Dessert

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

These vibrant red velvet crinkle cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with a festive twist on the classic crinkle cookie. Their rich red color makes them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

A white round plate holds a pile of soft, round red cookies stacked in two layers, each cookie dusted generously with white powdered sugar that contrasts with the deep red color. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture on top, adding a homemade feel. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft warm string lights blurred in the background, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. A red shiny ornament is softly visible to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 7: Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls, then coat each ball generously with powdered sugar.
Step 8: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 9: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and the crinkle pattern forms on top.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant, concentrated red without affecting the dough’s texture.
Chilling the dough is key to creating neat crinkles and preventing excess spreading.
For a twist, add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven to restore softness, if desired.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds two stacked layers of red velvet cookies, about ten in total, each cookie dusted with a light white powdered sugar on top. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture, showing a soft and moist inside, with deep red color beneath the dusting. The background is a white marbled texture with soft yellow fairy lights and a red Christmas ornament blurred in the distance, adding a cozy holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without red food coloring?

Yes, but the distinctive red velvet color will be missing. You can omit the food coloring or substitute with natural alternatives like beet juice, though results may vary.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough well before baking and avoid flattening the dough balls. Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat also helps control spreading.