Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion! These rich, buttery cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of a crinkle cookie. You’ll love the hint of cocoa, and the deep red color that’s signature to red velvet making these cookies look great on your holiday cookie tray!

Day 1 – Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
Day 2 – Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Day 3 – Pecan Cookies
Day 4 – Grinch Cookies
Day 5 – Chai Pizzelles
Day 6 – Chocolate Mint Cake Mix Cookies
Day 7 – Cranberry Orange Blondies
Day 8 – Peppermint Meltaways
Day 9 – You’re on it!
Day 10 – Gingerbread Truffles
Day 11 – Peppermint Bark Cookies
Day 12 – Thumbprint Cookies

When I need to whip up a batch of cookies for a party or other occasion, my go-to choice is a crinkle cookie! They are so easy to make, but they look stunning and taste delicious. They are always one of the first cookies to disappear from the dessert tray, so I know I’m not alone in my love for crinkle cookies! Make them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want a delicious cookie.

What is Red Velvet exactly?

If you’re one of those people that thinks red velvet is just chocolate with red food coloring, well, I’m sorry to tell you that you’re wrong! Red velvet flavor has a bit of cocoa flavor, yes, but it is balanced out with traditional vanilla, and it also has just a bit of tanginess from buttermilk or vinegar. A few drops of red food color give this signature flavor its name!

Why are they called Crinkle Cookies?

The name comes from the crinkles or cracks these cookies get when baked. It has to do with the way the cookie spreads as it bakes. The powdered sugar stays on the main surface of the cookies, creating a pattern of crinkles as they bake. The end result is a deliciously chewy cookie with a slightly crispy, crinkled surface!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

To get the red velvet flavor in a cookie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder (this really does make a difference over regular cocoa powder! See FAQs below for more.)
• Instant coffee powder (this is optional, but helps bring out the cocoa flavor.)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Light brown sugar
• Granulated white sugar
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Red gel food coloring ( I prefer gel over liquid food coloring for a stronger color)
• Confectioners sugar, for coating

Make sure to review my recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact amount of each ingredient.

How to make Red Velvet Cookies

These cookies do require refrigeration, so make sure to plan enough time in advance!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, coffee powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 
3. In another medium bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy. 
4. Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating for about 3 minutes after each addition until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Then, slowly mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. 
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. 
6. Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least an hour. 
7. When it’s time to bake, use a cookie dough scoop to portion the cookie dough and roll it into smooth balls. 
8. In a separate bowl, roll the cookie dough balls in confectioners’ sugar, giving them a nice powdered sugar coating all around.
9. Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 
10. Bake for 11-12 minutes. Let the baked cookies cool slightly, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool for about 10 minutes. 
11. Serve and enjoy! 

FAQs

Why do you add coffee to these Red Velvet Crinkles?

Coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor in cookies. While the coffee flavor itself may not be noticeable, it amplifies the richness of the cocoa, giving the cookies a deeper, more robust taste. I strongly recommend adding it!

Do I have to refrigerate the dough?

Yes, you absolutely should refrigerate the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie dough. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into balls. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain that signature crinkle appearance. 

How do I store leftover Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Store the cookies covered at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw them at room temperature. 

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before baking. 

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use the same amount of gluten-free flour as the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe. Let us know in the comments below if you have a favorite flour to bake with!

Why didn’t my crinkle cookies crack? 

If your crinkle cookies didn’t crack, it could be due to a few reasons: 

• Not enough coating of powdered sugar 
• Overmixing the cookie dough 
• The dough is not chilled enough 
• Oven temperature too low 

More Crinkle Cookie Recipes

There’s a crinkle cookie for every season! Try one of these next time:

• Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
• Mint Chocolate Crinkles
• Chocolate Cherry Crinkles
• Peanut Butter Crinkle Cookies
• Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
• Wasabi Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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