Hi, I’m Michonne from Cook Joy Recipes! Around the holidays, nothing makes me happier than baking cookies that bring comfort and joy to family and friends. And these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are one of my favorite treats to make.
They’re soft, fudgy, and rich with that signature red velvet flavor—plus they look absolutely stunning with their bright red color and snowy powdered sugar coating. They’re festive enough for Christmas cookie trays, yet simple enough to whip up on a weekday. If you’re a fan of red velvet cake or just want to add a little elegance to your holiday baking, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and make these beautiful, bakery-style crinkle cookies!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Festive and pretty – The red and white contrast makes them stand out on any cookie platter.
- Soft and fudgy – Perfectly chewy inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Easy to make – No complicated steps, just mix, chill, roll, and bake.
- Perfect for gifting – Pack them in a holiday tin or cookie box for friends and family.
- Holiday favorite – They’re ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want something special.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies:
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
- Cocoa powder – Gives the subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet.
- Baking powder & baking soda – For that lovely rise and crinkle effect.
- Salt – Balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – Provides richness and structure.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar – For sweetness and chewiness.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and add moisture.
- Red food coloring – Essential for that bold red velvet look.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- Powdered sugar – The signature snowy coating.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Chill dough
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the dough is easier to handle.
Step 6: Roll in sugar
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them first in granulated sugar (optional) and then in powdered sugar for a thick coating.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the cookies have spread and formed cracks.
Step 8: Cool & enjoy
Let cookies cool before serving—or enjoy one warm with a glass of milk!
What to Serve With Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:
- Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
- Stack and tie with ribbon for edible gifts.
- Add to Christmas cookie exchanges for a festive surprise.
Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the dough – It helps control spreading and keeps the cookies soft inside.
- Use gel food coloring – It gives a more vibrant red without thinning the dough.
- Coat generously – Make sure each cookie ball is covered in powdered sugar for the best crinkle look.
- Don’t overbake – They should still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them from the oven.
- Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
Storing and Freezing
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze the dough balls and bake straight from the freezer (add 1–2 extra minutes to bake time).
FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to 2 days in advance.
Do I have to use red food coloring?
For the classic look, yes, but you can skip it if you don’t mind a more natural cocoa-colored cookie.
Why did my cookies not crinkle?
They may have been under-coated with powdered sugar or baked at the wrong temperature. Make sure the sugar coating is thick and the oven is fully preheated.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are festive, chewy, and downright beautiful. With their bold red hue and snowy sugar coating, they’re guaranteed to stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just want to brighten up your cookie jar, these cookies will bring smiles and sweet moments.
So go ahead—preheat the oven, roll up that dough, and enjoy a cozy, bakery-style cookie right at home!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Melt butter in the microwave. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 11–13 minutes, until cookies are set and crinkled. Cool on baking sheet before transferring to a rack.