Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the epitome of indulgence, combining a rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue and a delightful powdered sugar coating. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly soft and chewy, making them a favorite for both holidays and special occasions. With their unique taste and texture, they are perfect for celebrations like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will adore. Here are a few reasons why they stand out:
- They are incredibly soft and chewy, making every bite a joy.
- The beautiful red color adds a festive flair to any occasion.
- Easy to make, even for beginners—perfect for a weekend baking project.
- They pair wonderfully with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
- These cookies stay fresh for days, making them great for meal prep.
- They are versatile enough for any holiday, including Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 0.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling cookies
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the melted and cooled unsalted butter with granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the large egg thoroughly.
- Step 4: Stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the wet mixture, blending well to achieve an even color and flavor.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Step 7: Place the coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops crack and the cookies look set but remain soft inside.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Adjust baking time for larger or smaller cookies to achieve the perfect texture.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts.
Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies shine when served fresh out of the oven, but here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
- Serve alongside cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert.
- Include them in a dessert platter for a festive gathering, like festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Christmas.
How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
The secret lies in not overmixing the dough and allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Can I make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and measure them accurately. This will help achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Variations of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- Add chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
- Incorporate cream cheese for a rich and creamy flavor in your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with Cream Cheese.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Experiment with different colors of food coloring for unique festive occasions.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken or Holiday Roasted Vegetables. You can also explore Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for a delightful main dish.
For tips on baking, you might find this baking guide helpful.
Print
Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are delightfully soft and fudgy with a beautiful red hue and a classic powdered sugar coating that cracks perfectly as they bake. Ideal for holiday celebrations or any festive occasion, these cookies combine the rich flavor of cocoa with the tang of buttermilk and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 0.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted and cooled unsalted butter with granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the large egg thoroughly.
- Stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the wet mixture, blending well to achieve an even color and flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops crack and the cookies look set but remain soft inside.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Adjust baking time for larger or smaller cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
