Tired of serving the same predictable desserts during the holiday season? These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies deliver that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, fudgy center that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The striking contrast between the vibrant red cookie and the snowy powdered sugar coating creates an Instagram-worthy treat that tastes even better than it looks.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through everything from selecting quality ingredients to mastering the perfect crinkle effect. We’ll cover baking tips, storage recommendations, and even creative variations to make these cookies your own signature holiday treat.
Why These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Work Magic on Your Taste Buds
- Uses simple pantry staples with a few specialty ingredients
- Only 15 minutes of prep time before chilling
- Perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors
- The signature crackled appearance impresses without extra effort
- Versatile for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Essential Components for Authentic Flavor
The secret to true red velvet cookies isn’t just the color—it’s the perfect balance of vanilla and cocoa with a hint of tanginess. Quality cocoa powder makes a significant difference in the final taste, while the right amount of food coloring delivers that iconic ruby hue.
Buying Tips
Look for natural unsweetened cocoa powder rather than Dutch-processed for this recipe. When it comes to food coloring, gel or paste varieties deliver vibrant color without adding excess liquid to your dough. If possible, choose a high-quality pure vanilla extract rather than imitation flavoring.
Smart Substitutions
Don’t have buttermilk? Create a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For the red food coloring, beet powder can work as a natural alternative, though the color won’t be quite as vibrant.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Cookie Dough Essentials
- All-purpose flour: provides structure
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: delivers that subtle chocolate flavor
- Baking powder & baking soda: creates the perfect rise and texture
- Salt: enhances all flavors
- Butter: must be softened to room temperature
- Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and structure
- Eggs: bind ingredients together
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth
- Red food coloring: creates the signature color
- Powdered sugar: for the crinkle effect coating
Mixing Method Matters
The creaming method is crucial for these cookies—don’t rush beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help develop the perfect texture. After adding the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing which can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Chilling Requirement
These cookies absolutely require chilling time (at least 2 hours, preferably overnight). Skip this step and you’ll end up with flat cookies that spread too much. The waiting is worth it for that perfect crinkle effect and fudgy center!
Check out more amazing holiday recipes on our Pinterest page for inspiration that will make your season bright and delicious.
Step-by-Step Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Instructions
Pre-Cooking Cookie Prep
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl.
- Scoop chilled dough into 1-inch balls (a cookie scoop works perfectly here).
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s generously coated.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Checking for Doneness in Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Don’t wait for these cookies to look completely done before removing from the oven. They should appear slightly underbaked in the center but set around the edges. The cookies will continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.
Cooling Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set up properly without breaking apart.
Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Avoiding Common Cookie Mistakes
- Use room temperature ingredients (especially butter and eggs) for proper incorporation
- Don’t skip the chilling time—this prevents flat, spread-out cookies
- Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for maximum visual impact
- Avoid overmixing the dough which can make cookies tough
- Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent bottoms from browning too quickly
Essential Tool Recommendations
- Cookie scoop: ensures uniform cookie size for even baking
- Parchment paper: prevents sticking without adding extra fat
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: makes creaming butter and sugar effortless
- Cooling rack: allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy bottoms
Storage & Make-Ahead Options
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls (before rolling in powdered sugar) for up to 2 months—just roll in powdered sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Flavor Variations
Creative Twists
- White Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the dough
- Cream Cheese Filled: Create thumbprint indentation after baking and fill with cream cheese frosting
- Orange-Infused: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor contrast
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and ensure your food coloring is vegan-friendly
- Less Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar by 25% for a less sweet version
Seasonal Variations
| Holiday | Special Addition | Presentation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Peppermint extract | Sprinkle with crushed candy canes |
| Valentine’s Day | Heart-shaped indent | Fill with white chocolate ganache |
| 4th of July | Blue sugar sprinkles | Serve with vanilla ice cream |
| Halloween | Black cocoa powder | Add edible googly eyes |
Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These festive cookies are delightful on their own, but can be elevated for special occasions. Create a holiday cookie board with these as the centerpiece, surrounded by chocolate-dipped shortbread and gingerbread. For an elegant dessert, sandwich vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for a show-stopping ice cream sandwich.
Coffee and tea pairings bring out the subtle chocolate notes—try a rich dark roast coffee or chai tea. For a truly decadent experience, serve alongside hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows. Visit RecipesFoody.com for more delicious pairing ideas.
FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle properly?
The most common reason is not chilling the dough long enough or not coating thoroughly with powdered sugar. Make sure your dough is very cold and roll generously in powdered sugar before baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months.
Why do my cookies taste bitter?
Too much food coloring can create a bitter aftertaste. Use gel food coloring which is more concentrated, allowing you to use less for the same vibrant color.
How do I know when red velvet cookies are done?
These cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. The edges should be set, but the centers will appear soft and will finish setting as they cool.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but the color won’t be as vibrant. Beet powder works as a natural alternative, though you’ll need more of it to achieve a similar red hue.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies aren’t just treats—they’re memorable holiday moments waiting to happen. With their festive appearance and irresistible texture, they’re guaranteed to become part of your holiday tradition. The contrast between the bright red cookie and snow-white powdered sugar creates a visual impact that’s matched only by their delicious taste.
Don’t wait for the holidays to roll around! These cookies make any day feel special. Share your creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing your kitchen successes! Join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made these cookies their signature holiday offering.
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Magic
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and beautifully dusted in powdered sugar — these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! With their signature red hue, cocoa flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you crave something sweet and festive.
Ingredients
1 box red velvet cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or chunks for extra decadence
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined and dough forms.
3. If desired, fold in white chocolate chips.
4. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes for easier handling.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
6. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, coating completely.
7. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until tops are cracked but centers are still soft.
9. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer color, add an extra drop of red food coloring.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days — they stay soft!
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from frozen.
Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, dessert platters, or edible gifts wrapped in ribbon!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg