Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Sweet Bite of Comfort

There’s something about red velvet that feels timeless—its velvety cocoa aroma, its deep crimson color, and that faint tang that lingers just long enough to make you want another bite. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of special occasions or the simple pleasure of treating yourself to something beautiful. Now imagine all of that goodness wrapped up in a single, soft, powdered cookie—something small enough to fit in your palm, yet powerful enough to warm your heart. That’s what makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies more than just another dessert—they’re a sweet bite of comfort you can make right in your kitchen.

These cookies bring the same elegance of a red velvet cake, but with a simpler, cozier twist. You don’t need layers or frosting to impress—just the perfect balance of cocoa, sugar, and a touch of red to make your table stand out. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because you need a little indulgence, this recipe delivers both flavor and feeling.

What Makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies So Special?

Red velvet has always had a sense of mystery. It’s not quite chocolate, not quite vanilla, but something in between—smooth, rich, and tender. When you turn that iconic cake into cookies, you get the best of both worlds: the soft chew of a cookie and the elegance of red velvet’s deep, luxurious flavor.

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies stand out for more than their color. As they bake, their tops crack open into snowy, powdered patterns—each one unique, each one irresistible. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp at the edges, and carry that mild cocoa note that balances sweetness with sophistication. They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them with coffee, package them as gifts, or let them shine on your holiday dessert platter—they fit in everywhere.

Ingredients for the Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.

Pantry Staples and Baking Essentials

• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides the structure for the cookie, giving it the right amount of bite without making it too dense.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Adds the subtle chocolate flavor that defines red velvet. Stick with regular cocoa, not Dutch-processed, to keep the color vibrant.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures a soft, airy texture and a gentle rise.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that irresistible chew.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the soft texture.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle aroma.
• Red food coloring (1 tbsp): Brings the classic, bold hue. Gel coloring gives the best results without watering down the dough.

The Finishing Touch

• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used to coat the cookie dough balls, creating that signature “crinkle” as they bake.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Baking these cookies doesn’t require professional skills—just patience, precision, and a little joy. Here’s how you bring these beautiful bites to life.

Step 1 — Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This forms your dry mixture—the foundation of your dough.

In a separate, larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it’s what gives your cookies their soft, tender crumb. Once creamy, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture reaches your desired shade of red—deep and vibrant.

Step 2 — Combine and Chill

Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together; overmixing can make your cookies tough. The dough should be slightly sticky—that’s perfect. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chill time makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 3 — Shape and Coat

Once the dough is firm, scoop out small portions—about a tablespoon each—and roll them into balls. Then comes the fun part: roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. Don’t be shy here. The thicker the coating, the more striking the crinkle effect once baked.

Step 4 — Bake to Perfection

Arrange your coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. They’ll puff up and crack beautifully, revealing a dramatic red-and-white contrast. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Even simple recipes have their secrets, and mastering these cookies is all about the details.

• Choose the right cocoa: Use unsweetened, natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa can alter both the flavor and the bright red color.
• Opt for gel food coloring: Gel provides a richer tone without changing the dough’s consistency.
• Don’t skip chilling: This step gives you thicker, chewier cookies with perfect crinkles.
• Roll thoroughly in powdered sugar: A thick layer is key for that beautiful cracked surface.
• Bake in batches: If your oven runs hot, bake one tray at a time to ensure even cooking.

These small adjustments can make the difference between a good cookie and a perfect one.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

One of the best things about Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is how effortlessly elegant they look. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, there are endless ways to present them.

• Pair with Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Red velvet and cream cheese are a match made in dessert heaven. Whip up a quick dip with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for an extra indulgent touch.
• Wrap as Homemade Gifts: Slide a few cookies into a clear cellophane bag, tie it with a red ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful handmade gift.
• Add to Holiday Platters: Their color makes them the star of any festive cookie spread. Pair with white chocolate or peppermint cookies for contrast.
• Enjoy with Afternoon Tea: The subtle cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

These cookies don’t just taste good—they look stunning on any table.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

When you bake from scratch, you know exactly what goes into your treats. Here’s a general breakdown for each cookie:
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: ~120 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Total Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

They’re rich enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, yet light enough that you can enjoy more than one without guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Conclusion: A Bite of Love and Comfort

When you take that first bite of a Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie, you’re not just tasting sugar and cocoa—you’re tasting comfort, nostalgia, and care. Each soft center and delicate crackle carries a story, one that reminds you that joy often comes in small, simple moments. They’re the kind of cookies that make people smile, whether you serve them fresh from the oven or share them as gifts.

So next time you crave something that feels both special and easy to make, reach for this recipe. With its deep red hue, powdered snow top, and tender crumb, it’s the perfect combination of beauty and flavor. Bake a batch, pour yourself a warm drink, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Because sometimes, the sweetest comfort comes not from a grand dessert—but from a single, perfect cookie.

Now it’s your turn to bring these cookies to life. Preheat your oven, pull out your mixing bowls, and bake your first batch of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies today. Share them with friends, gift them to someone special, or keep them all to yourself—because every bite is a reminder that simple joys are often the most delicious.

More Delicious Recipes

• Peppermint Oreo Balls: These festive no-bake treats combine crushed Oreos with cream cheese and a hint of peppermint, then dipped in smooth chocolate. They offer the same rich, indulgent sweetness that pairs perfectly with the flavor of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
• Christmas Cookie Cake: This soft, chewy cookie cake brings together the comforting flavors of vanilla and brown sugar, topped with festive sprinkles—an ideal companion for red velvet-inspired desserts during the holiday season.
• Pumpkin Pie Cookie: A warm, spiced cookie that captures the essence of pumpkin pie in bite-sized form. With its cozy autumn flavors and soft texture, it’s a perfect alternative or pairing for those who love comforting baked sweets like Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Print Recipe

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully cracked cookies with a deep red hue and a gentle cocoa flavor. These cookies capture all the charm of classic red velvet cake in a bite-sized, powdered sugar-coated treat. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or cozy afternoons, they bring a comforting sweetness to any occasion.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to create the dry mixture.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly blended.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball.
8. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage.
9. Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are set but still soft in the center.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for a richer red color without thinning the dough.
• Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• For the best crinkle effect, roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar.
• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.