Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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