Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie : Soft, Festive, and Irresistibly Crackled
Red velvet cookies are the perfect combination of visual appeal and indulgent flavor. With their deep red color, soft texture, and signature crackled coating of powdered sugar, they instantly catch the eye and win hearts at first bite.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are always a hit.
Inspired by the famous red velvet cake, red velvet cookies deliver the same subtle cocoa flavor and velvety softness, but in a fun, handheld form that’s easy to share—and even easier to love.
Festive and fun, these red velvet crinkle cookies are simply a must-have for afternoon snacks and sweet treats.
Red Velvet Crinkle recipe
Red velvet crinkle cookies are one of those treats that make you fall in love before you even take a bite. They immediately catch the eye with their deep red color and beautifully cracked surface dusted in powdered sugar.
Once you bite into one, you’re met with a soft, almost brownie-like center that contrasts perfectly with the delicate, slightly crisp sugary coating on the outside. That mix of textures is exactly what makes them so irresistible.
They’re perfect for the holidays, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day, but just as wonderful any time of year—especially enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a cozy mug of hot chocolate.
With their subtle hints of cocoa and vanilla and that gorgeous ruby-red color, these cookies are simply irresistible—somewhere between a soft cookie and a little cake.
This recipe was actually made by my daughter as part of her high school cooking class. She also takes photography as an elective, so you can imagine how perfectly everything came together.
She later remade the recipe at home and kindly passed it along to me… and I was more than happy to handle the photos (and the taste testing, of course).
The origin of crinkle cookies
Crinkle cookies have their roots in the United States and are instantly recognizable by their naturally cracked surface that appears during baking.
The contrast between the darker dough and the dusting of powdered sugar creates the signature marbled effect that makes these cookies so iconic.
Traditionally, crinkle cookies were made with chocolate, but over time they’ve evolved into countless variations. Lemon, pistachio, matcha, and especially red velvet have become popular twists, with red velvet standing out as one of the most beloved versions.
What are red velvet crinkle cookies?
You’ve probably already enjoyed crinkle cookies during the holiday season.
Traditionally, they’re small chocolate cookies with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, rolled first in sugar and then in powdered sugar before baking.
Red velvet is a classic flavor in American baking. It sits somewhere between chocolate and vanilla, with a subtle tang that sets it apart. The cocoa flavor is gentle yet noticeable, giving red velvet its distinctive taste.
Traditionally, the signature red color comes from a chemical reaction between the cocoa powder and acidic ingredients in the dough, which enhances both the color and the flavor.
Today, this color is often enhanced with food coloring to achieve that signature deep red hue.
As they bake, the surface cracks beautifully, creating the classic marbled effect that makes crinkle cookies so recognizable.
Red velvet crinkle cookies are slightly less chocolate-forward than the classic chocolate version, but they still have that soft, almost brownie-like texture we all love.
With their vibrant red color, they have an irresistible festive appeal—and once baked, they’re tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely delicious.
How do you get perfectly red velvet cookies?
With a touch of red food coloring, the transformation is instant.
Simply add a few generous drops—about a quarter teaspoon—to the dough to achieve that vibrant red color that makes these cookies so eye-catching.
A little Tip : wear gloves when rolling the dough into balls. Food coloring has a way of staining fingers, countertops, and kitchen towels—and I know I’m not the only one who likes to keep the kitchen (mostly) spotless !
Why Homemade Red Velvet Cookies Are Better
Homemade red velvet cookies offer a freshness and softness that store-bought versions simply can’t match. When you bake them yourself, you control:
- the quality of ingredients
- the level of sweetness
- the texture
- the color intensity
Plus, the smell of freshly baked red velvet cookies filling your kitchen is reason enough to make them from scratch.
The Texture Everyone Loves
The ideal red velvet cookie is :
- soft in the center
- slightly chewy
- tender, not cakey
- never dry
This texture is achieved by careful mixing and proper baking time. Overbaking is the biggest enemy of red velvet cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven—they will continue to set as they cool.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cookies
For the cookie dough:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature – Binds the dough and ensures a soft, moist center.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Gently flavors the dough.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring – Gives the cookies their signature red velvet color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cocoa powder – Adds the light chocolate note typical of red velvet.
