There’s something magical about the holidays when the oven is warm, the kitchen smells sweet, and cookies are cooling on the counter. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies bring that magic to life with their rich cocoa flavor, striking red color, and snowy powdered sugar coating. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right balance of sweet and chocolatey—perfect for sharing with family, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa.
Best of all, these cookies are simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients, and they look impressive enough for any festive table. With their crackly tops and deep red hue, they’re little bites of joy baked to perfection.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert / Cookies |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling) |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Servings | 24 cookies |
| Calories | ~120 kcal per cookie |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). - Add wet ingredients
Beat in eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth and well combined. - Combine the dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix. - Chill the dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this helps the cookies hold their shape and develop flavor). - Roll in sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and generously coat each one in powdered sugar. - Bake to perfection
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until tops are crackled and centers are just set. - Cool and enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store once cooled.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t skip chilling: It keeps the dough firm and helps create those beautiful crinkles.
- Sugar coating: Roll cookies heavily in powdered sugar for the best contrast.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate lovers: Stir in ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
- Spiced version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm holiday twist.
- Lighter option: Substitute part of the butter with applesauce for a slightly lighter cookie (texture will be softer).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa.
- Stack in festive tins or jars and gift them to friends and neighbors.
- Pair with other holiday cookies for a beautiful cookie platter.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are as festive as they are delicious—soft, chewy, and rolled in a snowy sugar coating that makes them sparkle on the dessert table. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers and special enough to share during the holidays. Bake a batch, gather loved ones, and savor the joy of homemade cookies.