Oh my gosh, you have to try these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies! They’re my absolute favorite Valentine’s Day treat, so easy to make and impossible to resist with their rich red color and that gorgeous powdered sugar crackle. I swear, every time I bake them, they disappear faster than I can say “be mine!”
What I love most is how simple they are, just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy techniques, no waiting for dough to chill. Just mix, roll, bake, and boom, you’ve got these soft, chewy little bites of love that’ll make anyone feel special. Perfect for classroom treats, Galentine’s parties, or just because you deserve something sweet!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Trust me, these cookies check every box for the perfect sweet treat:
- Almost too easy: Just 4 ingredients and one bowl? Yes please!
- Ready in minutes: From mixing bowl to cooling rack in under 30 minutes
- That festive look: The red velvet + powdered sugar combo screams Valentine’s Day
- Heavenly texture: Soft centers with just the right amount of chew
- Total crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults go crazy for them every single time
I mean really – what’s not to love? They’re like little edible Valentine’s cards! If you’re looking for more Valentine’s inspiration, check out these mini Valentine’s Day cheesecake bites.
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – 4-Ingredient Magic for Valentine’s Day
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day. These soft, chewy cookies with a rich red color and powdered sugar coating make a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in powdered sugar.
- Place balls on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra richness, add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need four simple things to make these gorgeous cookies! I always say the best recipes are the ones where you can count the ingredients on one hand:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (I’m partial to Betty Crocker, but any brand works)
- 2 large eggs at room temperature (trust me, this makes a difference!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling (plus extra for that snowy dusting at the end)
See? Told you it was simple! Now grab those ingredients and let’s make some magic. For more simple baking ideas, visit familytastes.com.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Alright, let’s get baking! These cookies come together so fast you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect crinkle cookies before you know it.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Grab a big bowl and dump in the cake mix. Add the eggs and oil, then mix until you’ve got a smooth, shiny dough. It’ll be thick and fudgy – just right! No need to break out the mixer, a wooden spoon works perfectly.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
Now the fun part! Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls (I make mine about 1-inch). Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each ball until completely coated. Really pack on that sugar – it creates that beautiful crackled look!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. They’ll spread a bit, so give them space! Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake – they firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely… if you can wait that long to eat them!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
After making these cookies dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Don’t peek! Resist opening the oven – that rush of cold air can make cookies spread too much.
- Double coat: Roll dough balls in powdered sugar twice for extra dramatic cracks.
- Size matters: Keep dough balls uniform (I use a small cookie scoop) so they bake evenly.
- Add some jazz: Toss in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Parchment is key: Seriously, skip the greased pan – parchment gives you perfect bottoms every time.
Oh! And if your powdered sugar starts clumping? Just sift it first – makes all the difference! If you want to try another red velvet treat, these red velvet cheesecake cups are amazing.
Storing and Reheating Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Here’s the best way to keep these beauties fresh (if they last that long!):
- Airtight is right: Store in a container with a tight lid at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Bring back the magic: If they lose their softness, microwave for 5-10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked texture.
- Freezer friendly: Layer between parchment in a freezer bag for up to 2 months – thaw at room temperature when the craving hits!
Pro tip: Add a slice of bread to the container – it keeps cookies soft by absorbing excess moisture!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite ways to play with this recipe:
- Cream cheese magic: Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple cream cheese glaze (just mix powdered sugar with cream cheese and milk)
- Cake mix swap: Try chocolate or funfetti cake mix for totally different flavors
- Extra festive: Add a few drops of red food coloring to the powdered sugar for pink-dusted cookies
- Adult version: Replace 1 tbsp oil with bourbon or rum for a boozy twist
The possibilities are endless – that’s what makes this recipe so fun! For another festive dessert idea, try the Valentine’s Day cheesecake brownies.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating these cookies for their health benefits! But here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious bite (based on my standard recipe):
- Calories: About 120 per cookie
- Sugar: 10g (that powdered sugar coating adds up!)
- Fat: 6g (mostly from the oil)
- Carbs: 15g
Remember – these numbers can change if you tweak the recipe (like adding chocolate chips or using different oils). But hey, everything in moderation, right? And Valentine’s Day totally counts as a special occasion! If you’re interested in other simple recipes, check out familytastes.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade red velvet mix has similar proportions to store-bought (about 15-16 oz). You might need to adjust the oil slightly if your mix seems drier.
Why did my cookies flatten too much?
Usually this means the dough was too warm when baking. Try chilling the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking – it helps them hold their shape better!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Totally! Just use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix. The texture comes out just as soft and chewy. You might also like these 5 ingredient gluten-free peanut butter cookies.
How do I get those perfect cracks?
The secret is rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar – don’t skimp! The sugar coating dries out slightly in the oven, creating those gorgeous crinkles.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll into balls (without the sugar coating) and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake as usual – adding a minute or two to the time.
I’d love to see your beautiful cookies! Snap a photo and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your Valentine’s Day creations. Now go spread some cookie love! If you’re looking for more easy dessert ideas, check out these no-bake strawberry heart cheesecake recipes.