Kwanzaa Crinkle Cookies

Name: Kwanzaa Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: 1 (15.25-oz.) box white cake mix; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp. almond extract; Red, black, and green gel food coloring; 1/4 c. (50 g.) granulated sugar; 1/4 c. (30 g.) confectioners' sugar

By Speshyl SmithPublished: Dec 6, 2024

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PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Yields:

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

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preview for Our Kwanzaa Crinkle Cookies Have All The Colors & Comfort Of Kwanzaa

Celebrate Kwanzaa in style with these festive and easy-to-make red, black, and green crinkle cookies. With just a simple white boxed cake mix as the base, these cookies come together quickly and effortlessly, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Each cookie is rolled in a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar before baking, which results in a delightful crinkle effect that beautifully highlights the vibrant Kwanzaa colors.

The colors of Kwanzaa—red, black, and green—hold deep significance in celebrating African heritage. Red represents the struggles and sacrifices made by African ancestors throughout history. It’s a symbol of the bloodshed in the fight for freedom and equality. Black symbolizes the richness of the African people and culture, a reminder to honor and embrace one's roots and identity. Finally, green signifies hope, growth, and the promise of a prosperous future.

These crinkle cookies are not just visually striking but also deliciously soft, chewy, and bursting with sweetness. Each bite captures the warmth and unity that Kwanzaa celebrates, making them the perfect treat to share at your gatherings. Whether you're hosting a Kwanzaa dinner or simply looking for a fun and meaningful baking activity, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the principles and colors of the holiday while enjoying time with loved ones.

Did you try making these? Let us know how it went in the comments!

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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Ingredients

1
(15.25-oz.) box white cake mix
2
large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup
(1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp.
almond extract
Red, black, and green gel food coloring
1/4 cup
(50 g.) granulated sugar
1/4 cup
(30 g.) confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Step 1In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat cake mix, eggs, butter, and almond extract until just combined, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2Transfer one-third of dough to a small bowl. Transfer another third of dough to another small bowl. Add 5 drops red food coloring to one bowl, 5 drops green food coloring to another, and 5 drops black food coloring to the third. Stir, adding more food coloring if needed, until desired color is reached. Refrigerate dough until cold, about 20 minutes.
3. Step 3Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°. Place granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar in 2 separate bowls.
4. Step 4Using a Tbsp.-sized cookie scoop, scoop and roll dough into balls. Roll dough in granulated sugar to coat, then roll in confectioners’ sugar to coat. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2" apart.
5. Step 5Bake cookies until centers are crinkled and edges are set, 10 to 12 minutes. (The centers will still look soft but cracked.) Let cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough and a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.