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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Festive, Fudgy, and Irresistibly Soft

There’s something undeniably magical about Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. With their deep red color, snowy powdered sugar coating, and signature crackled tops, these cookies look like they came straight from a bakery window. One bite reveals a fudgy, soft center with gentle cocoa notes and a perfectly balanced sweetness that melts in your mouth. These cookies are ideal for holidays, Valentine’s Day, celebrations, cookie boxes, and festive dessert tables. They’re eye-catching, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home. The contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior is what makes crinkle cookies so special—and this red velvet version takes that classic texture to the next level. If you love festive cookies, soft chocolate treats, or bakery-style desserts, these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Chill Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for powdered sugar
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed for a rich red velvet flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored.
Step 3: Combine the Dough
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently with a spatula until a thick, fudgy dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
  1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to prevent spreading and to create those beautiful crinkle tops.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
  1. Scoop chilled dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
  2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies spread, crack on top, and look just set around the edges.
Step 8: Cool
  1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. They will continue to set as they cool while staying soft inside.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
Thaw at room temperature before serving
Reheating
Not required; cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature
🥄 Variations
Extra Fudgy Cookies: Slightly underbake for softer centers
Deeper Color: Add a touch more red food coloring
Mini Crinkles: Use smaller dough balls and reduce bake time
Sugar Boost: Roll dough twice in powdered sugar for extra contrast
Festive Touch: Add decorative sprinkles after baking
❓ 10 FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents spreading and creates the crinkle effect.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft and fudgy with lightly crisp edges.
Do they taste like chocolate?
They have a mild cocoa flavor, typical of red velvet desserts.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the cookies will not be red.
Why roll in powdered sugar?
It creates the signature cracked, snowy look.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, especially rolling dough in sugar.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
No, when chilled properly.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Are these good for gifting?
Perfect for cookie boxes and celebrations.
What makes these cookies special?
Their fudgy texture, festive color, and crinkled tops.
🏁 Conclusion
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of beauty and indulgence. Soft, fudgy, and dusted in powdered sugar, they bring festive charm to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver bakery-style results with minimal effort.
Once you bake them, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite for both their flavor and their eye-catching look.