Festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Fudgy Delights

Name: Irresistible Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Published: November 26, 2025

by Molly white

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers or those short on time
Their rich chocolatey flavor combined with a hint of cream cheese is absolutely divine
The stunning red color and powdered sugar coating create an eye-catching presentation for any gathering
These cookies are versatile enough for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy night in!

Baking these cookies has always brought smiles to my family’s faces; they practically inhale them within minutes! Gingerbread thumbprint cookies.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for better structure; sift it to avoid clumps.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness. For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cookies recipe.
Baking Powder: This will help your cookies rise beautifully and achieve that perfect crinkle. Cranberry pistachio shortbread.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors; don’t skip this step!
Vegetable Oil: For moist and chewy cookies, oil works wonders compared to butter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that crinkle effect—sweet victory!
Eggs: Two large eggs add richness; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives you that vibrant red hue without altering the dough’s consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth; it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Powdered Sugar: For rolling your cookies before baking; it creates a beautiful snowy top finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Prep the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend vegetable oil and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in red food coloring and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the dough to keep those chewy textures intact.

Chill for Easy Handling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking—trust me on this one!

Form Cookies and Roll in Sugar: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until coated completely—this creates that signature crinkle effect when baked.

Bake to Perfection!: Place cookie dough balls on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft. Allow cooling slightly before transferring them to wire racks.

Now take a moment to enjoy those delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen! You’ve just created festive treats sure to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one (or two).

You Must Know

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not just pretty; they’re fudgy bites of happiness!
The vibrant color and rich taste make them a festive favorite
Perfect for holidays or any gathering, these cookies will impress your friends with their delightful appearance and delectable flavor

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while mixing ingredients to save time. Chill the dough before baking to achieve that perfect crinkle effect and ensure the cookies don’t spread too much.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. You can also swap in different extracts like almond for a unique twist on flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To revive their fudginess, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper flavor in your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Letting the dough chill prevents spreading, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies
Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating; it enhances both flavor and visual appeal

Baking these cookies brought back memories of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and sweet scents. Friends would rave about how soft and delicious they were, making me feel like a baking superstar!

FAQ

What makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies so special?

The vibrant color and fudgy texture give these cookies a festive appeal that’s hard to resist. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.