Red velvet crinkle cookies transform two boxes of cake mix into soft, festive cookies that are perfect for holidays, parties, or just an easy weeknight treat. This quick, reliable recipe takes only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, so you can have a tray of beautiful red cookies in under an hour.
These crinkle cookies use boxed cake mixes for convenience while still delivering great flavor and texture. The combination of a white and a chocolate cake mix creates a subtly rich base, and the powdered-sugar coating gives each cookie its signature cracked, snowy appearance. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers and easy to scale up when you need a larger batch.
Ingredients
For this recipe you will need the following:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- Red food coloring (adjust to reach desired color)
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
- Optional: sprinkles (heart sprinkles shown), to press on while warm
How to Make
Follow these steps for even, colorful crinkle cookies with a soft center and a crackled top.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the white and chocolate cake mixes and whisk until blended.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and red food coloring. Mix until the dough is smooth and evenly colored. Add more dye if you want a deeper red.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes—chilling makes it easier to form uniform balls and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Place a generous amount of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar so they are well coated.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffed and the tops have crackled. The centers will still be soft; they continue to set as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If using sprinkles, gently press them onto the tops while the cookies are still warm so they adhere.
Storing
Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to preserve the powdered-sugar coating and any decorations.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a gel food coloring for a more intense red without adding excess liquid. Add a little at a time until you reach the color you want.
- Any brand of boxed cake mix will work—try different combinations for subtle flavor changes.
- Do not skip the 5-minute rest on the baking sheet after removing the cookies from the oven. This brief resting time helps them firm up and finish setting without breaking.
Recipe Card
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies • Prep: 10 minutes • Chill: 30 minutes • Bake: 10–12 minutes • Total: ~52 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- Red food coloring, to taste
- Powdered sugar, for coating
- Optional: sprinkles for decorating
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine the two cake mixes in a large bowl.
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, and food coloring until smooth and evenly colored.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Scoop into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place 2 inches apart on the sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until puffed and crackled. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Adjust food coloring gradually to avoid over-darkening the dough.
- Cookies freeze well—freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories per cookie: ~225 kcal. Nutrition varies by ingredients and serving size.
Other Easy Cookie Ideas
If you like this shortcut approach, try other simple cookie recipes using pantry staples or cake mix: Easy Almond Butter Cookies, Cake Mix Sugar Cookies, Homemade Thin Mints, 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, or Easy Trail Mix Cookies. These are great for quick baking sessions and are kid-friendly to make together.
Give these red velvet crinkle cookies a try and enjoy a fast, festive treat. If you make them, share your experience or any tweaks you made—bakers love swapping tips and variations.