Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Ultimate 8-Step Holiday

Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 62 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour (190g, avoid over-measuring); 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (50g, Dutch-processed preferred); 1 tsp Baking powder (5ml, fresh for best rise); 1/4 tsp Salt (Enhances chocolate flavor); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (113g, room temperature); 1 cup Granulated sugar (200g, creates tender texture); 2 Large eggs (Room temperature works best); 1 tsp Vanilla extract (5ml, pure extract recommended); 1 tbsp Red food coloring (15ml, gel food coloring preferred); 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (60g, for rolling cookies)

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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with perfect crackled tops. Easy recipe with step-by-step photos. Perfect for Christmas and holiday baking.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last December, I walked into my neighbor’s Christmas party expecting the usual sugar cookies.

Instead, I spotted these gorgeous red velvet crinkle cookies nestled between candy canes and fudge squares. One bite transported me straight back to my grandmother’s Alabama kitchen, where red velvet cake reigned supreme every holiday season.

Well, let me tell you—I’ve tested this red velvet crinkle cookies recipe fifteen times since that party. I’ve burned batches, over-mixed dough, and learned the hard way that skipping the chill time leads to flat disappointments. However, each mistake taught me something valuable about creating the perfect crackled surface and tender center.

You know what makes these cookies absolutely magical? Furthermore, they combine the beloved flavors of classic red velvet cake with the satisfying texture of crinkle cookies. Whether you’re planning your Christmas cookie exchange or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers professional bakery results every single time.

What Makes These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Special

These aren’t your ordinary holiday cookies. Moreover, they feature the signature cocoa richness of red velvet paired with that stunning crackled appearance that makes crinkle cookies so irresistible. Additionally, the vibrant red color creates an eye-catching contrast against the powdered sugar coating.

Professional bakers often struggle with achieving the perfect balance between fudgy texture and proper spreading. Nevertheless, this recipe solves that challenge through precise measurements and tested techniques. Furthermore, the secret lies in the chilling process and the double coating method that creates those beautiful white cracks.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Ingredient	US Measurement	Metric	Notes
All-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups	190g	Avoid over-measuring
Unsweetened cocoa powder	1/2 cup	50g	Dutch-processed preferred
Baking powder	1 tsp	5ml	Fresh for best rise
Salt	1/4 tsp	1ml	Enhances chocolate flavor
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup	113g	Room temperature
Granulated sugar	1 cup	200g	Creates tender texture
Large eggs	2	2	Room temperature works best
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	5ml	Pure extract recommended
Red food coloring	1 tbsp	15ml	Gel food coloring works better
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup	60g	For rolling cookies

Shopping Tips for Perfect Results

When shopping for these red crinkle cookies, head to your local grocery store’s baking aisle first. Look for Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which creates a richer chocolate flavor than regular cocoa. Additionally, gel food coloring produces more vibrant results than liquid versions without thinning the dough.

Choose unsalted butter that feels slightly soft when pressed. Similarly, check your baking powder’s expiration date—old leavening agents won’t create proper spread. Most importantly, grab an extra box of powdered sugar since you’ll need generous amounts for coating.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Transform your holiday crinkle cookies with these exciting additions:

White chocolate chips: Add 1/2 cup for extra sweetness
Cream cheese flavor: Replace 2 tbsp butter with softened cream cheese
Peppermint twist: Add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract for Christmas flair
Orange zest: Include 1 tsp fresh orange zest for citrus notes

Essential Equipment and Preparation

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for the Perfect Holiday Crinkle Cookies

Every successful batch of crinkle cookies Christmas starts with proper equipment. Therefore, gather these essential tools before beginning:

Large mixing bowl: Accommodates all ingredients comfortably
Electric mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer both work perfectly
Medium bowl: For whisking dry ingredients together
Cookie scoops: 1-inch scoop ensures uniform size
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup
Wire cooling racks: Allows proper air circulation

Don’t have a cookie scoop? No worries—a tablespoon works just as well for portioning dough. Similarly, if you lack parchment paper, lightly greased baking sheets work in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This preparation prevents last-minute scrambling when your dough is ready.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. This dry mixture ensures even distribution of leavening agents. Furthermore, proper whisking prevents cocoa powder clumps that create uneven coloring.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Consequently, proper creaming incorporates air that creates tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture appears evenly colored. However, don’t overmix at this stage—gentle incorporation prevents tough cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, as overmixing develops gluten and creates tough cookies. The finished dough should feel soft and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want for these red Christmas desserts.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Critical Step!)

Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is absolutely essential for proper cookie shape and texture. Meanwhile, the cold dough holds its shape better during baking and prevents excessive spreading.

Oops! I learned this lesson the hard way during my third batch. Skipping the chill time resulted in flat, shapeless cookies that spread into each other. Therefore, patience during this step pays off with picture-perfect results.

Step 7: Shape and Coat Cookies

Once chilled, scoop dough into 1-inch balls using your cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage. The generous coating creates those beautiful white cracks that make crinkle cookies so appealing.

Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper expansion during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center. The edges should feel firm when lightly touched, while centers remain slightly tender. Additionally, you’ll notice the characteristic crackled appearance developing during baking.

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring to wire racks. This brief cooling prevents breaking while ensuring proper texture development.

Pro Tips for Bakery-Quality Results

Expert Techniques for Success

Professional bakers swear by these insider secrets for perfect holiday crinkle cookies:

Temperature matters: Room temperature ingredients blend more easily than cold ones. Therefore, remove eggs and butter from refrigeration 30 minutes before baking.

Double coating method: Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice for maximum crack visibility. First, roll lightly, then roll again for complete coverage.

Don’t overbake: These cookies continue cooking on hot baking sheets after removal from the oven. Consequently, slightly underbaked centers create the perfect chewy texture.

Julia Child always emphasized the importance of precise measurements in baking. Similarly, level your flour measurements and avoid packing for consistent results every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

During my testing journey, I encountered several pitfalls that you can easily avoid:

Skipping the chill time: Warm dough spreads excessively and loses its shape
Insufficient powdered sugar: Light coating won’t create visible cracks
Overmixing: Creates tough, dense cookies instead of tender treats
Wrong oven temperature: Too hot burns bottoms while centers stay raw

Creative Variations for Every Occasion

Transform your basic recipe into these exciting variations:

Valentine’s Day Version

Replace red food coloring with pink for romantic appeal. Additionally, add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa base.

Fourth of July Twist

Create patriotic cookies by dividing dough into three portions. Leave one plain, add blue food coloring to another, and keep the third red. Arrange on platters in flag patterns for stunning presentation.

Halloween Special

Use orange food coloring instead of red for spooky seasonal appeal. Furthermore, these orange crinkle cookies pair perfectly with your favorite autumn desserts for complete holiday spreads.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These red velvet crinkle cookies store beautifully for extended enjoyment:

Storage Method	Duration	Instructions
Room temperature	5-7 days	Airtight container, layers separated
Refrigerated	2 weeks	Sealed container, bring to room temp before serving
Frozen (baked)	3 months	Freezer bags, thaw at room temperature
Frozen (dough)	2 months	Scoop, freeze on trays, transfer to bags

Make-ahead strategy: Prepare dough balls and freeze them uncoated. When ready to bake, thaw for 15 minutes, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. This method provides fresh cookies anytime during the busy holiday season.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine alongside complementary flavors and textures. Serve them with:

Hot beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider enhance the cocoa notes
Ice cream: Vanilla or cream cheese ice cream creates delightful contrast
Holiday spreads: Include them in cookie exchanges with classic holiday sides for complete entertaining

Consider packaging them in decorative tins for thoughtful holiday gifts. Moreover, their striking appearance makes them perfect centerpieces for dessert tables.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies FAQs

What is the secret to crinkle cookies?

The secret to perfect crinkle cookies lies in proper dough consistency and the double powdered sugar coating method. Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading while ensuring the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Additionally, generous powdered sugar coating creates those signature white cracks that appear as the cookies expand in the oven.

What is red velvet cookie made of?

Red velvet cookies are made of flour, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, and red food coloring combined to create the classic red velvet flavor profile. The cocoa provides subtle chocolate notes while the red coloring gives them their distinctive appearance. Unlike red velvet cake, these cookies have a denser, more portable texture perfect for holiday entertaining.

What country are crinkle cookies from?

Crinkle cookies originated in the United States during the mid-20th century and became popular as an American holiday tradition. They represent the American love for combining simple ingredients to create impressive results. Today, variations of crinkle cookies appear in bakeries across America, especially during Christmas and holiday seasons.

What do crinkle cookies taste like?

Crinkle cookies taste like a cross between brownies and soft sugar cookies with a distinctive crackled texture. The red velvet version combines mild chocolate flavor with vanilla notes and a tender, slightly chewy interior. The powdered sugar coating adds sweetness that balances the cocoa’s subtle bitterness, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor profile.

The Sweet Conclusion

Man, oh man—there’s nothing quite like watching someone’s face light up when they bite into these red velvet crinkle cookies for the first time! The combination of that stunning crackled appearance and the tender, flavorful interior creates an unforgettable experience that keeps people coming back for more.

These cookies represent everything I love about holiday baking: they’re beautiful enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment. Furthermore, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules when you need impressive treats without last-minute stress.

I encourage you to make these cookies your own by experimenting with the variations I’ve shared. Try the peppermint version for Christmas morning, or create the patriotic version for summer gatherings. Most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations—tag us on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together!

Pair these gorgeous cookies with your favorite holiday beverages or include them in gift baskets for friends and neighbors. After all, the best recipes are meant to be shared, creating memories that last long after the last crumb disappears.

What variation will you try first? Let me know in the comments below—I love hearing about your baking adventures and creative twists on classic recipes!