough.

Handy Hints

If your dough sticks too much, give it a little fridge break for 30 minutes. Switch things up with fun flavors—try lemon, chocolate, or spice! For some holiday sparkle, shake on colorful sprinkles. Keep them in a sealed box and they’ll taste fresh for up to five days… if you don’t eat them first!

What Makes Them Shine

As a busy mom, I love treats like these because they're easy and bring my people together. These cookies are now a tradition in our home—making sweet memories every holiday. There's nothing like seeing my kids beam as we check out our sugary masterpieces.

More Than Cookies

These little crinkly bites are way more than just sweets. They're about hanging with your family, spreading some love, and making special baking traditions together. Hope you bake them with your crew and kick off your own joyful holiday memories!

Common Questions

→ What’s the best cake mix flavor to use?

Pick anything you like! Chocolate, lemon, red velvet, or spice cake all work great. Try your favorites.

→ Why is my dough a sticky mess?

If your dough feels too gooey, pop it in the fridge for half an hour and it'll be way easier to work with.

→ Could I add extras to the batter?

You can totally toss in sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts. Just go easy so the cookies still crinkle well.

→ What’s the best way to keep these fresh?

Keep in a tight container for up to five days, or stow baked cookies in the freezer for as long as three months.

→ My cookies didn’t crack—what’s wrong?

Make sure your dough balls are coated really well with powdered sugar. If it’s too sticky, don’t skip that fridge time either.

Cake Mix Crinkles

Whip up crinkle cookies with cake mix, oil, and eggs in no time. Coat dough balls in powdered sugar so you get that awesome, crackly look.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
12 Minutes
Overall Time
22 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 24 Portions (24)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 items A cup of powdered sugar to roll the dough.
02 items One-third cup of vegetable oil.
03 items Two big eggs.
04 items One 15.25-ounce box of your fave cake mix.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Leave cookies on the tray for a couple of minutes, then shift them to a rack.

Step 02

Toss them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. The tops should crack and the edges stay firm.

Step 03

Set dough balls two inches apart on your tray.

Step 04

Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar so they're covered all over.

Step 05

Scoop out the dough with a spoon until you’ve got balls roughly the size of a tablespoon.

Step 06

Stir up the cake mix, eggs, and oil together till everything sticks into a soft dough.

Step 07

Turn the oven to 350°F and cover your baking tray with parchment paper.

Extra Notes

  1. Sprinkles make these look extra fun if you want.
  2. If the dough gets super sticky, chill it in the fridge for a bit.
  3. This works with every cake mix flavor out there.
  4. Perfect for when you need a fast treat for the holidays.

Essential Tools

  • Cookie scoop.
  • A bowl for mixing.
  • Parchment sheet.
  • Tray for baking.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Has eggs.
  • Contains wheat or gluten.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat Content: 5 grams
  • Total Carbs: 18 grams
  • Protein Content: 1 grams