Name: Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 73 reviews

“`html

If you’ve been hunting for a cookie that feels like a luxurious dessert wrapped in a cozy hug, then this Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is about to sweep you off your feet. These cookies boast a stunning red velvet hue, crackled powdered sugar crust, and a soft, fudgy center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just a delightful treat, these cookies bring a nostalgic charm with an irresistible texture and flavor combo that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round red cookies with a cracked surface, each topped with a powdery white dusting, sitting on a black metal cooling rack. The cookies have a rough texture with deep red color showing through the white powder, giving a cracked, mosaic-like look. The cookies are close to each other but not touching, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cookie with a perfect balance of fudgy richness, luscious red velvet color, and that iconic crinkle look. Each ingredient has a special role, from the cocoa powder for depth to the powdered sugar for that snowy finish.

All-purpose flour (2½ cups / 320 g): The foundation for structure, ensuring the cookies are soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup / 25 g): Adds a subtle chocolatey undertone, deepening the classic red velvet flavor.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and puff up, creating those charming cracks on top.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Enhances tenderness and helps balance acidity for better lift.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Amplifies sweetness and rounds out flavors perfectly.
Unsalted butter (½ cup / 115 g), softened: Gives a rich, creamy texture and helps create that fudgy interior you’ll love.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their chewy texture.
Neutral oil (¼ cup / 60 ml): Keeps the cookies moist and tender for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Large eggs (2), room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness for a soft cookie crumb.
Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): The star for that eye-catching classic red velvet appearance, either liquid or gel works beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the dough, enhancing all the flavors.
Powdered sugar (½ cup / 60 g), for rolling: This snowy coating creates the signature crinkle effect and a touch of sweetness with each bite.

How to Make Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and cocoa are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent texture and flavor throughout each cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and neutral oil until the mixture turns fluffy and smooth. This process aerates the fats, helping your cookies develop a tender crumb and fudgy richness when baked.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Flavoring

Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate the moisture and richness. Follow that up by adding vanilla extract and the red food coloring. Watching the dough turn a vibrant red will definitely lift your spirits and get you even more excited to bake!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough will be thick, almost like brownie batter, which is exactly what creates that fudgy texture you want.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours. This step is game-changing—it prevents your cookies from spreading too thin when baking and helps form those dramatic crinkles that are so pretty and characteristic of this recipe.

Step 6: Shape and Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll each into a ball. Then generously coat them in powdered sugar, ensuring each cookie has a thick layer. This is what will give you that breathtaking crackled look.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange the coated dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies puff up and the tops crack but remain soft inside—watching from the window let you nail that perfect fudgy center every time!

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this bit of patience helps them set gently. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, so the fudgy magic inside can fully develop as they firm up just enough.

How to Serve Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round red cookies on a black cooling rack. Each cookie has a cracked surface with bright white powdered sugar dusted unevenly on top, highlighting the cracks. The cookies look soft and slightly thick, with the red color contrasting strongly against the white sugar. The cookies are arranged close together on the cooling rack, which sits over a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the closest cookie, while the others blur softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies look stunning on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch. For special occasions, adding fresh berries or edible gold flakes beside them turns your plate into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Serve these Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe delights alongside a cold glass of milk, a cap of hot coffee, or even a cozy cup of vanilla chai tea. The richness of the cookies pairs beautifully with creamy drinks that complement their fudginess and subtle cocoa notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dazzling dessert platter, arrange the cookies stacked in a tiered stand with small bowls of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for dipping. You could also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff to create red velvet cookie sandwiches that are as fun to eat as they are to look at.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keep a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep those fudgy centers soft and tender.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, freeze the shaped dough balls before baking for quick cookies anytime you crave them—just thaw slightly before baking.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies with that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens the centers delightfully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, margarine or dairy-free butter substitutes can be used, but keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and richness of the cookies. Opt for one with a high fat content for better fudginess.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, enhancing their thick, fudgy texture and those iconic crinkles.

What’s the best type of cocoa powder to use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best to give the authentic red velvet flavor and balance of bitterness. Avoid Dutch-processed if you want those signature vibrant colors.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

You can, but the cookies won’t have the signature red appearance. For a natural alternative, try using beetroot powder for coloring, which adds a subtle earthiness paired beautifully with the cocoa.

How do I prevent these cookies from becoming too dry?

Make sure not to overbake and use the oil in the recipe—it keeps the cookies moist. Also, chilling the dough helps retain moisture during baking for that perfect fudgy soft center.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Decadent Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one of those baking projects that brings pure joy with every batch. They look incredible, taste luxuriously fudgy, and are surprisingly simple to make. If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself, these cookies will become your go-to when a little indulgence is in order. Give them a try and watch smiles grow around your kitchen table!

“`