Why Make This Recipe
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and easy treat to whip up. They bring together the rich flavor of chocolate cake mix and the sweetness of powdered sugar to create a cookie that is both chewy and slightly crisp. These cookies are not just simple to make, but they also look fantastic with their beautiful crinkle tops.
Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be enjoyed at parties, during family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat at home. With minimal ingredients and steps, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results quickly.
Equipment Needed for Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
To make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Plastic wrap or cover
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Wire cooling rack
What You Need to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- ⅓ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
How to Cook Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies Step by Step
To start making your Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, first, grab a mixing bowl and add the devil’s food cake mix. Be sure to break up any lumps and give it a good mix so it’s nice and smooth. Next, pour in the olive oil or vegetable oil. The oil adds moisture and richness to your cookies, making them tender. Follow this by cracking in the two eggs; you will need to whisk everything together. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and you have a thick and sticky dough.
Once you have your dough ready, it’s essential to cover it. You can use plastic wrap or a lid to seal your bowl, ensuring that the dough doesn’t dry out. Then, place your cookie dough in the fridge and allow it to chill for about one hour. Chilling the dough is crucial as it makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
After an hour has passed, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, take your cookie dough out of the fridge. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to take small amounts of the chilled dough, about one tablespoon for each cookie. Roll the dough into balls with your hands. The sticky nature of the dough will make this process a bit messy, but don’t worry; this is part of the fun!
Now it’s time to coat your cookie balls. Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Carefully roll each ball in the sugar until it is fully covered. This powdered sugar coating is what gives the cookies their signature crinkle look once they bake. Place the coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly to prevent sticking, leaving enough space between them as they will spread while baking.
With your baking sheets filled, it’s time to bake! Slide the trays into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. You will know they’re done when the tops have cracked and look slightly puffy but still soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This time allows them to set before transferring them. Using a spatula, gently move the cookies to a wire cooling rack so they can cool completely. This step is crucial; allowing them to cool helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft.
If you have extra cookies or want to save some for later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but should remain tasty for about 3-5 days.
How to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
To make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, first gather the ingredients: one box of devil’s food cake mix, ⅓ cup of olive or vegetable oil, two eggs, and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Start by mixing the cake mix with the oil and eggs in a bowl until combined. Once your dough is ready, let it chill in the fridge for about one hour. After chilling, roll the dough into small balls and coat each one in powdered sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes before allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
How to Serve Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies can be served as a delightful sweet treat any time of day. They are perfect for dessert after dinner or as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top.
To impress your guests, consider plating them beautifully on a decorative dish. Arrange them in a pyramid shape or stack them neatly on a cake stand to add height and visual appeal. These cookies also make great gifts when packaged in lovely boxes or jars.
What to Serve with Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies pair nicely with various beverages and dishes. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness perfectly. If you’re hosting a gathering, these cookies can be served alongside milk, lemonade, or even hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
For those looking to make dessert a little more indulgent, consider serving the cookies with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even mint chocolate chip ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies beautifully. You might also try serving fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries on the side for a refreshing balance.
How to Store Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
To store your Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, first allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. If you have leftover cookies, you can layer them with baking paper in between to keep them from sticking together. Keeping them at room temperature is best, as they will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
If you find yourself with too many cookies, you can freeze them for later. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze them. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the best Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, here are a few helpful tips. First, always check your cake mix for any lumps before mixing. Lumpy cake mix can affect the texture of your cookies.
Make sure to chill the dough adequately; this step is essential for the cookies’ texture. If in a hurry, you can chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, but one hour is ideal.
Don’t overbake the cookies; they may look undercooked when you take them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet. To keep your cookies perfect, use a timer to monitor the baking time closely.
Variation
You can customize your Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies by adding different flavors or mix-ins. For instance, try replacing the devil’s food cake mix with red velvet cake mix for a festive look. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough for a unique twist.
For a minty flavor, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. This addition enhances the overall taste and provides a refreshing aftertaste.
For those looking for even more texture, consider adding crushed candies or toffee bits.
Best Time to Make Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are versatile and can be made at any time of the year. However, they are particularly popular during holiday seasons or gatherings. They make excellent treats for Halloween due to their dark chocolate color, as well as during Christmas when decorated with festive toppings or served with hot cocoa.
For any casual get-togethers or potlucks, these cookies are a hit. They are quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort compared to more elaborate desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, common mistakes can hinder your cookie perfection. One frequent error is not chilling the dough long enough, leading to cookies that spread too much during baking.
Another mistake is overmixing the dough. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Lastly, be cautious with measurement. Using too much cake mix or not enough oil can drastically change the texture and flavor of the cookies, so always measure precisely.
Nutritional Notes
While Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are irresistibly delicious, it’s helpful to note their nutritional content. Each cookie is typically high in sugar and can contain substantial calories, depending on the size. These cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
It’s also worth considering substituting ingredients to make this recipe slightly healthier, such as using applesauce instead of oil or experimenting with different types of flour.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can try vanilla, red velvet, or any other cake mix flavor for a fun twist.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies, use gluten-free cake mix and follow the recipe as usual.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for oil. This change will add richness to your cookies.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are a fun and easy baking project perfect for anyone, regardless of their baking expertise. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious cookies that brighten any occasion. The delightful combination of chocolate and sweetness makes them irresistible, and their classic crinkle appearance is a feast for the eyes.
Next time you need a quick treat, remember this simple recipe. Bake a batch and share them with friends and family, and enjoy the smiles they bring. Happy baking!
