If you’re craving a cookie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking rotation. These cookies bring together the rich, subtle cocoa flavor and deep red color of classic red velvet with a soft, tender bite and a delightful crinkled powdered sugar finish that just begs to be shared with friends. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly balances sweetness and texture, making these cookies an instant crowd-pleaser and a memorable treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Each element plays a role in creating that classic vibrant color, tender crumb, and signature crackled exterior.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie, providing structure and balance.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Adds that subtle chocolate undertone essential to red velvet flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and create perfect texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through sweetness for balance.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture for a tender bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to that slight crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add a bit of fluffiness.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (or gel food coloring): Delivers the iconic red hue that makes these cookies truly festive.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough): Creates the beautiful crinkle effect when baked.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies get baked evenly right from the moment you pop them in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer. This step is key for creating a tender texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and moisture fully. Stir in the vanilla extract along with the red food coloring to infuse that trademark color and subtle flavor. Finally, gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each one generously in powdered sugar. Don’t skimp here: the powdered sugar coating is what gives Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies their signature crackled and snowy appearance after baking, making them as charming as they are tasty.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced a couple inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers remain slightly soft—this slight under bake is what keeps them delightfully chewy. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer onto a wire rack to finish cooling. The cooling helps the crinkles form and the texture set perfectly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with a light sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving. This enhances the pretty crackled look while adding an element of sweetness that complements the chocolate and vanilla flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. The creamy drinks balance the richness of the cookies, making for an indulgent snack or dessert experience that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these beautiful cookies in a rustic wooden box or a glass jar tied with a velvet ribbon for a charming gift. You can also crush some cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream or mix them into whipped cream for a decadent treat. The possibilities to showcase your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe creativity are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and tasty without drying out, so you can enjoy your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe over a few days as a delightful treat or for sharing.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unbaked dough balls rolled in powdered sugar on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from the freezer adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months with minimal flavor or texture loss.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This trick revives their soft, tender texture and enhances their irresistible aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, regular liquid food coloring works; however, gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red without thinning out the dough too much, which is ideal for the intense red color of red velvet.
Is cocoa powder necessary in this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Cocoa powder is essential for that classic red velvet flavor and subtle chocolate undertone, making these cookies truly special.
Why do I roll the dough in powdered sugar before baking?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar creates that beautiful crackled surface as the dough spreads and expands while baking, which is a hallmark of crinkle cookies.
Can I substitute butter with oil or margarine?
Butter is best here because it contributes to flavor and texture; using oil or margarine could make the cookies less tender or alter the flavor profile significantly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and slightly firm while the centers remain soft—this ensures the cookies stay chewy and don’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a cookie that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to eat, the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a must-try. From that divine deep red hue to its luxuriously soft texture and powdered sugar crackled top, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite you come back to time and again. Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully crackled with a vibrant red color complemented by a subtle cocoa flavor. Perfect for any festive occasion or just a delightful treat, these cookies combine a tender crumb with a classic red velvet taste, rolled in powdered sugar to create their signature crackled appearance.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (or gel food coloring for a more vibrant color)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the butter, producing a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsion. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring to evenly distribute the vibrant color and flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually sift and add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold or mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
- Form the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into equal balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, which will create the iconic crackled surface during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between them to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm but centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and preserves their shape.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delightful red velvet crinkle cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Notes
- You can substitute gel food coloring for regular liquid food coloring to achieve a more vibrant red color without adding extra liquid.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow residual heat to finish cooking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you do not have a mixer, the dough can be mixed by hand with a sturdy spoon or whisk, though it will require more effort.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
