Name: Patriotic Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz); 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; Red and blue gel food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling); Optional: red, white, and blue sprinkles

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Get ready to make your next celebration unforgettable with these Patriotic Crinkle Cookies! Bursting with playful red, white, and blue swirls, these cookies are as fun to look at as they are to eat. They’re soft, chewy, and dusted with a coating of sweet powdered sugar that cracks and sparkles with every bite. Whip them up for your Fourth of July picnic, Memorial Day barbecue, or any get-together where you want to put a festive spin on dessert. With an easy cake mix shortcut and surprisingly vibrant colors, this recipe is about to be your new party trick!

Patriotic Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Patriotic Crinkle Cookies is how simple the ingredients list is. Each component plays a key role in the cookie’s flavor, texture, or dynamic color palette, so you can count on bakery-quality treats with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

White cake mix (15.25 oz box): This is your all-in-one shortcut for sweet vanilla flavor and a fluffy, tender crumb.
Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture to the dough, ensuring soft and chewy cookies every time.
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and give these cookies a perfectly puffy texture.
Red and blue gel food coloring: Gel colors make those patriotic hues pop without thinning the dough.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Rolling dough balls in powdered sugar is the secret to those iconic crackly tops.
Optional: Red, white, and blue sprinkles: Press these on while the cookies are warm for a festive, party-ready finish!

How to Make Patriotic Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, the parchment makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking, so you’ll spend more time enjoying cookies and less time scrubbing pans!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. You’ll notice the dough comes together quickly and is just tacky enough for easy shaping without being messy.

Step 3: Color the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Tint one half with red gel food coloring and the other with blue, mixing each until the color is uniform. Remember, a little gel goes a long way, so start small and add more as needed for bold, vibrant shades that will stand out in your Patriotic Crinkle Cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Pop both bowls of colored dough into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and roll into balls. Plus, it helps prevent spreading so you get picture-perfect crinkles.

Step 5: Shape, Swirl, and Roll

For classic cookies, scoop about one tablespoon of either color dough and roll into balls. For a marbled effect, grab a little of each color and gently swirl them together before forming the ball. Once shaped, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until well coated. Arrange the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they’re puffed and the edges are just set. You want them soft, so don’t overbake. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes—this helps them set up—then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: Add Final Festive Touches

If you’re feeling extra celebratory, press some patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies while they’re still warm. It’s a simple step, but it truly makes your Patriotic Crinkle Cookies look ready for any holiday tabletop!

How to Serve Patriotic Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

There’s no denying how eye-catching these cookies already are, but a few little garnishes can make them truly pop. A light extra dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy finish, while edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate adds wow factor for special occasions. And of course, a handful of festive sprinkles makes every cookie party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair Patriotic Crinkle Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible summer dessert plate, or set them out with bowls of juicy berries like strawberries and blueberries to keep the theme going. If you’re making a dessert spread, consider adding lemon bars or mini cheesecakes to balance the sweetness with some tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful of cookies in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for grab-and-go party favors, or arrange them on a tiered platter lined with sparkly tissue paper for a showstopping centerpiece. For even more flair, alternate cookies with strawberries and blueberries on skewers—cookie kabobs, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Patriotic Crinkle Cookies keep wonderfully fresh for up to four days in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer sheets of parchment or wax paper between cookies to preserve their beautiful crinkle tops and prevent sticking.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for a holiday, you can absolutely freeze these cookies. Simply place the fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a snack or a celebration.

Reheating

To refresh the just-baked magic, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 2 minutes or zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This helps restore their soft, chewy centers without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is strongly recommended because it delivers vibrant color without making the dough too wet. If liquid is all you have, be cautious—a few drops go a long way, and too much can thin out your dough.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly mandatory, but it does make rolling a breeze and helps your Patriotic Crinkle Cookies keep their shape while baking. For neat, even cookies, don’t skip this step!

How do you get the marbled effect?

To create gorgeous swirls, pinch off a bit of red and a bit of blue dough, gently twist or press them together, then roll into a ball. This creates those beautiful, patriotic streaks you see in every bite.

What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?

Storing cookies in an airtight container is key. You can even add a slice of sandwich bread to the container—the cookies will absorb just enough moisture from the bread to stay irresistibly soft for days.

Can I make these cookies with different colors for other holidays?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Swap out the red and blue for green and red at Christmas, or pastels for spring celebrations. Patriotic Crinkle Cookies aren’t just a summer treat—they’re a year-round favorite in disguise!

Final Thoughts

It’s time to let your inner baker shine with these Patriotic Crinkle Cookies. They’re easy, festive, and sure to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating with family or just want to brighten someone’s day, I hope you give these cookies a try and make every occasion a little more colorful!

Patriotic Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Patriotic Crinkle Cookies are a fun and festive treat, perfect for patriotic holidays or any occasion where you want to show off your red, white, and blue spirit. Made with a simple cake mix base and colorful gel food coloring, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

White Cake Mix Cookies:

1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

Additional Ingredients:

Red and blue gel food coloring
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional: red, white, and blue sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs until a soft dough forms.
Color the Dough: Divide the dough in half and tint each half with red and blue food coloring. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes.
Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes.
Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Add sprinkles if desired.