Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet flavor, combined with a soft, chewy texture and a signature powdered sugar coating. These cookies offer a festive look and rich taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is evenly tinted.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be soft and sticky.
6. Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to handle.
7. Step 7: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
8. Step 8: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a more vibrant red color, use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid.
• Chilling the dough longer can help improve the cookie shape and reduce spreading.
• To add extra flavor, try folding in white chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
• If you prefer a less sweet coating, use a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch for rolling.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a microwave or let thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, but natural cocoa powder may produce a slightly different flavor and darker color. The leavening may react differently, so the texture might vary slightly.

Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect during baking and adds a sweet, delicate coating that contrasts nicely with the rich cookie.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully coated with powdered sugar that cracks delightfully when baked. Featuring a rich cocoa flavor combined with classic red velvet color, they are perfect for festive celebrations or as a sweet treat any time of year.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened 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 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter along with granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy in texture.
4. Add Eggs and Coloring: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring to achieve the signature red velvet hue.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until there are no visible streaks of flour remaining. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing spreading during baking.
7. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into approximately 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to create the classic crinkle effect when baked.
8. Bake: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 3 to 5 minutes after baking, which helps them firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookies from spreading too much and to help achieve the iconic crinkle texture.
• Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Red food coloring intensity can be adjusted based on preference; gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without adding extra liquid.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Red Velvet, Crinkle Cookies, Chocolate Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Soft Cookies, Festive Treat