Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate treat for the holiday season—soft, chewy, and perfectly coated in sweet powdered sugar. This easy cake mix recipe turns a simple box of cake mix into bakery-style cookies that light up any Christmas dessert table. In this article, you’ll discover how to make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies step by step, from my favorite holiday baking memory to the exact ingredients, tools, and baking tips that guarantee delicious results. We’ll also cover helpful FAQs so you can bake with confidence and share these festive cookies with everyone you love this Christmas.
A Sweet Holiday Memory with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Every December, as the first cool breeze swept through the house and the twinkling lights came up on the tree, the smell of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies began to fill our kitchen. My family had a tradition of baking these rich, ruby-red cookies the week before Christmas. The sight alone—bright red dough rolled into soft powdered sugar—was an invitation to holiday magic.
I remember standing beside my grandmother, watching as she scooped the dough and placed each mound onto the baking sheet. The anticipation grew as the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies began to puff up in the oven, forming those signature crinkles that looked like freshly fallen snowflakes. Each batch came out a little different, but always irresistibly soft in the center with that perfect sugar-dusted top.
As we waited for the cookies to cool, laughter and Christmas carols filled the air, creating a warmth that only homemade treats can bring. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies became more than dessert—they were our way of celebrating togetherness. The deep color reminded us of holiday cheer, and the sweet aroma turned a simple evening into something unforgettable. Even now, every time I bake Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, I’m brought right back to those moments of cozy, joyful baking that truly capture the spirit of Christmas.
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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
This easy cake mix recipe creates soft, chewy red velvet cookies coated in powdered sugar perfect for holiday baking. It combines simple ingredients and quick steps to deliver bakery-style treats for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until no dry mix remains.
3. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
4. Scoop dough into balls, roll each in powdered sugar, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12 minutes or until cracks form and the tops are set, then cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: red velvet crinkle cookies, cake mix cookies, christmas cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe
Why These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Are a Holiday Classic
There’s something timeless about red velvet, and when it’s transformed into cookies, the result is a showstopper at any holiday gathering. The Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Recipe simplifies the baking process without compromising texture or flavor. With only a few staple ingredients—cake mix, eggs, and oil—you can whip up a batch of cookies that look as beautiful as they taste.
The stunning red hue paired with the snowy white powder creates an instant holiday contrast, making these cookies picture-perfect for Christmas platters. Beyond their beauty, they’re delightfully soft and chewy inside, offering that classic red velvet flavor in every bite.
What also makes this recipe a must-bake is its simplicity. The Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Recipe is ideal for busy bakers juggling parties, shopping, and decorating. You can mix the dough in minutes and have a tray of freshly baked cookies ready before your favorite holiday movie begins. Whether offered as gifts, enjoyed during family gatherings, or added to your Christmas cookie exchange, these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies never fail to impress. They’re a delicious reminder that festive baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be special.
Pantry Essentials for Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients or fancy equipment to bake delicious Red Velvet Cake Cookies—just a few staples and a dash of Christmas spirit. Below is a quick reference table for what you’ll need to make a batch of soft, chewy cookies that taste as good as they look.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Velvet Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | The vibrant base that gives the cookies their red color and subtle cocoa flavor. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together. |
| Vegetable Oil | ⅓ cup | Adds moisture and keeps the cookies tender and soft. |
| Powdered Sugar | ½ cup (for coating) | Creates the signature crinkle look and adds a festive, snowy sweetness. |
| Vanilla Extract (optional) | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor and aroma for an extra touch of warmth. |
| White Chocolate Chips (optional) | ½ cup | Add creamy bursts that pair perfectly with the red velvet flavor. |
Each ingredient has a role to play in these Cake Mix Cookie Recipes. The cake mix ensures a perfect texture while saving time—no need to measure flour, sugar, or cocoa separately. Eggs give these cookies their structure and that tender bite, while oil keeps them chewy long after they’ve cooled. Rolling each dough ball in powdered sugar before baking creates those beautiful cracks on top, a signature of classic Red Velvet Cake Cookies.
If you want to customize your cookies, try folding in extras like white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even festive sprinkles. These small tweaks make the batch uniquely yours and are a fun way to get creative with Cake Mix Cookie Recipes during the holidays.
