There’s something undeniably magical about red velvet. That rich ruby hue, the delicate balance of cocoa and vanilla, and the soft, cake-like crumb that has made red velvet a household favorite for generations. Now, take all of that charm, roll it in powdered sugar, and bake it into a tray of crinkled, cozy cookies. These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are everything a holiday (or any-day) treat should be: festive, fun, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Imagine walking into a kitchen that smells like sweet cocoa and vanilla, with trays of red velvet cookies cooling on wire racks, their powdered sugar tops cracked into beautiful patterns. They practically beg for a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even to be tucked into a festive cookie tin for gifting.

Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or simply to brighten up an ordinary weeknight, these cookies deliver on both looks and flavor.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them generously in powdered sugar.
Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies have spread slightly and tops are crinkled.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

The Cozy Story Behind These Cookies

Red velvet has always carried a touch of nostalgia. Some say it began in the South, while others trace it back to fancy tea rooms of the 1920s. Wherever it started, red velvet has grown into a symbol of celebration. These crinkle cookies capture that same spirit in a smaller, easier-to-share form.

The crinkles form as the dough balls expand in the oven, splitting the powdered sugar coating into snowy cracks that make each cookie unique. It’s like baking a little bit of winter magic right into your kitchen.

Pair these cookies with hot chocolate at a holiday party, tuck them into jars for a homemade gift, or set them out on Santa’s cookie plate—they never disappoint.