Description
These Patriotic Crinkle Cookies feature a rich buttery base with a unique twist of vibrant red and blue gel food coloring creating a festive, marbled effect. Coated generously in powdered sugar, they bake up soft and crinkly—perfect for holiday celebrations or any occasion in need of a colorful treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Coloring
- Red gel food coloring
- Blue gel food coloring
For Coating
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy, forming the cookie dough base.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking until evenly blended to ensure a consistent rise and flavor in the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain a tender, soft dough texture.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one portion plain, add red gel food coloring to the second, and blue gel food coloring to the third, stirring each portion until the colors are fully incorporated.
- Form Multicolor Dough Balls: Pinch small pieces from each bowl of dough and gently press them together to form a single ball. Roll the ball lightly between your palms to blend colors slightly, keeping the distinct red, white, and blue hues visible.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each multicolored dough ball generously in powdered sugar, coating completely to create the signature crinkle appearance after baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed, cracked on top, and set around the edges, while the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling to help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Use gel food coloring for the best vibrant colors without altering the dough texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
