If you’ve been dreaming of a cookie that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a true delight, combining the rich, chocolatey flavor of cocoa with that vibrant red hue that makes red velvet so irresistible. Coated in a crackly layer of powdered and granulated sugar, they’re soft and chewy on the inside yet beautifully textured on the outside. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own, these cookies bring a festive, cozy vibe to any occasion.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in achieving the perfect red velvet crinkle cookies. Each one adds to the texture, flavor, or the eye-catching red color that makes these cookies so special.

All purpose flour (2 cups / 240 g): The base of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup / 20 g): Adds a subtle chocolate depth that complements the red velvet flavor.
Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and tender.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons / 85 g), melted and slightly cooled: Creates a rich, moist texture while bringing buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150 g): Sweetens and contributes to the soft bite of the cookie.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup / 50 g): Adds moisture and a gentle caramel undertone for complexity.
Large eggs (2), room temperature: Help bind everything together and add tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Red gel food coloring (2 teaspoons / 10 ml): The secret to that vibrant, classic red velvet look without altering the dough consistency.
Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100 g), for coating: Adds a glistening surface texture before the powdered sugar.
Powdered sugar (½ cup / 60 g), for coating: Creates the iconic crinkle finish and soft sweetness on top.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisk together the all purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until everything is perfectly blended. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening and cocoa, so the cookies develop that characteristic tender crumb and rich flavor.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, melt your butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir so the melted butter mixes well with the small unmelted pieces, then let it cool until warm but no longer hot. In a separate large bowl, whisk together this warm melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and that gorgeous red gel food coloring. Whisk everything together until creamy and vividly red. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure every bit is mixed in!

Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a flexible spatula or spoon, combining just until you can’t see any streaks of flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 60 minutes, or even overnight if you want to prep ahead. The chilling firms up the dough and helps develop richer flavor while making it easier to shape later.

Step 4: Roll and Coat the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Prepare two shallow bowls—one filled with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar. Use a small tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out dough balls of about 15 grams each. Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar, then immediately in the powdered sugar until well-coated in both sugars for that classic crinkle effect.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks to chill completely. This prevents sticking and maintains their perfect soft texture.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of extra powdered sugar adds a snowy finish, but for an extra special touch, sprinkle on some mini white chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts right before serving. These garnishes add lovely texture contrasts and a hint of richness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa undertones.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to create a cozy, comforting snack or dessert experience. They’re a perfect companion to creamy drinks that balance the slight tang and sweetness of red velvet.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe treats with layers of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in a clear jar for a festive party presentation. Or arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning holiday centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for up to 5 days, making them an easy treat to enjoy all week.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When packed properly, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, bring them to room temperature or warm them briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their soft, chewy texture. Be careful not to overheat or they may become dry.

FAQs

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

You can substitute liquid food coloring, but gel tends to provide a more vibrant red without altering the dough’s consistency. If using liquid, add it slowly to avoid making the batter too wet.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is essential to give these cookies their subtle chocolate flavor and darker red color. Skipping it will change the taste and appearance, but you could experiment with mild chocolate chips or omit for a different cookie altogether.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and a topside that no longer looks wet or glossy. The cookies will still be soft but should hold their crinkled sugar coating without wobbling.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some substitutions such as plant-based butter and eggs alternatives like flax or chia eggs, you can adjust the recipe. Keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly from the original.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to shape and helping prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, resulting in that perfect soft, chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

I simply can’t recommend this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe enough! They’re stunning, delicious, and so much fun to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies bring warmth and a little bit of holiday magic to any moment. Go on, give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, featuring a soft and chewy center with a beautiful cocoa-infused red velvet flavor and a sweet powdered sugar coating for an irresistible crinkle effect. Perfect for holiday treats or any special occasion.

Instructions

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir to incorporate the melted butter with any smaller unmelted pieces. Allow the butter to cool slightly until warm but not hot. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring; whisk until creamy and well combined, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
Combine and Chill: Using a flexible spatula or spoon, mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes or up to overnight to firm up.
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure even baking. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape and Coat Cookies: Pour granulated sugar into one bowl and powdered sugar into another shallow bowl. Using a small tablespoon-sized cookie scoop (about 15 grams per scoop), portion out the dough. Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 11 to 14 minutes or until edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and better cookie shape.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without affecting dough consistency.
Do not overbake to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For a richer taste, try substituting part of the butter with cream cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American