Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe for the Holidays

There’s something so cozy about baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies when the air turns crisp and the holidays roll around. The smell of cocoa and butter fills the kitchen, and those vibrant red cookies dusted in powdered sugar look like they came straight out of a Christmas card. I’ve been baking these for years, and every time, I’m reminded that simple recipes often bring the most joy.

These cookies are rich, fudgy, and easy enough for any skill level. Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange, a family baking day, or just want to leave something extra sweet for Santa, this recipe will be a hit.

If you love baking festive treats, you might also enjoy my The Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies or these soft Gingerbread Kiss Cookies — both perfect companions for your holiday cookie platter.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

When December comes, I always reach for recipes that are quick, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing. These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies check every box. They’re soft in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and that powdered sugar coating makes them shine on any dessert table.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

• Ready in just 20 minutes — perfect for last-minute baking.
• No chilling required; bake as soon as your dough is mixed.
• Deep cocoa flavor with that signature red velvet richness.
• The cracked tops give them that classic crinkle look.
• Fun and easy for kids to help with.

For another festive favorite, you can try Candy Cane Cookies — they’re whimsical, pepperminty, and just as fun to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Most of these ingredients are already in your pantry.

For the dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon professional red food coloring*
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Note: Food coloring brands vary. I use a professional-grade one for that deep red hue. If you’re using a store-bought liquid or gel, you may need a little more.

If you enjoy experimenting with textures, you’ll also love these melt-in-your-mouth Whipped Shortbread Cookies — they pair beautifully with cocoa or coffee.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. You don’t need to be a professional baker — just follow along, and your kitchen will smell like Christmas in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer — whichever you prefer.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and red food coloring.
4. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Prepare two bowls — one with granulated sugar and one with powdered sugar.
7. Scoop and roll the dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes, until cookies puff up and form cracks but remain soft in the middle.
9. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

These cookies are just as easy as my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe — both share that soft, festive texture that makes holiday baking such a joy.

My Best Baking Tips

Through plenty of batches (and a few overbaked trials), I’ve found a few tricks that make these cookies truly shine.

• Use room-temperature ingredients. It ensures smooth blending and better texture.
• Don’t skip the double sugar roll. The granulated sugar prevents the powdered sugar from melting into the dough.
• Bake until just set. Overbaking makes them dry; they should look a little soft when you pull them out.
• Cool before storing. Moist cookies can lose their crinkle if packed warm.

If you love nostalgic holiday baking, check out these buttery Christmas Snowball Cookies. They melt in your mouth and make a perfect complement to red velvet on a cookie tray.

Fun Variations to Try

Red velvet is such a classic flavor, but you can still play around with it. Here are a few ideas to make the recipe your own:

• Add white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
• Mix in a touch of peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
• Sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a red velvet whoopie pie.
• Swap red food coloring for green to make Grinch-themed crinkles for kids.

If you’re a fan of eye-catching cookies, you’ll love the swirling colors in these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.

Why These Cookies Belong on Your Holiday Table

There’s a reason red velvet has stood the test of time. It’s luxurious without being fussy, festive without needing fancy decorations. I always make a double batch — one for my family and another for gifting. They look beautiful in clear bags tied with ribbon and make such a thoughtful homemade present.

For even more holiday cookie inspiration, try the peppermint-packed Candy Cane Cookies or the nostalgic Gingerbread Kiss Cookies. Together, they make the perfect cookie box trio.

How to Store and Freeze

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Store baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Freeze the dough: Roll and coat, freeze on a tray, then bake straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the time.

FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Make Them Your Holiday Tradition

Every December, when I dust my counters with powdered sugar and pull out my mixing bowls, I feel that familiar holiday calm. Baking these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies isn’t just about the taste — it’s about the ritual, the shared laughter, and the smell of chocolate in the air.

They’re the kind of cookie that brings everyone into the kitchen — even the ones who swear they “don’t bake.”

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to Pin it on Pinterest and share your version! I’d love to see how you make these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies your own — maybe with sprinkles, frosting, or a festive twist.

Print