Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 powdered sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

If you’re hunting for a cookie recipe that’s both striking and utterly delicious, I’ve got just the thing: my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies have this magical soft-centered texture paired with those signature crinkled, powdered-sugar-coated exteriors that make every bite feel special. You’ll find they’re the perfect treat for holidays, cozy afternoons, or anytime you want a showstopper cookie without too much fuss.

I’ve baked these countless times and each batch feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. What makes this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe stand out is the balance — a subtle cocoa hint inside that vibrant red dough, contrasted with a crackly powdered sugar coating. I think you’ll love how easy they are to whip up, especially if you want a beautiful red velvet twist on the classic crinkle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to give you that perfect red velvet flavor and soft, tender cookie texture. When shopping, look for quality cocoa powder and the right type of red food coloring — these little details really make the difference.

Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to cream smoothly with the sugars.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, keeping the cookies tender.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the crisp coating.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and give a nice structure to the dough.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Professional red food coloring: This is key for that vivid red color; Wilton’s brand works wonders, but if you use regular gels, you might need more.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened, it adds the subtle chocolate kick characteristic of red velvet.
Baking powder: Helps your cookies rise just enough to get those gorgeous cracks.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (for coating): Creates the signature crinkle effect after baking.

Variations

I love playing around with this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe to suit different occasions or diets. You can easily tweak it to make it yours — it’s your kitchen, after all!

Gluten-free: I swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend once, and the cookies came out just as tender and delicious. Just be sure to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.
Intense chocolate: Sometimes I add a handful of mini white or semi-sweet chocolate chips right into the dough for extra indulgence.
Less red coloring: If you prefer a subtler red velvet, just cut the food coloring back — the flavor still shines through.
Vegan adaptation: I haven’t tried this one yet, but replacing butter with vegan margarine and using flax eggs could be worth experimenting with!

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your baking space and ingredients

The first step sets you up for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking. Have all your ingredients measured and ready — especially the softened butter and room-temp eggs — so there’s no scrambling once you start mixing.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is key for that tender cookie texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl so everything blends evenly!

Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring

Pop the eggs in one at a time, beating well between each to incorporate them fully. Then stir in vanilla extract and your red food coloring. If you see the dough turning a deeper shade of red, that means you’re on the right track. Don’t be tempted to add too much food coloring too fast — it’ll stain your hands and utensils, plus too much can throw off flavors.

Step 4: Mix in the dry ingredients

Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step helps prevent lumps and evenly distributes the baking powder so you get perfect rising. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can tighten the gluten and make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks.

Step 5: Coat and shape the cookies

Scoop out 1-ounce portions of dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each portion first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar. This dual coating gives you that iconic crinkly crackle on top once baked. Place them on your lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each. Trust me, don’t skip this coating step — it’s what makes these cookies visually stunning and extra sweet!

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You want the cookies to puff up and crack beautifully but still look slightly soft in the centers — that’s when they’re most delightful and chewy. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you try to move them immediately, they might break apart.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A stack of four red velvet cookies covered with white powdered sugar cracks on top sits on a metal cooling rack with a white marbled surface below. The top cookie has a bite taken out, showing a soft, moist inside with deep red color. In the background, there is a blurred white bottle that looks like a milk bottle. The scene is bright and clean, emphasizing the contrast between the red cookies and white powdered sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple because the cookies speak for themselves, but a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving can add a fresh look and boost the sweetness. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter on top for holiday parties — it’s easy and adds a magical touch kids love.

Side Dishes

These cookies are dreamy alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a festive brunch, I’ve paired them with cranberry orange muffins and cream cheese spreads which really complement the subtle cocoa in the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the cookies on a platter lined with fresh mint or edible flowers. You can also stack them in clear mason jars tied with a festive ribbon — they make perfect homemade gifts. I’ve even tucked them in between layers of white and red cake for a fun cookie-cake gift box.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, though if you’re like me, chances are they’ll disappear much faster!

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked cookie dough balls, rolled and coated in sugar, laid on parchment-lined trays. After freezing solid, I transfer them to freezer bags. When I want cookies, I just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time — super convenient for last-minute treats.

Reheating

To reheat cookies and bring back some fresh-baked warmth, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or they might dry out. A warm cookie next to a cold glass of milk? Pure joy.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of professional red food coloring?

Yes, but you’ll likely need to use more of it because professional red food coloring like Wilton’s is more concentrated. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until you get that vibrant red color without compromising taste.
How do I get that perfect crinkle effect on my red velvet cookies?

The trick is rolling your cookie dough balls first in granulated sugar, then generously coating them in powdered sugar before baking. This sugar coating cracks beautifully in the oven, giving you those signature crinkles.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough balls ahead and freeze them on a sheet tray before transferring to a container. Bake them straight from frozen whenever you’re ready, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to four days, maintaining their soft centers and crackly tops.
Do these cookies taste like traditional red velvet cake?

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies capture that classic flavor with a tender cocoa undertone and the distinctive red color. They aren’t as rich or layered as a cake, but offer a delightful, chewy twist on the traditional red velvet taste.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one of my go-to treats whenever I want to impress without stress. The combination of that lovely red color, the velvety smooth texture, and the fun cracked powdered sugar finish brings smiles every single time. Give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do.