Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Classic with a Dash of Whimsy!
You know that cookie in your holiday box that everyone ooohs and ahhhs over? That’s these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies! They're festive, delicious, and so much fun to make. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting to friends, or just indulging in some holiday self-care (yes, cookies count!), these red velvet beauties are guaranteed to steal the show. 🎅❤️
Grab your mixing bowls and let’s bake some magic! 🎄✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Show-Stopping Looks: Deep red cookies dusted with powdered sugar—like they’ve been kissed by a snowstorm. ❄️
Soft, Chewy Perfection: Each bite is rich with cocoa flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy-Peasy Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create something magical.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gifting, snacking, or wowing at your next holiday party.
Tools You’ll Need
Stand mixer (or hand mixer with a paddle attachment)
Mixing bowls (big ones for that glorious dough)
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
Cookie scoop (or just eyeball it, we’re not judging 😉)
Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp red food coloring gel
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt
For the Crinkle Magic:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Cream It Up!
In your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and practically singing holiday carols.
Step 2: Add a Pop of Color
Mix in the eggs, milk, vanilla, and that festive red food coloring gel. The batter turns into the most gorgeous ruby red—it’s like Rudolph’s nose in cookie form!
Step 3: Mix Dry + Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until combined. No over-mixing, or the cookie police might come after you!
Step 4: Chill Out
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the perfect crinkle—trust me!
Step 5: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats while you wait for the dough to chill.
Step 6: Roll and Crinkle
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Give it a good roll in powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. Place it on the baking sheet and flatten it just a smidge.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes on the middle rack. You’re looking for set edges and soft centers—don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool & Admire
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sneak one while they’re still warm...you’ve earned it!
Troubleshooting: Cookie FAQs
Q: My cookies didn’t crinkle!
Make sure you rolled the dough generously in powdered sugar. The thicker the coat, the better the crinkle!
Check your baking powder and soda—they might be expired.
Q: The dough is sticky!
Chill it for an extra 15 minutes. Cold dough is your best friend for this recipe.
Q: My cookies spread too much!
Double-check your butter measurements—too much butter can cause spreading.
Tips for Crinkle Cookie Success
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skimp on chilling! It helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading.
Go Heavy on the Powdered Sugar: Don’t hold back—generous coating = dramatic crinkles!
Middle Rack = Magic: Even heat distribution ensures perfect cookies every time.
Watch the Bake Time: The cookies should look soft in the center when you pull them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Fun Cookie Trivia
Crinkle cookies were born in the U.S., but red velvet crinkles are a modern twist inspired by Southern red velvet cake.
That vibrant red? It started as a Victorian trend to make desserts look luxurious!
Red velvet’s cocoa flavor comes from a chemical reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients like buttermilk—science is delicious, isn’t it?
Ready to Take Your Baking to the Next Level?
If you loved making these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, there’s so much more waiting for you in my book, Baking Magic: Awaken Your Inner Pastry Chef. It’s packed with simple tricks, pro tips, and show-stopping recipes to help you create unforgettable treats with ease.
Grab your copy on Amazon here and awaken your inner pastry chef today! 🍰✨
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are pure holiday magic in every bite. Soft, chewy, and ridiculously festive, they’re perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or a little “me time” with a cup of cocoa.
P.S. Check out my reel here for a sneak peek at my holiday cookie box! These crinkles are always the first to disappear. 🎄✨ Happy baking, and don’t forget to tag me in your cookie creations—can’t wait to see your holiday magic! ❤️
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Classic with a Dash of Whimsy!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp red food coloring gel
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream It Up! In your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and practically singing holiday carols.
- Add a Pop of Color. Mix in the eggs, milk, vanilla, and that festive red food coloring gel. The batter turns into the most gorgeous ruby red—it’s like Rudolph’s nose in cookie form!
- Mix Dry + Wet. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until combined. No over-mixing, or the cookie police might come after you!
- Chill Out. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the perfect crinkle—trust me!
- Preheat & Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats while you wait for the dough to chill.
- Roll and Crinkle. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Give it a good roll in powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. Place it on the baking sheet and flatten it just a smidge.
- Bake to Perfection. Bake for 12-15 minutes on the middle rack. You’re looking for set edges and soft centers—don’t overbake!
- Cool & Admire. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sneak one while they’re still warm...you’ve earned it!
