Name: Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Mouthwatering Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-491707H51M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

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Are you tired of cookies that look impressive but taste bland and disappointing? That first bite should be as amazing as the cookie looks, but too often, we’re left wanting more. Red velvet cookies, in particular, can be challenging—either too dry or lacking that distinctive flavor that makes red velvet special.

These red velvet crinkle cookies will transform your baking game with their striking appearance and irresistible taste. With their crackly, powdered sugar exterior and soft, chocolatey centers, these cookies deliver the perfect texture contrast while capturing that classic red velvet flavor we all crave.

As someone who has tested hundreds of cookie recipes for my food blog, I’ve refined this red velvet crinkle cookie recipe to perfection. It strikes the ideal balance between cocoa richness and vanilla sweetness, with that signature crimson color that makes everyone reach for seconds.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the perfect crinkle texture, troubleshooting common issues, and sharing variations to make these cookies your own. Let’s create red velvet crinkle cookies that will impress at any holiday gathering, cookie exchange, or weeknight treat!

Why These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Work

These red velvet crinkle cookies stand out from ordinary cookie recipes for several compelling reasons:

Uses pantry staples with just a few specialty ingredients (like red food coloring)
Creates that distinctive crinkle effect without complicated techniques
Achieves the perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors
Requires only 15 minutes of prep time (plus chilling)
Looks stunning yet tastes even better
Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or satisfying everyday cravings

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Best Ingredients for Red Velvet Flavor

The distinctive taste of red velvet depends on quality ingredients. Use natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed) for the authentic flavor and proper chemical reaction. For the characteristic red color, gel food coloring provides vibrant hue without thinning the dough.

Buying Tips

When shopping for red velvet cookie ingredients, look for:

Natural cocoa powder (check the label—it shouldn’t say “Dutch-processed”)
Pure vanilla extract (avoid imitation for best flavor)
Red gel food coloring (more concentrated than liquid alternatives)
Fresh baking powder and soda (replace if older than 6 months)

Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments:

White vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar
Plain Greek yogurt can substitute for cream cheese in some variations
Brown sugar can replace some white sugar for a deeper flavor profile

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Ingredients & Prep

Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Mouthwatering Treat

Before beginning, ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for proper incorporation.

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie scoop (1½-inch diameter)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone mats
Cooling rack

I love collecting unique cookie recipes to add to my holiday baking traditions. For more festive cookie inspiration, check out my Pinterest cookie collection where I’ve gathered hundreds of tested and approved recipes!

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and red food coloring until completely incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (this is crucial for proper texture).

Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
Using a cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure to coat generously.
Place cookies on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies have spread and crackled but centers still look slightly soft.

The cookies are done when they’ve developed distinct crinkles and the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue firming up as they cool.

Cooling Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly without breaking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Chill the dough thoroughly—this prevents excessive spreading and enhances the crinkle effect
Use room temperature butter and eggs for proper incorporation
Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating—roll the dough balls generously
Avoid overmixing the dough, which can make cookies tough
Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy release

Cookie scoop for uniform sizing (crucial for even baking)
Stand mixer for efficient dough preparation
Heavy-duty baking sheets that won’t warp
Cooling racks for perfect texture

Storage & Freezing Red Velvet Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer bags
Freeze portioned dough balls (before sugar coating) for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before coating and baking

If you love these cookies, you might also enjoy my Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Orzo for a complete meal before dessert!

Flavor Twists

Cream Cheese Surprise: Press a small cube of cream cheese into the center of each dough ball before rolling in powdered sugar
Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough
White Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate

Holiday Red Velvet Cookies

Valentine’s Day: Shape into hearts or add pink sprinkles
Christmas: Add crushed peppermint to the powdered sugar coating
Fourth of July: Serve alongside blue velvet and classic sugar cookies

Variation	Added Ingredients	Baking Adjustments	Best For
Classic Red Velvet	Standard recipe	None	Any occasion
Cream Cheese Filled	8oz cream cheese, cubed	+1-2 minutes bake time	Special occasions
Chocolate Chip	½ cup mini chips	None	Chocolate lovers
Peppermint	2 tbsp crushed candy	None	Christmas

Serving Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These vibrant cookies are showstoppers on their own but can be elevated even more:

Pair with vanilla ice cream for an impressive dessert
Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for afternoon treats
Create cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting filling
Arrange on a platter with contrasting cookie varieties for visual impact
Include in holiday cookie gift boxes or exchanges

Q: Why didn’t my cookies crinkle properly?
A: The dough may not have been cold enough. Make sure to chill thoroughly, and ensure your oven is properly preheated.

Q: Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
A: Yes! They’ll be chocolate crinkle cookies instead, but still delicious.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: Look for crackled tops and set edges, but slightly soft centers. They’ll continue setting as they cool.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: Why add vinegar to the recipe?
A: Vinegar enhances the red color and reacts with the cocoa and leavening agents for the perfect texture.

The Perfect Red Velvet Treat

These red velvet crinkle cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a guaranteed showstopper. With their eye-catching appearance and that perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

The contrast between the powdered sugar coating and rich red interior creates a visual and textural delight that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress. The soft, chewy centers will keep everyone coming back for more.

Give these red velvet crinkle cookies a try and see why they’ve become one of the most requested recipes on my blog. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing your baking successes!

Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: A Mouthwatering Treat