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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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