Name: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can use gluten-free flour blends if needed.); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Do not use sweetened cocoa.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Essential for crinkle texture.); 1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher salt preferred.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Use coconut sugar for an alternative flavor.); 1/2 cup brown sugar (Can use light or dark brown sugar.); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (Can substitute with olive oil.); 2 large eggs (Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Pure is preferred but imitation works too.); 1 tablespoon red food coloring (Can use gel, liquid, or beet juice.); Powdered sugar (Used for rolling before baking.)

This delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and just requires one bowl for a quick and easy dessert your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, maybe some chocolate chips or nuts and use it as a fun way to “clean out the pantry.” Trust me, this is a perfect weeknight treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
Powdered sugar for rolling

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Just a quick few moments of whisking, and the dry bits will be all combined!
Combine the sugars and butter: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until you don’t see any dry bits left, it should be nice and smooth. Give it a sniff ah, the sweet smell of butter and sugar is so comforting and hints at the deliciousness to come!
Add the wet ingredients: Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined, this is where things start to get a little messy, and the color will deep, rich red!
Combine the dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, no overmixing here! We want those cookies soft and chewy.
Chill the dough: This part is crucial, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes! This helps with the crinkle effect when baking, plus it’s a good time to clean up the mess you’re making.
Shape the cookies: Once the dough has chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. It’s a little sticky, embrace it! Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat fully; it gives them that fancy look and, wow, it’s delightful.
Place on the baking sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, you don’t want them to meld into one big cookie blob!
Bake: Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled and cracked. They’ll smell incredible, and your family will likely start hovering, just wait!
Cool: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm…that’s hard, I know!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something sweet and let’s be real, that’s often! Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are such a comfort food staple in my home; they’re chewy, soft, and all-around amazing. I’m a real sucker for that crinkle top, and the versatility makes them even better, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. The best part is they’re even fun to make with the kiddos on a chilly afternoon!

If you loved this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, be sure to check out my Marbled Spumoni Cookies, my M&M Cookie Bars, or my Easter Egg Sugar Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

These cookies are loaded with tons of flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Each bite is a nostalgic hug, making this cookie a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reminiscing about childhood treats.

Quick & Easy

With everything coming together in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for busy weeknight meals or a spontaneous dessert craving. Minimal fuss means you can whip these up whenever the mood strikes!

Customizable

You can easily switch up ingredients to fit your family’s tastes! Toss in some chocolate chips or nuts, or simply adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a few days before baking. Just scoop and freeze the dough balls rolled in powdered sugar, and when you want fresh cookies, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Budget-Friendly

With affordable ingredients that you might already have stocked in your pantry, these cookies won’t break the bank. Perfect for the weeks when you want a treat but still need to keep costs low!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Recipe

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect on their own, but why not make it a treat? Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience! They’re also fun to pack in lunchboxes or share as an after-school snack.

Storage

These cookies will keep fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They get even better as the flavors have time to meld together!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; that way, they’re all warm and gooey again, just the way we love them!

Freezer-Friendly?

You bet! You can freeze rolled cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just prepare them, roll into balls, and wrap tightly. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just pop them in the oven and add an extra minute or two for baking.

And there you have it! My easy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe is perfect for sharing and indulging. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation. Enjoy & happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!