Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich cocoa flavor. With their striking red color and powdered sugar coating, these cookies are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want a festive, delicious treat. They have a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, cake-like center, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture – The perfect balance between cakey and fudgy.
• Beautiful & Festive – Their deep red hue and powdered sugar coating make them eye-catching.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Chocolatey & Buttery Flavor – A mild cocoa taste with a hint of vanilla.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, bake sales, or as a fun homemade gift.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar as a substitute)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir in buttermilk for extra moisture.
5. Combine Dry & Wet – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Chill the Dough – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps prevent spreading).
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar – Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them generously in powdered sugar.
8. Bake – Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are set.
9. Cool & Serve – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Chocolatey: Add white or dark chocolate chips for a gooey center.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Stuffed Cookies: Place a small piece of cream cheese or chocolate inside before rolling.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze dough balls (before rolling in sugar) for up to 3 months. Roll in powdered sugar before baking.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much, helping them keep their crinkled shape.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but you may need to add extra to achieve a deep red color.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with 1/2 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Why didn’t my cookies crack properly?

Make sure to coat them generously in powdered sugar and bake at the right temperature.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform dough balls.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I make these without cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder gives them the classic red velvet flavor, so it’s best not to skip it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches.

Can I roll the cookies in granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

You can, but the powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for holidays or anytime you want a beautiful, soft, and chocolatey cookie. Their crackly powdered sugar coating and vibrant red color make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!