Baking Tools That Make the Process Easy
You don’t need professional baking gear to make impressive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies—just a few dependable kitchen tools. Having the right equipment not only makes baking smoother but also ensures consistent results every time.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium to large bowl for combining the cake mix, eggs, and oil.
- Whisk or Rubber Spatula: Helps blend wet and dry ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes so they bake at the same rate.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, flat sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely, maintaining that soft, chewy texture inside.
Bonus Baking Tips for Foolproof Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and keeps cookies from spreading too much.
- Space Them Properly: Leave at least two inches between cookies on the baking sheet so they can expand evenly.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat to the recommended temperature (typically 350°F / 175°C) for predictable results.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They mix more easily, creating smoother dough and preventing overworked batter.
These simple tools and techniques guarantee that your Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Recipe will come out perfectly every time. With the right prep and a bit of care, you’ll have chewy, chocolatey cookies that look like they came straight from a bakery display—ready to brighten any holiday dessert table.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies from Cake Mix
This easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Recipe is beginner-friendly and requires only a few simple steps. You’ll go from a boxed cake mix to beautifully crinkled, bakery-style cookies in less than an hour. Follow each step carefully for soft, chewy perfection every time.
- Combine the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, add the Red Velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir together until the dough forms. For extra flavor, add vanilla extract or white chocolate chips.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 15–30 minutes to firm it up and deepen the flavor.
- Shape and Coat in Powdered Sugar: Portion the chilled dough into balls, then roll each in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect.
- Bake the Cookies: Place dough balls two inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and cracked but still soft in the center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies rest 3–5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Once cooled, serve or pack for a festive Christmas cookie exchange.
The easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Recipe is as simple as mix, roll, and bake—but the results look and taste as though you spent hours in the kitchen. The cookies emerge with deep red centers, snowy white crinkles, and an irresistible chewy bite that makes them perfect for sharing all holiday season.
Baking Secrets for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: A quick chill keeps cookies thick and soft with beautiful crackled tops.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: They should appear slightly underdone when removed from the oven; overbaking can dry them out.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar Twice: Double-coating adds contrast and makes the cookies even more striking.
- Use the Right Baking Sheet: Light metal sheets prevent browning; lower the oven temperature slightly for darker pans.
- Store Properly: Keep your Christmas cookies soft by storing them with a slice of bread in an airtight container.
- Try Flavor Variations: Add candy canes for peppermint crunch or drizzle cream cheese glaze for a red velvet-inspired twist.
When you follow these tips, your easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Recipe delivers flawless cookies—chewy inside, crackly on top, and bursting with red velvet flavor. Whether for a Christmas party, cookie swap, or cozy evening at home, they’ll become a timeless holiday favorite.
FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough up to two days early, cover, and refrigerate. Roll in powdered sugar and bake when ready—cold dough bakes beautifully with well-defined crinkles.
How do I keep them from spreading?
Ensure the dough is chilled and measurements exact. Avoid greasing the pan; instead, use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and perfect shape.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and freeze. Store in an airtight freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding one or two minutes to the bake time, or freeze finished cookies for later.
How long do they stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies stay soft up to five days. Add a slice of bread inside the container to lock in moisture and maintain texture.
These FAQs keep your baking stress-free and guarantee success every time. Whether preparing gifts or planning a party, your cookies will taste freshly baked and irresistibly festive.
Wrapping Up—Your Go-To Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Christmas
Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is more than a recipe—it’s a chance to share joy through homemade sweetness. These treats combine vibrant red color, powdered sugar sparkle, and the ease of an Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Recipe that’s perfect for the busy holiday season.
Imagine gifting tins filled with these snowy, crimson cookies or serving them at family gatherings while laughter and carols fill the air. They symbolize what makes Christmas special—warm kitchens, shared smiles, and memories made over something delicious.
If you need a festive dessert that’s easy but impressive, this Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Recipe is your go-to. It’s fast, foolproof, and full of holiday charm. Preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and let the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies fill your home with Christmas cheer. With these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you’re not just baking—you’re creating memories that live on well after the last crumb disappears.
