Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA burst of vibrant red and a cloud of sweet powdered sugar instantly transform any ordinary cookie platter into a festive highlight. Let me introduce you to my Easy 4-Ingredient Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, a delightful treat that’s both a feast for the eyes and a joy to eat. With just five minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for those unexpected cravings or last-minute gatherings. These soft and chewy cookies offer a gorgeous cake-like texture, making them an ideal choice for a cozy afternoon or a show-stopping dessert at your next party. Plus, you can easily customize them with chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence. So, are you ready to elevate your cookie game with these irresistible red velvet beauties? Why Are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Special? Unforgettable Appearance: The vibrant red color and delicate powdered sugar coating make these cookies a stunning addition to any dessert table. Effortless Preparation: With just four ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for busy bakers! Customizable Delight: Add chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist; these cookies can easily fit any palate. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They are magical straight from the oven, and offering them to guests guarantees smiles all around. Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the cake-like consistency paired with a gooey center that’s simply irresistible—just like my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies for those cozy evenings! Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients • To make your baking quick and easy, here’s everything you need! For the Dough Butter – 6 tablespoons, melted and cooled; provides richness and moisture. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. Eggs – 2 large; acts as a binder to add structure. No substitutes recommended for moisture and texture. Red Velvet Cake Mix – 1 (15.25 oz) box; the base of the cookies that imparts flavor and color. Ensure it’s a standard size for the best results. For Coating Powdered Sugar – ½ cup for coating; adds sweetness and visual appeal. You can replace it with granulated sugar for a different texture. Enjoy the ease of whipping up these delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with just four main ingredients! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make sure your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies don’t stick. This will help achieve those crispy edges and soft centers as they bake to perfection. Step 2: Mix the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter, two large eggs, and the entire box of red velvet cake mix. Stir with a spatula or a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth, ensuring there are no large lumps. This vibrant batter will form the base for your delicious cookies, so take your time to mix well. Step 3: Scoop and Roll the Dough Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and form it into balls. Roll each ball gently in your hands to create a smooth surface, then coat generously in powdered sugar. This step not only adds sweetness but also gives your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that beautiful cracked appearance as they bake. Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheets Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Aim for about 2 inches apart. This will help each cookie expand without merging into one another, ensuring they retain their delightful individual shapes. Step 5: Bake the Cookies Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they are done when the tops are crinkled and set, but the centers remain slightly gooey. This perfect balance is key to achieving that delightful soft and chewy texture characteristic of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Step 6: Cool Before Serving Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. After they’ve set a bit, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process allows the cookies to firm up just a touch, making them even more enjoyable when you take that first bite. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations Get ready to transform your cookie baking experience with these delightful twists! Chocolate Chip Boost: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, melty flavor explosion. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the red velvet for an indulgent treat. Festive Sprinkles: Instead of rolling in powdered sugar, try colorful sprinkles for a fun, celebratory look. Perfect for birthdays or holidays, these cookies will brighten up any dessert table. Cream Cheese Whoopie Pies: Sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for a luscious treat. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that takes your cookies to the next level. Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. The mix of soft and crunchy will keep everyone guessing with each delightful bite. Minty Freshness: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist. This unexpected flavor elevation is reminiscent of the holidays, making it a delightful variation. Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm spicy kick. This subtle heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies and adds intrigue to their flavor profile. Subtle Citrus: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing, zesty twist. This bright flavor will perfectly complement the richness of the red velvet. Coconut Delight: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. These cookies will offer delightful chewiness and a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of a beach vacation. With these variations, you’ll never have a dull moment in the kitchen! For more inspiration, check out my scrumptious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies that also bring fun twists to classic recipes! What to Serve with Easy 4-Ingredient Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Prepare for an unforgettable dessert experience that will elevate any gathering or cozy evening at home! Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness and richness of the cookies, creating a nostalgic experience. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside for a delicious contrasting temperature and texture, making every bite a blissful moment. Rich Coffee: Complement the cookies with a warm cup of coffee; the bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully while creating a comforting atmosphere. Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness with strawberries or raspberries, providing a light contrast to the soft and chewy cookies. Chocolate Ganache Dip: Indulge your senses by serving warm cookies with a drizzle of rich chocolate ganache for an extra layer of decadence. Lemonade: A refreshing citrus twist that cuts through the richness, making it a vibrant choice for warm gatherings. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Enhance your dessert table by serving these alongside traditional cookies, offering guests a variety of textures and flavors. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle brings another sweet dimension, turning each cookie into a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Festive Sprinkles: Bright multi-colored sprinkles scattered on top add a fun and festive touch, perfect for parties and special occasions! How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week; however, be aware that cooling may slightly alter their texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheating: To revive the cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds, ensuring they are still gooey in the center, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a frosty treat! Expert Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies • Watch the Timing: Bake for 8-10 minutes; remove them when they’re cracked but still gooey in the center for the best texture. • Chill if Sticky: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier. • Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies; overbaking will dry them out and diminish that delightful soft-chewy texture. • Storage Secrets: To keep your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, adding a slice of bread to maintain moisture. • Experiment with Coatings: For a fun twist, try rolling the cookies in colorful sprinkles instead of powdered sugar for festive occasions! Make Ahead Options These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the melted butter, eggs, and cake mix, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. If you want to take it a step further, you can even roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar up to 3 days ahead of baking; just make sure to refrigerate them to maintain quality. When it’s time to bake, simply place them on a lined baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. You’ll enjoy the same soft, chewy texture and stunning appearance with minimal effort, making last-minute gatherings a breeze! Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of red velvet cake mix should I use? It’s best to use a standard 15.25 oz box of red velvet cake mix, as it provides the right balance of flavor and moisture for the cookies. Opt for a brand that you trust for quality, ensuring the mix is fresh for the best taste and color. How should I store my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of white bread in the container. Just make sure the bread doesn’t touch the cookies, and you’ll enjoy that moist texture every time! Can I freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies? Absolutely! To freeze, arrange your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag, stacking them gently with parchment paper in between. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to thaw while keeping the gooey center. What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? If your dough feels overly sticky and difficult to handle, don’t worry! Simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it much easier to scoop and roll into those lovely cookie balls. Are there any allergy considerations with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies? Yes! This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs and wheat from the cake mix. If you’re baking for someone with egg allergies, consider using a suitable egg substitute, like flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Always check the labels on your cake mix to ensure it’s free from any unwanted allergens. Can I modify the recipe for different dietary needs? Certainly! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, there are gluten-free red velvet cake mixes available that can be used in this recipe. You can also replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative if you need to make it dairy-free. Just make sure to check the ingredients for any hidden allergens! Irresistibly Gooey Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in 5 Minutes These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a visually stunning and deliciously soft treat, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled Provides richness and moisture2 large eggs Acts as a binder for structure1 box red velvet cake mix (15.25 oz) The base for flavor and colorFor Coating1/2 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness and visual appeal Equipment Mixing bowlCookie scoopBaking sheetsParchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and cake mix to create a smooth dough.Scoop the dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar.Arrange the coated dough balls on baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are crinkled but the centers are gooey.Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!