These Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Every Christmas, my son Jake and I whip up a batch together, filling the kitchen with sweet aromas and laughter. Red Christmas desserts like these cookies are sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re soft and chewy with a rich chocolate flavor.
- The bright red color makes them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Pure Comfort
These cookies are pure comfort food, bringing warmth and smiles to every holiday gathering. The fudgy texture paired with the sugary crust makes them irresistible.
What You Need
- 1 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) – Sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1/4 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g) – Gives a rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened – Can substitute with vegan butter.
- 1 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – For sweetness and texture.
- 1 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp red food coloring – Adjust for desired color intensity.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth to the flavor.
- 1/2 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g) – For rolling the cookies.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for mixing the dry ingredients evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You should see a pale yellow color, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined, and the batter turns a vibrant red hue.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, so don’t overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a bit while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your delicious Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a glass of milk or share them with family and friends!
Make It Perfect
- For a festive twist, add white chocolate chips to the dough.
- Make sure to chill the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color.
Mix It Up
- Try adding crushed peppermint for a minty flavor.
- Swap out the cocoa powder for a vanilla version by using white chocolate instead.
Perfect Partners
- Serve these cookies with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to three months.
What can I substitute for the egg?
You can use a flax egg or 1/4 cup applesauce as a substitute.
Why are my cookies flat?
They may have spread too much; try chilling the dough longer next time.
Conclusion
These Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a must for your holiday baking. They make delightful red Christmas desserts that everyone will love. So gather your loved ones and get baking!

Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Festive Christmas Baking
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted for a lighter texture
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder gives a rich chocolate flavor
- 1/2 tsp baking powder helps the cookies rise
- 1/4 tsp salt enhances the flavors
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened; can substitute with vegan butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness and texture
- 1 large egg room temperature for better mixing
- 1 tbsp red food coloring adjust for desired color intensity
- 1 tsp vanilla extract adds warmth to the flavor
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling the cookies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your fudgy red velvet crinkle cookies with milk or share with family and friends.