If there’s one cookie that combines elegance, flavor, and festive cheer in a single bite, it’s the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich with a delicate cocoa taste, all while boasting that beautiful deep red color contrasted by snowy powdered sugar. They are the kind of cookies that stand out on any dessert table, perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or simply when you’re craving something special.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just four main ingredients, you can create cookies that look bakery-made but take very little time and effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who’s only just starting out in the kitchen, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box red velvet cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies have crinkled on top.
Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: ~160 per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

The popularity of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies isn’t just because they look festive—it’s also because they combine the best of both worlds: the flavor of red velvet cake and the nostalgic charm of crinkle cookies. The texture is soft and chewy, yet slightly crisp on the outside thanks to the powdered sugar coating. They’re also easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for holidays or last-minute gatherings.

Another reason to love these cookies is how versatile they are. You can serve them as they are, use them as part of a dessert platter, or even turn them into sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting in between. Their bright red color also makes them a favorite for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day.

The Story of Red Velvet

To truly appreciate Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, it helps to know where red velvet itself comes from. Red velvet cake first gained popularity in the early 1900s, originally known for its “velvety” crumb texture rather than its color. The red hue came naturally when cocoa reacted with acidic ingredients like vinegar and buttermilk.

Over time, bakers began using red food coloring to enhance the appearance, turning red velvet into the iconic dessert we know today. While red velvet cake remains a staple, creative bakers have transformed the flavor into cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, and of course, cookies.

Tips for Baking Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Even though the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can make your cookies even better:

Chill the dough: While optional, refrigerating the dough for 20–30 minutes can make it easier to handle and prevent spreading.
Generous sugar coating: Roll each ball thickly in powdered sugar so the crinkle pattern shows up beautifully after baking.
Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Don’t overbake: The cookies should still look soft in the center when you take them out—they’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Uniform size: A cookie scoop helps keep all your cookies the same size, ensuring even baking.

Creative Variations

While the classic recipe is always delicious, you can elevate your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with some fun variations:

Cream cheese filling: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center of the dough ball before baking for a surprise filling.
White chocolate chips: Fold in a handful of white chocolate chips to complement the red velvet flavor.
Holiday sprinkles: Mix festive sprinkles into the powdered sugar for a colorful twist.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix to make them suitable for dietary needs.
Sandwich cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for the ultimate red velvet indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed in so many different ways:

Holiday dessert tables: Their color makes them perfect for Christmas platters alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies.
Valentine’s Day treats: Their romantic hue makes them a natural fit for love-themed celebrations.
Gifting: Pack them into tins or gift boxes with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
Cookie platters: Pair them with chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and peanut butter cookies for variety.
With drinks: Serve them with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they store:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps them fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing dough: Shape into balls and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.
Freezing baked cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not strictly necessary, but chilling helps reduce spreading and makes rolling easier.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t coated well in powdered sugar or if the oven wasn’t hot enough.

Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, you can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil, though it will make the cookies slightly richer and less chewy.

Can I make them without cake mix?
Yes, but it takes a bit more effort. You’d need flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, red food coloring, and other ingredients to recreate the flavor.

Are these only for Christmas?
Not at all! While they’re popular during the holidays, their vibrant color also makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful combination of flavor, beauty, and simplicity. With their soft, chewy centers, crisp sugary coating, and eye-catching red color, they’re a dessert that always impresses. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, as a gift, or just for yourself, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion.

What makes them even better is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can bake cookies that look professional and taste heavenly. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular in your baking rotation.