Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

by Kayla Berman on Jan 17, 2022 (updated Jun 29, 2022) 3 comments

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are thin & chewy cookies rolled in powdered sugar and baked to crinkly top perfection! They have a slight cocoa flavor, a rich red color, and are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This made from scratch cookie recipe is perfect for Valentine’s day, Christmas, and every day in between!

What is Red Velvet?

I think we all have heard, seen, and eaten red velvet cake, cupcakes, or cookies in our lives. But what really is red velvet? Well it is more than just a red baked good!

The most popular red velvet treat is of course cake. It is typically a white cake with a bit of cocoa powder and nowadays red food coloring to get that beautiful color. Traditionally food coloring was not used and the color was achieved through baking science involving cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, and more!

These cookies are a fun take on the classic red velvet treat!

Ingredients needed for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies…

Red Velvet Cookies call for all your classic cookie ingredients! Cocoa powder, red food coloring, and a generous rolling in powdered sugar make these cookies special and give them their red velvet flare.

Butter: These cookies require 1/2 cup of softened salted butter! Butter adds that rich and delicious flavor we all know and love.
Sugars: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies use 3 types of sugars. You’ll need 1/2 cup of both light brown sugar and white sugar. The combination of these makes for the best cookie taste & texture! You’ll also need about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to roll the cookie dough balls in and get that crinkle look.
Cocoa Powder: A bit of cocoa powder gives this red velvet treat the necessary hint of chocolate! Add 1/4 cup.
Flour: All purpose flour is used in these simple cookies. 1 cup is the perfect amount!
Red Food Coloring: Red gel food coloring is what gives these cookies they’re red color! I recommend you add until you’re satisfied with the red color you get. But 1/2 tbsp is a good starting measurement.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp of vanilla extract gives these cookies that classic taste.
Egg: Add 1 egg here for moisture and binding!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These cookies use both 1/4 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. The combination creates a thin, chewy, and perfectly textured treat!
Salt: Lastly, add 1/2 tsp of salt to enhance the rest of the flavors and balance out the sweet.

How to make Red Velvet Cookie Dough & Cookies…

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are very simple to make! They’re quick & easy, require no chilling, and only need 12 minutes in the oven. You’ll have the best, melt-in-your-mouth, chewy cookies with no hassle at all!

Set the oven to 375 degrees.
Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light & fluffy.
Next add in the egg, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Beat until combined. Add the red food coloring until you get a deep red color.
Add in the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the dry ingredients until a cookie dough forms.
Roll about 2 tbsp sized scoops of dough into balls. You should be able to make 12 cookies.
Place the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Thoroughly roll each cookie dough ball in the powdered sugar and then place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Allow about 2 inches in between each cookie.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Enjoy!

How much red food coloring do I use for Easy Red Velvet Cookies?

Lots! These Red Velvet Cookies require lots of red gel food coloring to achieve that desired red look.

Now this does depend on the food coloring you are using, but if you use the classic grocery store food coloring, you will need a bunch. As each food coloring will be different, I simply recommend adding until you get a deep red color!

How much powdered sugar do I need for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, but you will most likely not use this exact amount! You’ll want to place a good amount of sugar in a bowl (1/2 cup in this case) and then roll the cookies in this sugar. Very thoroughly roll!

I recommend doing two coats of powdered sugar … kind of like painting! This double coating will give the cookies that beautiful crinkle look once baked.

Storing Red Velvet Cookies…

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days.

For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator. They will last 1-2 weeks there!

Can I freeze this Quick & Easy Cookie Recipe?

Yes, of course! You can definitely freeze Easy Red Velvet Cookies.

Simply place the cookies in a freezer safe Ziploc bag or container and store in the freezer. They will keep for a couple of months! Then just grab a cookie and pop in the microwave when you’re craving a sweet treat.

Love Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies? Check out more delicious cookie recipes below…

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