Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Fudgy Holiday Favorite

If you’re hunting for the ultimate treat to elevate your holiday baking, this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies hit all the right notes: bright red, fudgy centers, crackled powdered-sugar tops, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best of all, they come together with basic pantry staples – perfect for busy holiday afternoons. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, these cookies deliver holiday magic in every bite.

Hungry for more cookie inspiration? Check out this buttery, decadent twist on crinkle cookies here → Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Soft and fudgy crinkle cookies with a tender center and slightly crisp exterior
Visually striking – the cracked surface dusted in powdered sugar makes them a festive hit
Simple ingredients with easy steps – no advanced baking skills needed to get bakery-quality results
Highly customizable – swap in your favorite coloring, add sprinkles, or reshape as little cake-like cookies

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon professional red food coloring*
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar

*Food coloring strength varies. If you’re using a standard liquid or gel dye, you may need to add more to achieve a rich red hue.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and red food coloring until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Place the granulated sugar and powdered sugar in two separate shallow bowls. Scoop the dough into 1-ounce portions (or use a tablespoon) and roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar until well-coated.

Arrange cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until tops are cracked and edges look set. Centers should still appear slightly underbaked for the perfect chewy texture.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Use room temperature eggs and butter to help the dough come together evenly and create a softer texture.
If your red food coloring isn’t giving you that vibrant color, increase the amount slightly until you get the classic red velvet shade.
Don’t skip the sugar coating step. The granulated sugar helps the powdered sugar stick and enhances the crinkle look.
Watch your cookies closely around the 10-minute mark – you want cracked tops but gooey centers for that chewy red velvet cookie texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel for red velvet crinkle cookies?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to use more liquid coloring to achieve the same vibrant red. Gel or professional-grade coloring is more concentrated.

Q: Why do I roll the cookie dough in both granulated and powdered sugar?
A: Rolling in granulated sugar first helps the powdered sugar stick better and enhances the crinkle effect during baking.

Q: How do I know when red velvet crinkle cookies are done baking?
A: They’re done when the tops are cracked and the edges are set – about 10 minutes. The centers should still look slightly gooey.

Q: Can I freeze red velvet crinkle cookie dough for later?
A: Yes! Freeze the rolled dough balls (without sugar coating), then coat and bake straight from frozen – just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Kitchen Sink Cookies
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

These sweet bakes pair perfectly with warm drinks or make great additions to any cookie box.

Save It For Later

Love this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later. For more festive baking inspiration, check out this Pinterest favorite: Holiday Crinkle Cookies Pin

Or explore dozens of winter treats on our holiday cookie boards.

Why These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Are a Must

These red velvet crinkle cookies are the perfect holiday baking project. The combination of cocoa and vanilla gives a rich, nostalgic flavor, while the cracked sugar coating makes them look like they came straight from a bakery window. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly festive, they’re everything you want in a seasonal cookie – and more.

Whether you’re filling up a cookie tin, making teacher gifts, or just craving a soft cookie with a gooey center, this recipe is a guaranteed win.

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