As I pulled the batch of cookies from the oven, a wave of peppermint sweetness wafted through the air, instantly igniting my festive spirit. These Kris Kringle Crinkles are not just any cookies; they’re a holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to everyone who tries them. With a quick prep time and an impressive sprinkle of color, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The delightful contrast of a soft, fluffy interior and a sweet, crispy exterior wrapped in a dusting of powdered sugar makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re homemade, ensuring each bite is filled with love and cheer. Ready to fill your home with the magic of the season while creating these delightful festive peppermint cookies? Let’s dive into this cozy baking adventure!
Why Are Kris Kringle Crinkles Irresistible?
Festive Appeal: The vibrant red and green hues add a joyful touch to your holiday spread, making these cookies a visual delight.
Deliciously Unique Flavor: With a hint of peppermint, they bring a refreshing twist to traditional cookie flavors, ensuring they stand out at any gathering.
Quick and Easy: These cookies come together quickly, perfect for last-minute baking or when you want to bake with the kids.
Crowd Favorite: Their soft, fluffy interior paired with a crunchy exterior will please both kids and adults alike, making them a must-have at holiday celebrations.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts and mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to make them uniquely yours!
These homemade treats embody not just indulgence, but the warm spirit of the holidays. For even more cookie fun, check out my guide on holiday baking essentials.
Kris Kringle Crinkles Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides richness and moisture; ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups) – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Large Eggs (2) – Acts as a binder, providing structure; use room temperature eggs for optimal emulsification.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; can be substituted with almond or lemon extract for variation.
- Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon) – Infuses a festive flavor; substitute with mint extract if desired for a different twist.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon) – Acts as a leavening agent, helping cookies rise into fluffy perfection.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Provides the bulk and structure needed for these delightful cookies.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Used for coating the cookies, creating that beautiful, snowy appearance.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Kris Kringle Crinkles
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of softened butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. This step builds the foundation for your Kris Kringle Crinkles by providing a rich and sweet base.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add 2 large room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until fully blended, making sure everything is evenly combined. The batter will begin to look glossy, indicating that your flavors are coming together beautifully for your festive cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Baking Soda
Now, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of baking soda while the mixer is on low speed. Mix just until the baking soda is blended into the dough. This key leavening agent will help your Kris Kringle Crinkles rise as they bake, contributing to their delightfully fluffy texture.
Step 4: Gradually Add the Flour
Slowly add 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, mixing on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should remain soft and slightly sticky. Once the last bit of flour is incorporated, the dough is nearly ready for the festive coloring that will make your cookies pop.
Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other, kneading gently until the color is evenly distributed. This colorful twist will enhance the visual appeal of your Kris Kringle Crinkles, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover both portions of dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling process firms up the dough, making it easier to roll later, and also enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. The dough should be firm yet pliable. This step will ensure that your cookies maintain their shape while baking, creating the perfect presentation for your holiday gatherings.
Step 8: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. This not only adds to the festive appearance but also gives the Kris Kringle Crinkles a delightful crunch on the outside. Arrange the coated cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be set while the centers remain soft. Once they are lightly golden, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows the Kris Kringle Crinkles to finish baking and develop their lovely texture. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Storage Tips for Kris Kringle Crinkles
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps retain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If the weather is warm or humid, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for that perfect taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying or pop them in the microwave for a warm treat.
Reheating: If desired, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fluffy interior and crunchy sugar coating. Enjoy the fresh-baked taste of your Kris Kringle Crinkles!
Expert Tips for Kris Kringle Crinkles
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the best texture and flavor integration in your Kris Kringle Crinkles.
- Avoid Overmixing: When adding flour, mix until just combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper on your baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking for your festive cookies.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies at 9 minutes; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cooling Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps preserve their fluffy interior and crunchy exterior.
