Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Is there anything more charming than a cookie that looks like it’s dusted with snow? These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but an absolute joy to bake and eat. With their deep red color, soft, cake-like center, and a beautiful crackled coating of powdered sugar, they’re the perfect treat for holiday cookie exchanges, Valentine’s Day, or just because you deserve a little something special. The best part? They come together in one bowl and require no chilling time, meaning you’re just minutes away from a warm, chocolatey treat that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers maximum wow-factor with minimal effort, you’ve found it. Here’s why these will become a new favorite:

• Effortlessly Beautiful: The classic crinkle look happens magically in the oven, making them look like you slaved for hours.
• Incredibly Soft & Cake-Like: Thanks to the cake mix base, the texture is wonderfully tender and moist.
• Quick & Easy: From bowl to oven in under 15 minutes? Yes, please! This is the ultimate shortcut recipe for busy bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Their festive color makes them ideal for Christmas, but honestly, they’re a hit year-round.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:

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• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but enhances the flavor)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t be fooled by their fancy appearance—these cookies are a breeze to make. Let’s walk through it together.

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This little step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir with a spatula or mix with an electric hand mixer on low speed until a thick, cohesive dough forms. It will be quite oily and soft—that’s perfectly normal!

3. Roll the Dough Balls

Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the dough and roll it into balls with your hands. Drop each ball directly into the bowl of powdered sugar and roll it around until it’s generously coated. Don’t be shy with the sugar—this is what creates that beautiful white crackle!

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies will still look soft in the center, and the tops will have cracked beautifully. They will firm up as they cool.

5. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is crucial for them to set. Then, dig in!

Equipment You’ll Need

You likely have everything required already, which is part of what makes this recipe so great.

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium cookie scoop (highly recommended for even-sized cookies)
• 2 Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Wire cooling rack

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cookies

A few pro-tips from my kitchen to yours to ensure cookie success every single time:

• Don’t Overmix: Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Generous Coating: Really pack that powdered sugar onto the dough balls. A thick layer ensures a dramatic white-and-red contrast after baking.
• Soft is Better: The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They will continue to cook on the hot pan, so don’t overbake them!
• Cookie Scoop for the Win: Using a cookie scoop isn’t just about convenience; it ensures all your cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own with a cold glass of milk, but why stop there? Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but decadent dessert. They also make a wonderful addition to a cookie platter or a sweet gift packaged in a cute box or cellophane bag.

FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Can I make these cookies without a cake mix?

Absolutely! While the cake mix is a fantastic shortcut, you can make them from scratch. You would need to use a standard red velvet cookie recipe that includes cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar. The cake mix version is just our favorite for its incredible ease and reliable results.

Why did my cookies come out flat?

If your cookies spread too much, the dough might have been too warm or the baking sheets might have been too hot. Always make sure your baking sheets are cool to the touch before adding the next batch of dough. Using a little flour in the recipe, as we do here, also helps provide structure.

Can I freeze these crinkle cookies?

Yes, they freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked, sugar-coated dough balls on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

A Final Thought

Baking should be a joy, not a chore, and these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the perfect example of that philosophy. They prove that you don’t need a whole day in the kitchen to create something truly special and delicious. So, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of red velvet. Happy baking!