Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Festive

If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s both festive and irresistibly soft, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a must-try. With their vibrant red color, powdered sugar coating, and soft, chewy texture, they’re perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion.

The secret to these cookies is a tender red velvet base made with cocoa powder, a touch of vinegar for tang, and lots of love. When rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they develop the signature crinkle effect that makes them as pretty as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Beat in egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
   Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape Cookies
   Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until coated.
7. Bake
   Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Soft & Chewy: Perfect balance of tenderness and structure.
• Festive Look: Powdered sugar creates classic crinkle pattern.
• Quick & Easy: Minimal ingredients, simple steps.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Soft, chewy red velvet cookies coated in powdered sugar for a festive crinkle effect. Perfect for holidays or gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until well combined.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
7. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire racks.

Notes

Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft in the center. Store in airtight container or freeze for later.

Variations & Tips

• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Extra Festive: Sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top.
• Storage: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Baking Tip: Do not overbake; centers should remain soft.