Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, sweet, and beautifully bright red cookies that look like they are dusted with snow. They are chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and coated in powdered sugar that cracks as the cookies bake creating a fun “crinkle” design. These cookies taste like a mix of chocolate and vanilla, with a mild cocoa flavor and a pretty red color that makes them perfect for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or any day you want something delicious and cheerful.

The best part about Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is that they are super easy to make, even for beginners or kids who love helping in the kitchen. They use simple ingredients, come together quickly, and bake in just minutes. These cookies also make great gifts because they look fancy without being hard to make.
You Should Try the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
You should definitely try Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies because they always impress people with very little effort. The bright color, snowy sugar coating, and soft texture make them a favorite treat for family and friends. If you enjoy chocolate but want a cookie that isn’t too strong or heavy, these cookies are a perfect choice. They’re pretty enough for parties but simple enough for everyday baking. Whether you’re a beginner or a confident young baker, this recipe will help you create cookies that look bakery quality.
Plus, the dough can be chilled ahead of time, the cookies freeze beautifully, and they store well so you can make them any time you’re craving something sweet and festive.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring liquid or gel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar for rolling
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step One
The first step is to mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps so the cakes bake evenly.
Step Two
Next, cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives the cakes a smooth texture. Next, add the eggs and flavorings. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the batter is a bright, smooth red.
Step Three
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the red batter. Use a spatula to mix until all the ingredients are combined. The batter will be soft and slightly sticky. Refrigerate the batter for at least one hour. Chilling helps the batter firm up, which will help the cakes hold their shape while baking.
Step Four
Now, preheat your oven. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Then, shape the cookies. Use a cookie scoop or a large spoon to form small balls of dough. Gently roll each ball between your hands, then roll it completely in powdered sugar.
Step Five
Bake the cookies. Arrange the cookie balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops crack and the edges are firm and the center is soft.
Step Six
Finally, you can cool and enjoy them. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool, becoming soft and chewy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Recipe, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer optional but helpful
Tips for Making the Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Chill the dough longer if it feels too soft.
Roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar for a bright crinkle effect.
Use gel food coloring for a deeper red color.
Don’t overbake or the cookies will lose their softness.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve these cookies with cold, refreshing drinks like milk for my children or lemonade for extra refreshment, and sometimes I like to serve them with tea or coffee, as my husband prefers.

Frequently Asked Question
Why are my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies not cracking ?
They may not be cracking because your dough was too warm. Chill it longer so the outside stays firm while the inside expands during baking.
Do I have to use red food coloring ?
No, you can skip it the cookies just won’t be red, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I freeze the dough ?
Yes! Shape into balls, freeze, then coat in powdered sugar right before baking.
Can I freeze the baked cookies ?
Absolutely. They freeze well for up to 2 months.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes12
minutes120
kcal1
hour30
minutesSoft, chewy, and beautifully red cookies dusted in powdered sugar that crack as they bake, creating a snowy crinkle effect. These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for holidays or anytime you want a sweet treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring liquid or gel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar for rolling
Directions
- The first step is to mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps so the cakes bake evenly.
- Next, cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives the cakes a smooth texture. Next, add the eggs and flavorings. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the batter is a bright, smooth red.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the red batter. Use a spatula to mix until all the ingredients are combined. The batter will be soft and slightly sticky. Refrigerate the batter for at least one hour. Chilling helps the batter firm up, which will help the cakes hold their shape while baking.
- Now, preheat your oven. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Then, shape the cookies. Use a cookie scoop or a large spoon to form small balls of dough. Gently roll each ball between your hands, then roll it completely in powdered sugar.
- Bake the cookies. Arrange the cookie balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops crack and the edges are firm and the center is soft.
- Finally, you can cool and enjoy them. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool, becoming soft and chewy.
Notes
- Chill the dough well at least 1 hour to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
- Roll the dough balls heavily in powdered sugar for a dramatic crinkle effect.
- Add white chocolate chips if you want a sweeter, creamier flavor twist.
- Freeze the dough balls for quick future baking.
You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!




