Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Treat with a Fudgy Twist

If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cookie that delivers both festive charm and decadent flavor, look no further than Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These rich, cocoa-kissed cookies blend the soft, chewy texture of a brownie with the signature powdered sugar crinkle of a classic holiday favorite. Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, hosting a holiday dinner, or just craving a cozy treat, this easy recipe brings together the bold red color of red velvet and the irresistible texture that crinkle cookie lovers crave.

Looking for inspiration? Try Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for another festive option to accompany these.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a standout in every cookie jar.

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What Makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies So Special?

Red velvet meets classic crinkle cookie magic

Red velvet is more than just a color—it’s a flavor profile all its own. With a subtle cocoa base, slight tang from vinegar or buttermilk (in traditional cakes), and that eye-catching scarlet hue, red velvet captures the best of chocolate and vanilla in one bite. Now imagine all of that in a soft crinkle cookie rolled in powdered sugar. This combination isn’t just beautiful—it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The perfect texture: fudgy centers and crinkled tops

Unlike a typical sugar cookie, red velvet crinkle cookies are thick and brownie-like in texture. What makes them special is the crackly powdered sugar coating that crisps slightly in the oven, revealing deep red “cracks” underneath. The result is a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and just a little crispy on the outside. Think of it as the brownie’s festive cousin.

Homemade vs box mix: Why scratch wins

It’s true—some red velvet cookies can be made from cake mix, but making them from scratch gives you complete control over taste and texture. No artificial aftertaste, no odd consistency. Instead, you’ll get a richer chocolate flavor, better color, and that from-scratch magic that elevates every bite. Plus, homemade gives you room to tweak sweetness, cocoa levels, and even add-ins like chocolate chips or cream cheese.

Discover great ideas like these Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies for more scratch-made holiday magic.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Pantry staples & festive add-ons

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get baking:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted butter	½ cup	Softened, not melted
Light brown sugar	¾ cup	Packed for best moisture
Granulated sugar	½ cup (plus more for rolling)	For structure and sweetness
Eggs	2 large	Room temperature
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Adds depth
Red food coloring	½ tsp	Use gel for stronger pigmentation
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Standard baking flour
Cocoa powder	⅓ cup	Unsweetened for that red velvet touch
Baking powder	1½ tsp	Helps cookies puff
Salt	½ tsp	Balances flavor
Powdered sugar	½ cup	For that classic crinkle finish

These ingredients work together to create a rich, fudgy dough that holds up during baking and produces a striking crinkle pattern.

Baking tools to ensure success

A few essential tools will make this process easier and more consistent:

• Hand or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Cookie scoop for even sizing
• Rubber spatula for scraping the bowl
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper

Check out Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe for another seasonal twist using many of these same tools.

Food coloring tips: Getting the perfect red

Getting the right red hue is key. Liquid food coloring from the grocery store might not give that vibrant tone and may water down your dough. Instead, opt for professional gel food coloring like Wilton or AmeriColor. A little goes a long way. Start with ½ tsp and adjust if needed.

Keep in mind: the cocoa powder naturally darkens the dough, so vibrant red color requires a strong pigment to show through. Pro tip: mix the coloring into the wet ingredients for even distribution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Mixing the wet and dry ingredients

Start by creaming together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and red food coloring. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry into the wet until fully combined.

The secret to the ultimate crinkle effect

Here’s the trick: roll your cookie dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. This double coat prevents the powdered sugar from dissolving into the dough and ensures that striking crinkle appearance.

Don’t miss our Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies if you love rich textures and dramatic effects in your cookies.

Baking and cooling for that gooey center

Bake at 350°F for exactly 10 minutes. The cookies will look puffed and cracked on top but should still be slightly soft in the middle—this ensures a fudgy bite. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cookie that delivers both festive charm and decadent flavor, look no further than Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These rich, cocoa-kissed cookies blend the soft, chewy texture of a brownie with the signature powdered sugar crinkle of a classic holiday favorite. Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, hosting a holiday dinner, or just craving a cozy treat, this easy recipe brings together the bold red color of red velvet and the irresistible texture that crinkle cookie lovers crave.

