Snowy white on the outside and a vivid red inside, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are as pretty as they are delicious. They combine a light chocolate flavor with the classic soft, crinkled texture of crinkle cookies for a treat that feels special without being fussy.
Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies bake up a gorgeous pinkish-red thanks to cocoa powder and food coloring, then are rolled in a combination of granulated and powdered sugar so they crack and crinkle while baking. The contrast of the snowy white sugar and bright red interior is striking and irresistible.
They’re also easy to make: cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs and flavorings, stir in the dry ingredients, chill, then roll the dough into balls and coat them before baking. Using a stand mixer makes creaming effortless, and baking on parchment keeps cleanup simple.
They’re perfect with coffee or milk and make a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays, special occasions, or a simple homemade dessert for two.
What is Red Velvet?
Red velvet refers to a baked good with a distinctive red color and a mild cocoa flavor. Cocoa adds chocolatey depth while buttermilk or a touch of vinegar often contributes a gentle tang. In cakes it’s commonly paired with cream cheese frosting; in these cookies a quarter cup of cocoa powder gives the characteristic red velvet flavor without overpowering the cookie.
The texture of these crinkle cookies is soft and slightly chewy, similar to a chocolate chip cookie center, while the powdered-sugar coating adds a sweet, snowy finish and the classic crinkled look.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is straightforward and uses pantry staples so you can whip up a batch on short notice.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), room temperature
- Brown sugar: 3/4 cup, packed
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (plus extra for rolling)
- Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Red food coloring: 1 teaspoon gel or liquid
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Cocoa powder: 1/4 cup, sifted
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons (use baking powder, not baking soda)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (for rolling)
How To Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are fun to prepare and especially enjoyable if you get helpers to roll the dough and coat the balls in sugar.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla and color: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
- Shape and coat: Scoop roughly 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, then roll each ball first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Arrange coated balls on prepared sheets and bake 10–12 minutes, until puffed and cracked but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool and serve: Transfer cookies to a cooling rack, let cool, then enjoy.
Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies
Here are a few simple tips to ensure great results every time.
- Chill the dough: Cooling makes the dough easier to shape and helps the cookies spread and crack properly during baking.
- Use white sugars for coating: Plain granulated and powdered sugar give the best visual contrast and texture for the crinkle finish.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
How To Store and Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies store and freeze well, making them convenient for holiday prep or baking ahead.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week, though texture may soften after several days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
More Easy Cookie Ideas
If you enjoy homemade cookies, try other simple favorites like no-bake oatmeal cookies, brown butter chocolate chip, hot chocolate sugar cookies, or classic chewy chocolate chip cookies for variety.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring and mix until incorporated.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, then roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Place coated dough balls on prepared sheets and bake 10–12 minutes, until puffed and cracked but still slightly soft inside.
- Transfer to a cooling rack, let cool completely, then serve.
Equipment
- Oven
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used.
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