There is something so comforting about holiday baking. The twinkle lights, the cozy music, the smell of something sweet in the oven — it’s one of my favorite parts of December. And one of the simplest ways I bring festive cheer into my kitchen is with these Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies.

They look like you picked them up from a bakery. They taste rich, soft, and indulgent. But the best part? They are incredibly easy — and you don’t even need red velvet cake mix to make them.

In fact, I made mine using a white (or yellow) cake mix and a little red food coloring. It’s one of the best holiday baking hacks ever, and it gives you the same beautiful result with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

If you’re short on time, ingredients, or patience this season, this Christmas red velvet crinkle recipe is about to become your new favorite.

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Why Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

There’s a reason Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies show up on holiday trays year after year. They’re vibrant, soft, indulgent, and universally loved. The bold red color instantly screams Christmas, while the powdered sugar cracks make them look extra special.

And the texture? Absolute perfection. Each cookie is soft in the center with gently crisp edges. They melt in your mouth and taste far more complicated than they actually are.

They’re perfect for:

• Holiday entertaining

• Cookie exchanges

• Teacher gifts

• Christmas Eve desserts

• Neighbor gift baskets

• Baking with kids

And yet they require minimal effort. That’s my kind of Christmas baking.

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Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Without Red Velvet Cake Mix

Here’s where this recipe becomes extra magical: you don’t need red velvet cake mix at all.

You can make Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies using white or yellow cake mix and simply add red food coloring. That’s exactly what I did, and the results are absolutely perfect.

The color comes out beautifully rich, the texture stays soft, and the flavor is just as cozy and festive as traditional red velvet.

If you want to mimic that classic red velvet flavor even more closely, you can also add a few optional spice and flavor boosters.

Optional add-ins to enhance flavor:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• A pinch of cinnamon

• A tiny dash of nutmeg

• A splash of vanilla extract

These little extras add warmth and depth and give the cookies a subtle holiday richness without overpowering the flavor.

This is the kind of shortcut that makes holiday baking feel fun instead of stressful.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies:

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (or red velvet if you have it)

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup oil (vegetable or canola)

• 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (more if needed for color)

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Optional flavor boosters:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• Splash of vanilla extract

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How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These cookies come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, red food coloring, and any optional flavor add-ins. Mix until thick dough forms.

3. Chill dough for 15–20 minutes to make rolling easier.

4. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll generously in powdered sugar.

5. Place cookies two inches apart on baking sheets.

6. Bake for 9–11 minutes until tops crack and edges are set, while centers remain soft.

7. Let cookies cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.  

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Get Thicker Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Chill the dough longer for thicker, puffier cookies.

Keep Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Soft

Pull them when centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll finish setting perfectly as they cool.

Create the Best Crinkle Effect

Roll each cookie heavily in powdered sugar — the thicker the coating, the stronger the crackle.

Make Them Extra Festive

Add:

• White chocolate chips

• Crushed peppermint

• Drizzle of melted white chocolate

• Christmas sprinkles after baking

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Make Christmas Cookies Ahead of Time

You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, simply roll, sugar, and bake.

You can also freeze rolled dough balls and bake straight from frozen. Just add 1–2 minutes to your bake time.

Perfect for:

• Entertaining

• Gifting

• Busy holiday schedules

• Christmas Eve prep

• Cookie swap planning

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Christmas Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies are sturdy, festive, and incredibly gift-friendly.

Packaging ideas:

• Holiday tins

• Bakery boxes tied with ribbon

• Treat bags with wax paper

• Clear boxes for presentation

Add a handwritten recipe tag and they feel extra special.

If you’re putting together a holiday cookie box or dessert platter, these Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies pair beautifully with something crunchy and minty for contrast. One of my favorite add-ins is my White Chocolate Peppermint Oreos — they’re super easy, completely festive, and add the perfect peppermint touch to any Christmas spread. I love including both for gifting or entertaining because they balance each other perfectly with soft and crunchy textures. You can find that recipe here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white or yellow cake mix for Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies?

Yes! That’s exactly what I used. Just add red food coloring and optional cocoa or spices.

Do these cookies spread?

Not much — especially if the dough is chilled.

How many cookies will this make?

About 18–22 depending on size.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Yes, store in an airtight container for up to two months.

Do I need food coloring?

No — but it helps achieve the classic holiday red look.

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Why You’ll Love These

They are:

• Easy

• Festive

• Soft and chewy

• Budget-friendly

• Perfect for busy schedules

• Loved by everyone

These Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies are proof that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.

Follow Along on Instagram

If you love easy baking hacks, cozy home inspiration, and seasonal ideas, I’d love for you to follow along with me over on Instagram.

I share decorating ideas, simple recipes, thrift flips, and real-life moments from our home — plus daily holiday inspiration during Christmas season.

👉 You can follow me here

I’m always sharing behind-the-scenes clips, styling details, and quick tips you won’t see anywhere else.

Pin These Images for Later

If you’re planning your Christmas baking or building a holiday cookie list, be sure to save this recipe so you can easily find it again. These Christmas red velvet crinkle cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, neighbor gifts, and holiday parties, and you’ll want them handy when December gets busy.

Pin any image from this post to your:

• Christmas cookies board

• Holiday baking board

• Dessert ideas board

• Easy Christmas recipes board

Pinterest is one of my favorite places to organize holiday inspiration, and it’s the easiest way to bookmark this recipe for later. Just hover over an image and click Pin It, or tap the Pinterest icon if you’re on your phone.

Saving this recipe ensures it’s waiting for you the moment your baking mood hits.

 

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