Looking for inspiration? Try Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for another festive option to accompany these.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a standout in every cookie jar.

What Makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies So Special?

Red velvet meets classic crinkle cookie magic

Red velvet is more than just a color—it’s a flavor profile all its own. With a subtle cocoa base, slight tang from vinegar or buttermilk (in traditional cakes), and that eye-catching scarlet hue, red velvet captures the best of chocolate and vanilla in one bite. Now imagine all of that in a soft crinkle cookie rolled in powdered sugar. This combination isn’t just beautiful—it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The perfect texture: fudgy centers and crinkled tops

Unlike a typical sugar cookie, red velvet crinkle cookies are thick and brownie-like in texture. What makes them special is the crackly powdered sugar coating that crisps slightly in the oven, revealing deep red “cracks” underneath. The result is a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and just a little crispy on the outside. Think of it as the brownie’s festive cousin.

Homemade vs box mix: Why scratch wins

It’s true—some red velvet cookies can be made from cake mix, but making them from scratch gives you complete control over taste and texture. No artificial aftertaste, no odd consistency. Instead, you’ll get a richer chocolate flavor, better color, and that from-scratch magic that elevates every bite. Plus, homemade gives you room to tweak sweetness, cocoa levels, and even add-ins like chocolate chips or cream cheese.

Discover great ideas like these Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies for more scratch-made holiday magic.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Pantry staples & festive add-ons

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get baking:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted butter	½ cup	Softened, not melted
Light brown sugar	¾ cup	Packed for best moisture
Granulated sugar	½ cup (plus more for rolling)	For structure and sweetness
Eggs	2 large	Room temperature
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Adds depth
Red food coloring	½ tsp	Use gel for stronger pigmentation
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Standard baking flour
Cocoa powder	⅓ cup	Unsweetened for that red velvet touch
Baking powder	1½ tsp	Helps cookies puff
Salt	½ tsp	Balances flavor
Powdered sugar	½ cup	For that classic crinkle finish

These ingredients work together to create a rich, fudgy dough that holds up during baking and produces a striking crinkle pattern.

Baking tools to ensure success

A few essential tools will make this process easier and more consistent:

• Hand or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Cookie scoop for even sizing
• Rubber spatula for scraping the bowl
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper

Check out Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe for another seasonal twist using many of these same tools.

Food coloring tips: Getting the perfect red

Getting the right red hue is key. Liquid food coloring from the grocery store might not give that vibrant tone and may water down your dough. Instead, opt for professional gel food coloring like Wilton or AmeriColor. A little goes a long way. Start with ½ tsp and adjust if needed.

Keep in mind: the cocoa powder naturally darkens the dough, so vibrant red color requires a strong pigment to show through. Pro tip: mix the coloring into the wet ingredients for even distribution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Mixing the wet and dry ingredients

Start by creaming together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and red food coloring. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry into the wet until fully combined.

The secret to the ultimate crinkle effect

Here’s the trick: roll your cookie dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. This double coat prevents the powdered sugar from dissolving into the dough and ensures that striking crinkle appearance.

Don’t miss our Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies if you love rich textures and dramatic effects in your cookies.

Baking and cooling for that gooey center

Bake at 350°F for exactly 10 minutes. The cookies will look puffed and cracked on top but should still be slightly soft in the middle—this ensures a fudgy bite. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

FAQ: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Final Thoughts on Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies combine everything we love about holiday treats: rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and simple prep. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The fudgy texture, dramatic crinkle top, and bright red color make them a standout on any cookie platter.

So, tie on your apron, grab your cookie scoop, and create something festive and unforgettable. And if you’re looking for more ideas to round out your cookie spread, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe too.

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