Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

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Every year, I enjoy experimenting with new cookie recipes to add to my holiday baking list.

While I always keep some go-to favorites on hand, there’s something extra special about discovering a new recipe that quickly becomes a crowd-pleaser.

This time, I decided to try red velvet crinkle cookies, and let me tell you, they were an instant hit.

The recipe is simple and uses a red velvet cake mix, making it easy to whip up a batch without a lot of fuss.

The cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, with a beautiful crackled sugar coating.

These cookies have quickly earned a spot in my baking rotation, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

If you’re looking for a treat that adds a little extra cheer to any occasion, these are definitely worth making!

Table of Contents

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 box of red velvet cake mix
- Substitute for Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix (or substitute with a gluten-free cake mix, adding red food coloring to achieve the red velvet look).
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- Substitute for Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese (made from plant-based ingredients).
- Substitute for Gluten-Free/Vegan: Ensure that the cream cheese is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Substitute for Vegan: Use plant-based vegan butter.
- Substitute for Gluten-Free/Vegan: Make sure the butter is certified gluten-free.
1 large egg
- Substitute for Vegan: Use 1 flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mix and let sit for 5 minutes).
- Substitute for Gluten-Free/Vegan: Flaxseed egg works for both gluten-free and vegan options.
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Substitute for Gluten-Free/Vegan: Ensure the white chocolate chips are both gluten-free and vegan, or replace with dairy-free chocolate chips (look for certified gluten-free options).
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Substitute for Gluten-Free/Vegan: Ensure the powdered sugar is free of additives containing gluten or animal-based ingredients (most powdered sugars are gluten-free and vegan, but it’s always good to double-check).

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter (or vegan butter) and cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) until smooth. Add the egg (or flaxseed egg for vegan) and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the red velvet cake mix to the bowl and continue mixing until a thick dough forms.
Stir in the white chocolate chips (or vegan white chocolate chips) until evenly distributed.
Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. Scoop about 1 inch of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s coated well.
Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for about 11 minutes or until the centers are set. The cookies should have cracks on top and a soft, chewy center.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack, then dust with a little more powdered sugar before serving.

Tips For Making The Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

If you want your red velvet crinkle cookies to turn out just right, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t Skip the Cake Mix: Choose a high-quality red velvet cake mix for the best color and flavor. Some cake mixes can have an off taste or be too dry, so investing in a good one will pay off.
Measure Ingredients Properly: Measure the cake mix, butter, and cream cheese accurately. Too much flour or mix can make the dough too dry or crumbly.
Baking Time is Key: Overbaking will make the cookies dry. Bake for the exact time stated in the recipe (about 11 minutes) and check that the centers are set before removing them from the oven. They should be soft to the touch.
Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Coating: The powdered sugar not only gives the cookies their signature crackle, but it also adds sweetness. Coat the dough balls generously to get the perfect texture and appearance.
Use a Cookie Scoop: To make sure each cookie is the same size, use a cookie scoop. This ensures they bake evenly and all have the same crackled look.
Allow Dough to Chill (If Needed): If the dough feels too sticky after mixing, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Don’t Flatten the Dough: Let the cookies bake and spread on their own. Pressing down on the dough balls before baking can cause them to lose their crackled appearance.

What To Serve With Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

These cookies are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a few simple treats can really complete the experience. Consider serving them with:

A glass of cold milk
Hot chocolate or coffee
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries
A fruit platter

How To Store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Storing your cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days. Here’s how:

At Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll last for about 3 months in the freezer.
Before Storing: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing, as excess moisture can make them soggy.