There's something downright magical about red velvet crinkle cookies, especially when the holiday baking mood hits. They're soft, chewy, and come together so quickly you'll swear the kitchen elves pitched in.
With nothing more than a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, you've got a festive little cookie that feels right at home on a Valentine's Day tray or tucked into a Christmas cookie exchange.
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Why you'll love this recipe
What makes this cookie extra loveable is how fuss-free it is. There's no chilling required, so if the urge to bake strikes at the last minute, you're already winning. The tender red velvet flavor always gets a big reaction, especially from anyone who can't resist that classic cocoa-kissed color.
And since the dough starts with a simple boxed mix and a handful of easy ingredients, there's no measuring mountains of flour or dealing with sifting. Just quick mixing, a roll through powdered sugar, and into the oven they go!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements and enjoy these yummy cookies!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 small cookie scoop
- pair of food safe gloves to use when rolling dough into balls. optional, but highly recommended as the dough will stain your hands.
Ingredients
- 15.5 ounce package Red Velvet Cake Mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchement paper, set aside.
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Using a small cookie dough scoop, scoop a heaping tablespoon. Using your hands, form into a 1-inch ball.*
- Place each ball into a bowl of powdered sugar and coat well. Repeat with the remaining dough
- Place cookie balls on the lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven about 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
Nutrition
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Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for complete directions refer to the recipe card.
FAQ's
Nope food coloring is not needed when using the red velvet cake mix.
If the tops stay smooth, the dough may be a bit warm. Pop the rolled dough balls in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking and you'll get those pretty crackly tops in no time.
Absolutely. White chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of festive candies mix right in and add a fun twist without changing the texture.
Deb's top tip
For the prettiest crinkles, give each dough ball one generous, well-covered roll in powdered sugar. Scoop the dough, shape it, then press it firmly into the sugar and roll it around until every bit is coated in a thick, even layer. This single heavy coat creates that dramatic crackle in the oven and keeps the centers wonderfully soft, while a second roll can make the coating look patchy once baked.
More cake mix cookie recipes
If you love cake-mix magic, you're in good company around here! After you've baked these red velvet crinkles, you might enjoy a cozy batch of Snickerdoodle Cookies with their cinnamon-sugar sparkle, or whip up those Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies that practically melt as soon as you bite into them. And when fall cravings hit, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are a soft, fluffy favorite loaded with warm flavor!
Each one of these recipes start with a simple cake mix and turns into something downright irresistible with just a few easy ingredients.
Wrapping it up
These red velvet crinkle cookies are the kind of treat that makes any day feel a little more festive, and they couldn't be easier to pull together! Whether you're baking for a holiday tray, a classroom party, or just because the cookie mood struck, this simple recipe delivers soft, chewy goodness every time.
When you give them a try, I'd love to hear how they turned out for you-drop a note in the comments and let me know!
Sherri Rochester says
I love Crinkle Cookies! They are so chewy. Bring on the Hot Chocolate!
Bowl Me Over says
You know it Sherri! That's the perfect combination. Happy Holidays!
Connie says
This recipe looks delicious 😋 and fairly easy to make...I am anxious to try it to give outcookie tins for Christmas..Thank you so much for ALL the wonderful recipes you send 😀...Happy Holidays to you and your family..
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Connie! These little gems are perfect for your cookie tins. They freeze great as well. Thanks for your support and have a wonderful holiday season!!
Cat stevens says
I've made Red Velvet cupcakes but not crinkle cookies. The cupcakes are delicious so i expect the cookies to be too. Thank you for sharing the recipe Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you give them a try Cathie! These are soft, chewy cookies, SO GOOD!! Hard to believe they start with a cake mix! Happy Holidays!!
Cassie A says
My husband loves red velvet. Definitely going to be trying this
Bowl Me Over says
I can't wait to hear what he thinks Cassie - happy baking and have a wonderful holiday season!
Rachel says
My daughter is gluten free and red velvet cake is her favorite...gonna try with a gf cake mix...hope they are as good as they look.
Bowl Me Over says
What a wonderful gift Rachel! I bet she will really enjoy her cookies!!
Colleen B. says
I love making these kind of cookies; quick, easy and can use just about any kind of cake mix when making these cookies.
Only thing that I do different is that I first roll in white granulated sugar before rolling in powdered sugar.
My name has already been drawn for Amazon gift card so please leave my name off the drawing so that someone else has the opportunity and the enjoyment of winning.
Thank You and have a wonderful evening.
Bowl Me Over says
Oooh!! Granulated sugar first? Now you're taking them right over the top! That sounds amazing Colleen - thanks for your support of the blog!
Marsha juozaitis says
I love the cake mix idea! The red velvet is so festive too, ! I just went and got a box of cake mix to try this recipe soon🎄💩
Bowl Me Over says
That's great Marsha - be sure to pop me an email or tag #bowlmeover on social media. I'd love to see your cookies!!
Jean Morgan says
Love simple to make cookies AND red velvet oh yeah these are being made!
Bowl Me Over says
You're going to love them Jean! The perfect soft, chewy cookie! Happy Holidays!!!
Jean Morgan says
Nice simple way to make cookies! Will definitely have to try these.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! Enjoy the recipe Jean and Happy Holidays!
Craig Miller says
I just made a Red Velvet Cake ... I never thought of Red Velvet. Cookies. I'll have to try this next. My cookie jar can use some filling up.
Bowl Me Over says
Oh goodness, I bet that cake is amazing Craig - enjoy the cookies, they will be a treat as well!
Michelle Gosser says
I love cake mix cookies, so quick and easy! Not a big fan of red Velvet, wondering if adding food coloring to a white cake mix would work as well?
Bowl Me Over says
I bet it would, you could even make them green - that would be super fun!
libby rouse says
Oh my goodness these will be perfect for our family this Christmas! We love red velvet cake!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, enjoy the recipe Libby - Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Carol says
I love Red Velvet Cake, I need to try these cookies!!!
Bowl Me Over says
One order of cookies STAT for Carol! 🤣 Seriously though, they are so good!
Maureen says
I have to share this recipe to my daughter. She loves red velvet cake and I know she will love this. Great combination.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Maureen, I appreciate you passing the word. These are excellent cookies and it's such an easy recipe!
Sheryl L Deiter says
These are my favorite cookies. I make then every year and there are never any left.
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome Sheryl - see, they are definitely Santa's favorite! 🎅🏻