Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Soft, rich, and irresistibly cocoa-kissed, these Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe treats bring together a crackly powdered sugar exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth, brownie-like center. Their vibrant red color and tender, fudgy bite make them perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you crave something elegant and indulgent. What makes this recipe truly special is how each cookie stays moist inside while forming beautiful crinkles outside. You’ll learn exactly how to create the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe because it delivers bakery-quality cookies with almost no effort. The crisp sugar-coated outside contrasts beautifully with the warm, soft, cake-meets-brownie interior. Each bite feels luxurious—rich cocoa flavor, subtle tang from the buttermilk, and that signature red velvet depth that makes it stand out from regular chocolate cookies.

These cookies mix quickly in one bowl, chill well, bake fast, and always impress. Whether you’re making a festive holiday box, a Valentine’s treat, or a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of milk or hot cocoa, this recipe works every time. The dough handles easily, the crinkles always form beautifully, and the flavor stays balanced and indulgent without being overly sweet. Their soft-yet-crinkly texture makes them unforgettable, especially for fans of indulgent chocolate cookies, chewy desserts, or classic red velvet lovers.

Ingredients

This Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe requires simple pantry ingredients but uses them in a way that creates dramatically rich flavor and texture. Below are exact measurements with brief notes:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour – Structure and softness.
1/3 cup (35 g) cocoa powder – Unsweetened, for deep chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps create soft lift.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures proper spread and crinkle formation.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – Sweetness and moisture retention.
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil – Keeps cookies tender and fudgy.
2 large eggs – Binding and richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances red velvet flavor.
1 tablespoon red food coloring – Classic vibrant color.
1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk – Essential for that slight tang and velvety texture.
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar – For rolling and forming the signature crinkle coating.

These simple ingredients come together to create dense, moist crinkles with the perfect crackle and color.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough for Crinkle Perfection

Cold dough equals defined, dramatic crinkles. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. This prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain those beautiful sugar-crusted cracks.

2. Double-Coat in Powdered Sugar

For the most striking contrast, roll your cookie dough balls generously in powdered sugar twice. This ensures the white coating stays thick throughout baking instead of melting away, creating the iconic crinkle pattern you want.

3. Don’t Overbake

The key to maintaining the signature fudgy center of this Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is pulling them out when the centers still look slightly soft. They continue cooking on the baking sheet. Overbaking turns them cakey instead of chewy and fudgy, so keep an eye on your timing.

Instructions

Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This distributes the cocoa and leavening agents evenly so the cookies rise properly and taste balanced.

Step 2 – Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking fully after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. The color should appear vibrant before adding dry ingredients—adjust with a few extra drops if needed.

Step 3 – Add Buttermilk for Red Velvet Texture

Pour in the buttermilk and stir until fully combined. This is what gives your cookies that classic red velvet tang and ultra-moist crumb.

Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is perfect for achieving that soft, fudgy texture.

Step 5 – Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours or longer. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and giving your cookies the dramatic crinkles they’re known for.

Step 6 – Roll in Powdered Sugar

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar—roll twice for the best results. Place balls at least 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 7 – Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The tops should be cracked and the centers slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This resting time helps set the fudgy texture without drying them out.

Step 8 – Serve or Store

Enjoy warm for maximum gooeyness or cool completely for a chewier bite. These cookies stay moist for days thanks to the oil-based dough.

Variations

This Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes:

Cream Cheese Swirl Crinkles: Add small pieces of sweetened cream cheese to the dough for a cheesecake-style surprise in the center.
Chocolate-Chunk Red Velvet Crinkles: Fold in white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for extra richness and contrast—great for fans of red velvet brownies and chewy chocolate cookies.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The fudgy texture remains impressive, especially if you chill the dough longer for stability.

Storage and Serving

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and moist thanks to the oil and buttermilk. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—stack with parchment to prevent sticking.

Serve these cookies warm with milk, hot chocolate, or seasonal drinks. They shine on holiday dessert boards, Valentine’s platters, or as gifts in cookie tins. Their striking color and fudgy bite make them ideal for celebrations, and they pair beautifully with cream cheese frosting, vanilla ice cream, or even as part of a red velvet cookie sandwich.

FAQs

1. Why did my crinkles not form properly?
Warm dough spreads too fast. Be sure to chill for at least 2 hours and double-coat in powdered sugar.

2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, scoop dough balls, freeze them, then roll in powdered sugar before baking. Add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

3. Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely. They will taste the same but look more like chocolate crinkles.

4. How do I keep the cookies fudgy?
Do not overbake. Remove them when the centers look slightly soft.

5. Can I add mix-ins?
Yes. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or peppermint chips add great contrast.

Conclusion

This Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is comfort food at its finest — deeply chocolatey, beautifully crinkled, and irresistibly soft inside. It’s the kind of dish that transforms any holiday, gathering, or cozy night in into a delicious celebration.