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and creates those beautiful cracks.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
For the crackled coating:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Both sugars are essential to achieve the signature white, crackled surface that makes these cookies so recognizable.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies
- To get bakery-style results every time, keep these tips in mind :
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing
- Chill the dough slightly if it feels too soft
- Roll generously in powdered sugar for bold cracks
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
- Let cookies cool before moving them—they’re delicate when hot
These small details make a big difference in the final result.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy.
Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything is well incorporated.
Add the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Flavor and color the dough
Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, stirring until the dough turns a vibrant red color.
Prepare the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix just until combined, forming a smooth, slightly thick and sticky dough.
Shape the cookies
Place the granulated sugar in one bowl and the powdered sugar in another.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into 25 g balls.
Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Arrange on the baking sheet
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake
Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are puffed, beautifully crackled, and still slightly soft in the center.
Cool
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
They’ll firm up on the outside while staying soft and melt-in-the-mouth on the inside—just the way we love them
Customizing Your Red Velvet Cookies
One of the best things about red velvet cookies is how easily they can be customized. Here are a few popular variations :
- White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Cream cheese filling for a surprise center
- Mini chocolate chips for added texture
- Heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day
- Sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting
Each variation keeps the classic red velvet flavor while offering something new and exciting.
Why Red Velvet Cookies Are So Popular Online
Red velvet cookies perform exceptionally well on food blogs and social media—and for good reason. Their bold color, crackled surface, and soft interior photograph beautifully. They are the kind of cookie that makes people stop scrolling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s:
- soft and chewy
- visually stunning
- easy to make
- crowd-pleasing
then red velvet cookies are exactly what you need.
They offer the elegance of red velvet cake in a simple cookie form that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Crinkle cookies, no matter the flavor, have that special something that makes everyone fall for them.
But the red velvet version has a charm all its own. Their deep red color instantly catches the eye, and their soft, chewy texture is irresistible from the very first bite.
Unlike dry cookies, these crinkles stay wonderfully soft for several days, making them ideal for baking ahead of time.
They’re also super easy and quick to make, completely foolproof, and don’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
How to Store Red Velvet Cookies
Red velvet cookies store very well, making them perfect for preparing ahead:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
- Refrigerate if filled with cream cheese
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
They remain soft and delicious, especially when properly stored.
A Great Cookie for Baking with Kids
Red velvet cookies are also a fantastic recipe to make with children. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar and watching the cookies crack in the oven is both fun and rewarding.
It’s an easy way to introduce kids to baking while ending with a treat everyone enjoys.
Red Velvet Cookies for the Holidays
During the holiday season, red velvet cookies truly shine. Their color fits perfectly into festive themes, and they stand out beautifully on cookie platters.
They also make excellent edible gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.
A Cookie Perfect for Every Occasion
Red velvet cookies are incredibly versatile. They fit seamlessly into :
- holiday cookie trays
- Valentine’s Day desserts
- birthday parties
- afternoon snacks
- bake sales and gift boxes
Their bold color makes them feel celebratory, while their flavor remains universally appealing to both kids and adults.
Flavor Profile: Mild Cocoa and Sweet Vanilla
Red velvet cookies are often misunderstood as “chocolate cookies.” In reality, their cocoa flavor is subtle. What truly defines them is the balance between mild cocoa, vanilla, and sweetness.
Some recipes include cream cheese flavoring or white chocolate chips, which pair beautifully with the red velvet base and add an extra layer of indulgence.
Conclusion
Red velvet cookies are more than just a pretty dessert. They’re soft, flavorful, festive, and endlessly versatile. Whether you bake them for a celebration, a holiday, or a cozy afternoon treat, they never fail to impress.
Once you try homemade red velvet cookies, they’re bound to become a regular favorite in your baking rotation. And honestly… who can resist a cookie that looks as good as it tastes ?
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie dough
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg and mix well until fully combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Place the granulated sugar in one bowl and the powdered sugar in another. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 25 g balls.
- Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar until completely coated.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and crackled but still slightly soft in the center.
