If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, buckle up—because these are about to become your all-time favorite Christmas treat. We’re talking deep red, chocolatey centers, powdered-sugar snow tops, and that iconic crackly finish that makes every cookie look like it fell straight out of the North Pole’s bakery. Whether you’re planning Red Christmas Desserts, prepping Christmas Treats Cookies, or hunting for Red Christmas Food Ideas—this recipe is pure holiday magic.

These cookies deliver everything: bold color, classic red velvet flavor, soft-and-fudgy texture, and that sweet powdered sugar coating that breaks into picture-perfect crinkles as they bake. If you’re looking for Christmas Baked Treats that practically decorate themselves, this is your recipe.

So pour yourself some hot cocoa, slip into something cozy (ugly sweater optional), and let’s bake cookies Santa would absolutely approve of.

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Let’s talk about why Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies deserve a spot in every holiday cookie lineup. You know those chocolate crinkle cookies everyone brings to cookie swaps? This is the glow-up version. The festive, dramatic, “I only come out for December” version.

Unlike traditional chocolate crinkles, these beauties bring the iconic red velvet charm—rich cocoa flavor, a hint of tanginess, buttery softness, and a gorgeous burgundy hue. The powdered sugar coating crackles to give that perfect snowy white look. It’s like edible holiday décor.

These cookies fit every festive moment:
— Decorating with your kids
— Giving as a thoughtful homemade gift
— Taking to holiday parties
— Adding variety to your cookie tins
— Celebrating Valentine’s Day (yep, they’re perfect for that too!)

They’re also secretly dairy-flexible—no cream cheese, no heavy additives, just simple pantry staples turned into Fun Baked Goods Recipes your whole family will devour.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s exactly why these cookies are the holiday MVP:

✨ Thick, fudgy centers, soft-baked edges
Just the right chew with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

✨ Perfectly snowy powdered-sugar coating
That classic crinkle look—no effort required.

✨ A red velvet flavor that sings
Deep cocoa + vanilla + a tiny bit of lemon for brightness.

✨ No fancy ingredients
Simple, budget-friendly items you probably already have.

✨ Guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Everyone freaks out over red velvet. It’s science.

✨ Perfect for all holidays
Works for Christmas, Valentine’s, or any craving for Red And White Desserts.

✨ Easy to prep ahead
Chill the dough, freeze the dough, freeze the cookies—whatever works for you.

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📝 Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create the most irresistible Red Velvet Baking Recipes masterpiece:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies their soft but structured bite.
• Unsweetened natural cocoa powder – Key for classic red velvet flavor.
• Baking powder + baking soda – Helps the cookies puff and crackle.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – Softened for creamy mixing.
• Granulated sugar + brown sugar – For sweetness, moisture, and soft texture.
• Eggs – Helps bind and add richness.
• Vanilla extract – For that nostalgic red velvet aroma.
• Lemon juice – Enhances the red tone and adds brightness.
• Red gel food coloring – For bold color without thinning the dough.
• Milk – Helps keep the dough soft.

Extras

• White chocolate chips – Sweet pops that melt inside every cookie.
• Granulated sugar + powdered sugar – Essential for rolling and creating the crinkle.

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🍪 How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

1. Make the Dough

Whisk your dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then mix in vanilla, lemon, and the gel food coloring. Add the dry ingredients, pour in the milk, and fold in the white chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and soft—exactly right.

2. Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the dough firm up, deepen the flavor, and develop that gorgeous crinkle when baked.

3. Prep for Baking

Roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar first (so powdered sugar sticks). Then roll generously in powdered sugar. Place onto lined trays.

4. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. They’ll puff, crack, and settle perfectly. Cool on the tray, then transfer to a rack.

5. Enjoy Your Red Christmas Food Ideas Creation

Try not to eat six before they cool. (No judgment if you do.)

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⭐ Pro Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies

These tips guarantee success every time:

✔ Chill at least 2 hours for deep cracks and thicker cookies.
✔ Use gel coloring, not liquid—less moisture = better texture.
✔ Roll in granulated sugar first so the powdered sugar doesn’t melt.
✔ Don’t overbake! Slightly gooey centers = perfect texture.
✔ Use natural cocoa powder for the brightest red color.
✔ Weigh your dough balls for perfectly even cookies.

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🎨 Variations to Try

Want to customize your cookies? Try these:

🍫 Double chocolate – Add dark chocolate chips.
🎄 Peppermint red velvet – Add crushed candy canes to the dough.
🍒 Cherry twist – Add maraschino cherry bits for a fun, fruity red contrast.
🎅 Extra snowy – Roll in extra powdered sugar for whiter cookies.
❤️ Valentine’s version – Add pink heart sprinkles inside or on top.

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🍽 Best Way to Serve

Serve them:

• With hot cocoa topped with whipped cream
• On a cookie platter featuring other Red Desserts Ideas
• Warm with vanilla ice cream (trust me)
• As a holiday gift wrapped in parchment and ribbon
• With coffee for a cozy December morning

Cookies for breakfast? Absolutely justified during the holidays.

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🥡 Storage

Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh:

At Room Temp:

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

Freeze Dough:

Freeze rolled but uncoated dough balls for up to 2 months. Coat in sugar right before baking.

Freeze Baked Cookies:

Freeze cooled cookies flat, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temp.

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❓ FAQ

What if I don’t want to use red food coloring?
You can skip it, but the cookies will be cocoa-brown instead of red velvet red.

What’s the difference between light and dark brown sugar?
Light brown sugar has milder molasses flavor; dark brown sugar has deeper caramel notes. Either works!

Why did my powdered sugar disappear?
You probably skipped the granulated sugar roll or under-coated them. Roll generously!

Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes—warm dough spreads too much and loses the crinkle.

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