Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s indulgent, soft, and delightfully fun to make, you’re in for a treat. These Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are exactly that—rich, vibrant, and coated in a perfect snowy layer of powdered sugar. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the outside, pillowy soft inside, with that iconic red velvet flavor that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie for any occasion.

Recipe Origin:

This recipe is a playful twist on classic red velvet, using a cake mix as the base for an easy, fail-proof cookie. It’s perfect for busy bakers, last-minute treats, or anyone craving that chocolatey, tangy, velvety flavor without fussing over complicated ingredients.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small bowl for powdered sugar
• Spoon or cookie scoop

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cookies that look impressive but require minimal effort.

Vibrant and Fun: The deep red color makes them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to wow with presentation.

Soft and Chewy: These cookies stay soft inside, offering that dreamy texture everyone loves.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike can’t resist them—they’re sweet, tender, and perfect for sharing (though you might want to keep a few for yourself!).

Customizable: You can tweak sweetness, add chocolate chips, or even a hint of espresso powder to deepen the flavor.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors give a more vibrant hue without altering the dough consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies might look slightly undercooked when you pull them out, but they’ll set as they cool.

Ingredients in Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Here’s the magic behind these cookies: simple ingredients that come together to create a soft, chewy, and festive treat.

Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cookies soft and tender.

Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and richness, making the cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: The heart of the recipe—gives the cookies that signature red velvet flavor and tender crumb.

Red Food Coloring Gel: Boosts the color, making the cookies vibrant and eye-catching without changing the texture.

Powdered Sugar: Coats the cookies to create the classic crinkle effect, adding a sweet, snowy finish that’s irresistible.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s bake these beauties step by step:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating ensures even baking and helps the cookies hold their shape.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and oil until smooth.

Add Cake Mix and Food Coloring: Stir in the red velvet cake mix and red food coloring gel until fully combined. The dough will be thick but slightly sticky—perfect for crinkling.

Shape the Cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread slightly and the powdered sugar has cracked beautifully.

Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This helps them set without losing their soft texture.

Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just on their own!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 (approx.)
Calories per serving: 150 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

With Drinks: Pair with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.

For Parties: Arrange on a platter for birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, or holiday gatherings.

Gift Idea: Package in cute boxes or jars for homemade gifts—they’ll disappear fast!

As a Dessert Bar: Include alongside brownies, cupcakes, or mini tarts for a festive dessert spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Mix the dough and chill in the fridge if you want to bake fresh cookies later.

Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

• Add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch.
• Use different food coloring gels to create rainbow or themed cookies.

Additional Tips

• Roll dough in powdered sugar just before baking, not hours ahead, to preserve the crinkle effect.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; cookies need space to spread evenly.
• Taste the dough (careful with raw eggs) to adjust sweetness or color before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use butter instead of oil?
A1: Yes, melted butter works, though the texture will be slightly less soft.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Only if using a gluten-free red velvet cake mix. Check the package to be sure.

Q3: Can I skip the food coloring?
A3: You can, but they won’t have the classic red velvet look.

Q4: How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
A4: Chill the dough briefly before baking and avoid using too much oil.

Q5: Can I add frosting or icing?
A5: Absolutely! Drizzle cream cheese glaze for an extra decadent touch.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just bake in batches to ensure even results.

Q7: How do I make them extra soft?
A7: Slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.

Q8: Can I make mini cookies?
A8: Yes! Adjust baking time to 8–10 minutes for smaller bites.

Q9: Can I use powdered sugar for the dough instead of granulated sugar?
A9: No need—the cake mix already has sugar. Powdered sugar is for coating only.

Q10: Can these cookies be frozen after baking?
A10: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary treats. They’re soft, chewy, vibrant, and completely irresistible. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet snack anytime, they bring a little joy to every bite. Whip up a batch, roll them in powdered sugar, and watch the beautiful crinkles form as they bake—you’ll be hooked after the first bite. Make these cookies, share them with friends, or enjoy them all yourself. Either way, you’ve got a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

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