Soft & Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These Soft & Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with rich cocoa flavor and a hint of vanilla. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they crack and crinkle beautifully in the oven, creating that signature red and white contrast everyone loves.

They’re perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want a bakery style cookie that looks impressive but is easy to make at home.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

What Are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Red velvet crinkle cookies are soft chocolate cookies made with cocoa powder and red food coloring, then rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As they bake, the cookies spread slightly and crack, creating a dramatic crinkle effect.

Compared to classic red velvet cake, these cookies are:

• Less sweet
• More fudgy
• Faster to make
• Easier to portion and store

They’re especially popular because they look festive without needing icing or decorations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, thick, and fudgy texture
• One bowl friendly dough
• No chilling required (optional for thicker cookies)
• Beautiful crinkle tops every time
• Perfect for gifting and holidays

If you love easy desserts like Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Brownies or Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

How This Recipe Works

• The cocoa to flour ratio keeps the cookies fudgy instead of cakey.
• Using butter instead of oil gives richer flavor and soft chewiness.
• Rolling generously in powdered sugar ensures bold, crackly tops.
• Slightly underbaking maintains a soft, tender center while edges are set.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• ½ cup powdered sugar

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened gives classic red velvet flavor.
• Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives deeper red without thinning dough.
• Butter: Room-temperature butter ensures soft, fudgy cookies.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps maintain a tender texture.

How to Make Soft & Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Total time: about 30 minutes

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix well.
• Stir in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Roll in Powdered Sugar

• Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
• Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This heavy coating creates bold crinkles.

Step 4: Bake

• Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
• Do not overbake—they firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies

• Roll dough twice in powdered sugar for extra contrast.
• Don’t flatten the dough balls.
• Slightly underbake for fudgy centers.
• Chill dough 20 minutes if cookies spread too much.

Flavor Variations

• Cream Cheese Red Velvet Cookies: Add white chocolate or cream cheese chips.
• Chocolate Chunk Version: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks.
• Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract for holiday flair.
• Gluten Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

• Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Roll in powdered sugar just before baking.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with milk or hot cocoa.
• Add to holiday cookie platters.
• Package in gift boxes or bags.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per cookie)

• 120–140 calories
• Soft, rich, and satisfying
• Values vary by size and ingredients

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking (cookies become dry)
• Too little powdered sugar coating
• Warm butter that’s too soft
• Overmixing the dough

FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Not enough powdered sugar or dough too warm.

Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, but they’ll look more like chocolate crinkle cookies.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter gives better flavor and structure.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling helps with thicker cookies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily for parties and holidays.

Conclusion

These Soft & Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are rich, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. With their bold red color and snowy powdered sugar cracks, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you want a standout homemade cookie.

If you love easy desserts like Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups Recipe or Easy No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Save these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies now so you have a soft, fudgy, bakery style cookie recipe ready for holidays and special occasions.