Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re hunting for a cookie that combines classic charm with a fun twist, you’re going to love this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are vibrant, soft, and have the perfect crinkly powdered sugar-coated top that’s as beautiful as they are delicious. I’ve made countless batches over the years, and every time I surprise friends and family with just how irresistible they turn out. Stick around—I’m going to share all my best tips so you can nail these cookies the first time you bake them!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: Combining baking powder and baking soda creates a soft crumb with a slight rise, ensuring these cookies aren’t too dense or cakey.
  • Rich Flavor Balance: The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate note that pairs perfectly with the hint of vanilla and that classic red velvet tang.
  • Beautiful Crinkle Finish: Rolling the chilled dough in powdered sugar and letting the cracks form while baking gives them that iconic red velvet crinkle look you want to show off.
  • Chilling Step: It firms up the dough for easy shaping and keeps the cookies from spreading too thin, which really helps with that chewy center.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies recipe, easy cookie recipes, festive Valentine cookies - The image shows several round red cookies with bright white powdered sugar unevenly spread on top, creating a cracked pattern that reveals the rich red color underneath. The cookies are placed on a black cooling rack, which has a grid pattern, and the texture of the cookies looks soft and slightly crumbly. The background shows more cookies out of focus, giving depth to the image, all sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe has its role, creating a lovely balance of flavor, texture, and that signature red hue. When shopping, look for good quality cocoa powder and make sure your butter is softened—not melted—to help with the right dough consistency.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies recipe, easy cookie recipes, festive Valentine cookies - Flat lay of three cups of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl with salt, a portion of unsalted butter softened as a whole block, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl with milk, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small white bowl with vibrant red food coloring, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced symmetry in a professional flat lay, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies; make sure it’s properly measured to avoid dry dough.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate flavor and deepens the red velvet taste.
  • Baking powder: Works with baking soda to leaven the cookies for a nice soft rise.
  • Baking soda: Helps with leavening and balances the acidity from other ingredients.
  • Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
  • Unsalted butter (softened): Key for buttery richness — soft but not melted butter works best for proper texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie spread and texture.
  • Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
  • Milk: Adds a touch of moisture and helps blend the flavors smoothly.
  • Vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor complexity.
  • Red food coloring: Gives that classic vibrant red velvet color everyone loves.
  • Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create that signature crinkle effect during baking.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. You can personalize the richness, sweetness, and even make it a little healthier depending on your preferences. I’ve played with a few different tweaks that you might enjoy trying yourself.

  • Less Sweet Version: When I cut back the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons, I still got that lovely red velvet flavor without it being overwhelmingly sweet—great for those sensitive to sugar.
  • Egg Substitute: I once tested aquafaba (chickpea water) as an egg substitute when baking for a vegan friend, and the cookies were still delightfully soft—worth a try!
  • Flavor Boost: Adding a tiny pinch of espresso powder enhances the cocoa flavor in my experience, without making the cookies taste like coffee.
  • Food Coloring Alternatives: Try natural beet juice powder or gel for a vibrant but more natural red hue, though the color might be a bit softer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa, preventing clumps in your dough. Pro tip: sift the cocoa powder first if you find it lumpy to keep the batter smooth.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In your mixer’s bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffiness here traps air, which helps with cookie texture. Using room temperature butter here is key; cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will ruin the structure.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Liquid Flavorings

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid curdling. Then stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and that generous dose of red food coloring. I usually start with 4 teaspoons of coloring and add the fifth teaspoon if the dough isn’t as red as I want—it’s all about your desired vibrancy.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures Gently

Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mix on low speed, mixing just until everything is combined. Over-mixing here can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1.5 hours. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and prevents spreading.

Step 5: Shape, Coat, and Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a small bowl of powdered sugar. Using buttered hands (trust me, it helps the dough not stick), scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Then roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring a good coating—that’s what creates the beautiful crinkle effect. Place them on lined baking sheets with a bit of space left for spreading, flatten gently, and bake for 13-14 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft.

Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying

Let your cookies rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet after baking to finish setting, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting them cool fully ensures they’re at their best chewy-soft texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted or cold, so it creams properly with the sugar.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough helps keep the cookies thick and the shapes intact during baking.
  • Even Coating For Crinkles: Fully coating your dough balls in powdered sugar is what gives you that gorgeous cracked pattern after baking.
  • Watch the Bake Time: Removing cookies just as edges set, while centers are still soft, keeps them chewy instead of crunchy.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, red velvet cookies, crinkle cookies recipe, easy cookie recipes, festive Valentine cookies - A close-up view of a red velvet cookie with a visible bite taken out of the front one, showing a soft red inside with white powdered sugar dusted thickly on the outside. Behind it, two whole cookies stacked slightly on a white marbled surface. To the left, green pine leaves and a small red berry add a festive touch. The wood texture beneath the cookies creates a rustic feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here because the cookies themselves are stunning, but sometimes a light dusting of extra powdered sugar on the serving plate adds a snowy, festive vibe. For a special touch, try a drizzle of white chocolate or a few festive sprinkles on top just after baking.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa—perfect for dipping. If you’re serving at a party, I like pairing them with fresh fruit platters or a creamy cheesecake for an indulgent dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had success arranging them in pretty cookie tins lined with parchment paper for gifting. For holidays, I use a festive cookie platter and surround the cookies with edible flowers or holly leaves (real or sugar-crafted) to make them pop visually—guests always comment on how irresistible they look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, though honestly, they rarely last that long at my house! I recommend layering them between parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

If I want to make these ahead of time, I shape and roll the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time, and voilà—fresh cookies anytime!

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a couple in the microwave for about 10 seconds or gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes their soft center and melts the powdered sugar just a bit, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually my preferred choice because it’s more concentrated, meaning you’ll need less to get that vibrant red color without affecting the dough’s consistency.

  2. What if my cookies spread too much and lose the crinkle look?

    This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the butter is melted. Make sure to chill your dough well before baking and use softened, not melted, butter. Also, don’t be tempted to skip the powdered sugar coating as that helps the crinkle form beautifully.

  3. Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

    Yes, but with a caveat: Use a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking, preferably one with xanthan gum included. The texture might be slightly different, so chill the dough well and keep an eye on bake time.

  4. Do I have to chill the dough for the full 1.5 hours?

    Chilling that long really helps with shaping and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin. If you’re in a pinch, 30 minutes can work but expect thinner cookies and less pronounced crinkles.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake and share over the years. They strike the perfect balance between festive, fun, and downright delicious, making them an easy crowd-pleaser for holidays and everyday sweet cravings alike. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do—so cozy up in your kitchen, grab your mixer, and get ready to impress your friends with some seriously beautiful cookies!

Print
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa base with a vibrant red hue and a soft, chewy texture. Coated in powdered sugar that crackles as they bake, these cookies make an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 tsp red food coloring

Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, whip the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Liquids: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure full integration. Then mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until evenly combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sugar Bowl: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl for coating the cookies.
  6. Shape and Coat Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using buttered hands, scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each portion into a ball. Roll the balls in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on baking sheets lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper, and gently flatten each slightly to form discs.
  7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 minutes until set and cracked on top.
  8. Cool and Store: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to achieve the signature crinkle effect.
  • Butter your hands before shaping the dough to prevent sticking.
  • If you prefer a less intense red, reduce the food coloring slightly, but this will affect the vibrant appearance.
  • Use parchment paper or a Silpat mat for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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