These fudge-like red velvet crinkle cookies are a holiday favorite. They are fun to make and look positively beautiful displayed on your Christmas dessert table.

Why this recipe works

These bright, cheerful cookies are perfect for the holidays. These beautiful red cookies appear to be covered with snow. They just scream Christmas and their brownie-like texture is always a hit.

I adapted my chocolate crinkle cookies to make this red velvet version.

Ingredients you will need

labeled ingredients for red velvet crinkle cookies

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

.cp-popup-content .cp-popup-wrapper Modal popup container

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a mixer beat both sugars and softened butter until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat on low until combined.
Increase speed to high and beat until light and airy.
Add red gel food coloring and beat on low until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl.
Gradually add flour mixture and mix well. The batter will be a similar consistency to a thick cake batter.
Cover batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours to firm up.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
From the dough, make one-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. Do not over bake. They will appear a bit glossy on top, so don’t be tempted to bake much longer.
Remove from oven and cool on pan for 4-5 minutes, then carefully transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cookies will be chewy.

Expert Tips

Be sure to place cookies 2-inches apart on baking sheets as they double in size while baking.
Let the cookies rest and cool so they will set up. Otherwise, they may fall apart when you pick them up warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make red velvet crinkle cookie dough ahead?

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store it longer, freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I store these cookies?

These red velvet cookies will be fine, covered, on the counter for a few days. To keep longer you can refrigerate them for a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

My cookies came out flat, what happened?

Sounds like you didn’t have enough flour mixture. Make sure you measure your cocoa and flour with the spoon and sweep method.

Add these gorgeous red velvet crinkle cookies to your holiday cookie trays and edible gift boxes this year!

More Christmas Cookie Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

.cp-popup-content .cp-popup-wrapper Modal popup container