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
Scale
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.
