Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the charm of a crinkly cookie. With a soft, chewy texture and a beautiful red color, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla gives them a rich taste, while the powdered sugar coating adds a sweet touch. Whether you are baking for a party, holiday, or just because, these cookies will surely impress everyone.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for many reasons. First, they are simple to prepare. You don’t need any fancy baking skills to make these delightful cookies. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
Also, the bright red color makes them a fun addition to any dessert table. They stand out and catch the eye, making them perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Moreover, these cookies have a wonderful taste. They are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from the sugar coating. When you bite into them, you experience a burst of flavor that is both sweet and chocolaty.
Lastly, they are great to share. You can enjoy them with family and friends, or package them up as gifts. Everyone will appreciate a taste of these delicious cookies!
HOW TO MAKE Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is an enjoyable process. The ingredients are common, and the method is simple. Below you will find a clear list of what you need and a step-by-step guide to create these tasty treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon professional red food coloring*
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 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)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat together until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
- Set up two bowls: one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar.
- Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or a tablespoon) to scoop out the cookie dough.
- Roll the cookie balls first in the granulated sugar, then in the powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated.
- Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. The cookies should puff up and form cracks on the top but still be a little gooey in the center.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Enjoy your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a glass of milk!

HOW TO SERVE Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies can be served in many fun ways. You can simply place them on a plate and serve them as they are. They can also be a part of a dessert table at a party.
For a special treat, warm them slightly in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie complements the cold ice cream perfectly.
Additionally, you can stack them in a fancy jar or cookie tin for a lovely gift. A simple ribbon around the jar can make it look beautiful and thoughtful.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week.
If you want to keep cookies longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To enjoy again, you can thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies pair well with many drinks. They go wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a cup of tea.
For a festive touch, consider serving them with hot cocoa during winter months. You can also serve them at birthday parties along with milkshakes for a sweet treat.
VARIATIONS
You can enjoy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in a few different ways. Here are some variations to try:
- Chocolate Chips: Add some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
- Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Create a surprise inside by adding a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center before baking.
- Different Food Coloring: Experiment with other colors of food coloring for unique looks.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as an alternative to granulated sugar.
2. What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper? If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
4. Do I have to sift the dry ingredients? Sifting is not mandatory, but it helps to remove lumps and aerate the flour for a lighter cookie.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
You can prepare for making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in advance. Here are some helpful tips:
- Cookie Dough: You can make the dough a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
- Baking in Batches: If you’re limited on time, you can bake half the dough today and save the rest in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Rolling Sugar: You can roll the cookie balls in sugar and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
With these tips and a lovely recipe, you are ready to experience the joy of baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
- Set up two bowls: one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll into balls, coating first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar.
- Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until cookies puff up and form cracks but are gooey in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.