These festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a sweet, chewy holiday treat. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and gift-giving!
The holiday baking season is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited! Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Among my favorite baked goods to create and share during this joyous time are classic decorated gingerbread cookies, decadent Oreo truffles and peppermint truffles, heartwarming soft ginger molasses cookies, and delightful gingerbread loaves adorned with peppermint cream cheese frosting. Each recipe holds a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories of holidays past.
But this year, I’m thrilled to introduce a new addition to my holiday baking repertoire: red velvet crinkle cookies. These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly festive, making them the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
Inspired by my previous success with Lemon Crinkle Cookies using lemon cake mix, I was eager to experiment with red velvet cake mix. After a few delightful trials, I’m happy to report that this recipe is an absolute winner! The cookies are bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Here’s why these red velvet crinkle cookies are a must-bake this holiday season:
- Visually Stunning: Their vibrant red color and powdered sugar coating make them a show-stopping addition to any dessert platter, embodying the festive spirit of the holidays.
- Effortless Baking: With a simple recipe and minimal ingredients, these cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, freeing you up to enjoy other holiday festivities.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for sharing with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. Their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make them a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
- Irresistibly Delicious: The soft, chewy texture and subtle tanginess of the red velvet flavor create a symphony of sensations that pair perfectly with a glass of eggnog or your favorite holiday beverage.
Ingredient Notes for the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your red velvet crinkle cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few key ingredient notes:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: Select your favorite boxed red velvet cake mix (approximately 15 ounces). The quality of the cake mix will directly impact the flavor and texture of your cookies.
- Eggs: Take the eggs out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you start baking. Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in smoother, fluffier cookies!
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the cookies. Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest adds a delightful hint of fresh acidity that complements the richness of the red velvet flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before rolling the cookie dough balls to ensure a more even and delicate coating. This will also enhance the crinkle effect during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to bake a batch of perfect red velvet crinkle cookies:
Making these festive holiday cookies is incredibly easy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, delicious cookies in no time!
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into 1.5 to 2-inch balls and then generously coat each ball with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar is essential for creating the signature “crinkle” effect.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This allows the cookies to spread evenly during baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Super simple, right? These cookies are so easy to make, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about red velvet crinkle cookies:
- Can I freeze these holiday cookies?
- Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. To prevent sticking, freeze them in single layers with parchment paper in between each layer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- What exactly is red velvet flavor?
- Red velvet flavor is a unique blend of cocoa powder and tangy notes. The cocoa powder provides a subtle chocolate flavor, while ingredients like buttermilk, white vinegar, and lemon juice or zest add a delightful tanginess that sets it apart from traditional chocolate flavors.
Baking Tools and Equipment
To make these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need:
- Mixer – you’ll need either a stand mixer or a hand mixer with large mixing bowl.
- Baking sheet – I use half sheet baking sheets.
- Parchment paper – line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
More Holiday Cookie & Dessert Recipes
Making these as Christmas or winter holiday cookies? You might like these other holiday dessert recipes too:
- Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Gingerbread Cake Roll
- Gingerbread Bundt Cakes
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest until just blended. Do not overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1.5″ – 2″ balls and then roll to coat with powdered sugar. Place approximately 2 inches apart on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper (cookies will spread, so be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-9 minutes. Allow too cool before enjoying.