Make Ahead Options
These Kris Kringle Crinkles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to enjoy festive treats without the last-minute stress! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by following these steps: After mixing the dough, divide it and color each portion, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This will keep the dough fresh and flavorful. When ready to bake, simply roll the chilled dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. With this make-ahead option, you can have delicious, homemade treats ready to share with family and friends—just as delightful as when baked fresh!
What to Serve with Kris Kringle Crinkles?
The holidays come alive with delightful pairings to elevate your cookie experience and warm your home!
- Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm, velvety cup of hot chocolate complements the peppermint notes beautifully, creating a cozy, indulgent treat.
- Peppermint Bark: Enhance the minty goodness by serving these cookies alongside peppermint bark. The combination is a festive flavor explosion.
- Festive Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of creamy cheeses and nuts for a delightful contrast that balances sweetness with a savory touch.
- Creamy Eggnog: Embrace the season’s essence with a chilled glass of eggnog, which pairs wonderfully with the soft and fluffy texture of the cookies.
- Fruity Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider on the side to complement the minty freshness of Kris Kringle Crinkles while adding a seasonal fragrance.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Offer a variety for your guests! Set out gingerbread cookies to bring in additional holiday flavors that harmonize with peppermint.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a fluffy richness and balances the cookie’s sweetness in every delicious bite.
- Minty Mojito: For a refreshing twist, serve a mint mojito alongside these festive cookies, pairing well with the peppermint flavor for an adult treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side melts beautifully over warm cookies, making for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
Kris Kringle Crinkles Variations
Get ready to add your personal touch to these festive cookies with exciting twists and swaps!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative for a lactose-free version that’s just as delicious.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and rich flavor. The toasted aroma of nuts blends beautifully with peppermint, adding another layer to each bite.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that balances the minty flavor with rich chocolate goodness! Each bite turns into a decadent surprise that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing festive fun. Just ensure your baking soda is also gluten-free!
- Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1 cup and use a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lighter take, while still keeping the festive magic alive. The reduced sweetness offers a lovely balance with the refreshing peppermint.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising hint of heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookie. This captivating contrast of flavors will make your Kris Kringle Crinkles the talk of the gathering!
- Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of powdered sugar, roll your cookies in festive colored sprinkles to amp up the holiday cheer visually. Each bite will be a sweet celebration of color and fun!
- Minty Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a stunning presentation. This added touch elevates the festive feel and transforms these cookies into show-stoppers!
Playing with these variations not only makes baking more fun but can also lead you to discover delightful new favorites. For more inspiration, check out my guide on holiday baking essentials that can truly elevate your festive treats!
Kris Kringle Crinkles Recipe FAQs
What types of peppermint extract are best for these cookies?
I recommend using pure peppermint extract for an authentic flavor, but if you have mint extract on hand, feel free to substitute! Just use the same amount, as mint extract may vary in potency.
How do I know when my Kris Kringle Crinkles are perfectly baked?
Keep an eye on them as they bake! You’re looking for edges that are set while the centers remain soft. I usually start checking at 9 minutes; if they’re lightly golden and still soft in the middle, it’s time to take them out!
What’s the best way to store Kris Kringle Crinkles?
For the best flavor and texture, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If it’s particularly humid, placing them in the fridge can help extend freshness to about a week, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze Kris Kringle Crinkles? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain that delightful softness.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle after mixing, don’t fret! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on a clean surface and fold it in gently. However, be cautious not to overmix; adding too much flour can make the cookies tougher. If all else fails, chilling the dough for an extra 30 minutes can help make it easier to work with.
Are Kris Kringle Crinkles safe for pets?
While these festive cookies are delicious for humans, they may not be safe for pets, especially due to the sugar and extract components. Always keep them out of reach of furry friends and stick to pet-friendly treats for your four-legged family members!
Kris Kringle Crinkles: Festive Peppermint Cookie Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of softened butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 large room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture. Mix on low speed until fully blended.
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of baking soda while the mixer is on low speed. Mix just until blended.
- Slowly add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other, kneading gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- Cover both portions of dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let them rest before transferring to a wire rack.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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