Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
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; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 Tbsp milk; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla; 5 tsp red food coloring; 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as dazzling to serve as it is irresistible to eat, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are your dream come true. These vibrant treats are soft and tender on the inside, with dramatic crinkly, sugar-dusted tops that make them perfect for holiday spreads or anytime you want a touch of celebration. The rich cocoa flavor and signature tang of red velvet come through in every bite, making these cookies both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Prepare to fall in love—these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies have a way of disappearing fast!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the lineup that makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies so special! Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating that bold color, classic flavor, and crinkled texture you’ll crave again and again.

All-purpose flour: The essential base, giving structure to those adorable crinkles and a tender bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Just enough to lend a subtle cocoa flavor that is unmistakably red velvet.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff slightly, leading to those gorgeous crinkles.
Baking soda: Balances the acidity and contributes to the light texture and slight tang.
Salt: A little salt wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (softened): The melted heart of every great cookie, adding richness and a luscious crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
Large eggs: Binds the dough together and adds a little lift.
Milk: Provides moisture for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla: Classic aroma and flavor that deepens and complements the cocoa and red velvet tang.
Red food coloring: The signature ingredient for that dramatic, festive hue—don’t be shy with it!
Powdered sugar: Creates the magical, crinkled appearance and adds a sweet finish to each cookie.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small mixing bowl. This simple step ensures your leaveners and cocoa are distributed evenly—so you get those perfect cookies every single time!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and creates that classic cookie texture we all love.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

One by one, incorporate the eggs into the creamy mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the milk, vanilla, and red food coloring. This is where the magic happens—the dough turns that iconic bright red!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overwork the dough or it’ll lose some of its tenderness. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 1/2 hours, so the dough easily forms into perfect little cookie balls.

Step 5: Shape and Roll Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Scoop out mounds of chilled dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and, with buttered hands to keep things smooth, roll them into balls. Dredge each ball generously in powdered sugar—get them completely coated to create dramatic crinkle marks!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sugar-coated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat, spacing them to allow for spreading. Gently press to flatten slightly, then bake for 13–14 minutes. The tops should be crackled, with centers just set—don’t overbake, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once fully cooled, store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container to keep them ultra-soft and flavorful.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

Treat your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies to a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy, festive touch. You can also add a few white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of edible gold for party flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, rich hot cocoa, or a piping hot latte. For a cookie platter, serve alongside cheesecake bars, classic chocolate chip cookies, or even fruit for a bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for a gorgeous homemade gift, or arrange them on a decorative tray at your next party. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for an extra-indulgent treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies stay soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to keep the beautiful crinkles intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked cookies (once cooled) for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in a single layer initially, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. Alternatively, freeze unbaked, rolled dough balls (without powdered sugar) and coat in sugar just before baking fresh cookies anytime!

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of softness, pop them in a microwave for about 5-10 seconds to refresh that just-baked texture. Alternatively, warm briefly in a low oven for a comforting, bakery-style experience.

FAQs

Can I use a natural red food coloring instead of traditional gel?

Absolutely! Natural red food coloring works, though your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies might have a softer or slightly different shade. Gel-based colors yield the boldest results, but don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is crucial—it makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This extra step also intensifies the flavor and gives those iconic crinkles a chance to develop.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop, roll in powdered sugar, and proceed as usual for fresh cookies anytime.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries at all! A hand mixer works wonderfully, or you can cream the ingredients by hand with a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease. Every batch of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is made with love, no matter the method.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in white or dark chocolate chips, or toasted pecans, for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload the dough—about 1/2 cup of add-ins works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is not just about treating your sweet tooth, but about sharing a little bit of joy in every bite. These cookies are sure to become an instant hit at any gathering—or just as a special gift to yourself! Once you try them, don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Happy baking!