Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that add a burst of color and flavor to any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a rich cocoa flavor and a striking red hue, all wrapped in a delicate layer of powdered sugar. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. I first tried my hand at making these crinkle cookies during a festive celebration, and their vibrant appearance alone made them the star of the dessert table.
Why You’ll Adore This Treat
There are plenty of reasons to bake these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies at home. For starters, they’re quick to whip up and only require a handful of basic pantry ingredients. While they look stunning—perfect for impressing guests or surprising your kids—they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for bakers of any skill level. You’ll love how the simple combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring results in cookies that not only taste great but look gorgeous too.
“These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are my new favorite! The combination of cocoa and red color makes them perfect for every occasion. Everyone loves how soft and gooey they are!” —A Satisfied Baker
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. Here’s how it goes:
- Preheat your oven.
- Whisk the dry ingredients.
- Combine the wet ingredients.
- Mix together.
- Chill the dough.
- Form and roll.
- Bake.
By following these steps, you’ll create a batch of scrumptious cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to get started:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Feel free to play around. For example, if you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just skip adding additional salt to your mix!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s how you prepare Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps create that coveted crinkle effect.
- Once the dough is chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and then roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the sheet.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These dazzling cookies are delightful on their own, but there are so many creative ways to serve them! Try pairing them with a tall glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. You can also dress them up on a platter with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For parties, stack them in a jar for a trendy presentation that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling step! This is key for achieving the perfect crinkle texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to the batter.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for the best chewy texture.
Creative Twists to Try
Want to shake things up? Here are a few variations to consider:
- Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for an added nutty taste.
- Add white chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the dough for extra texture.
- For a fun twist, create a cream cheese frosting to sandwich between two cookies for a Red Velvet Crinkle Sandwich.
Common Questions Answered
How long do these cookies take to make?
From prep to baking, you can expect to spend about an hour, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling.
Can I use less sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may impact the cookies’ texture and sweetness level.
Are they suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they’re completely cooled and stored properly to maintain freshness.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create stunning Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that not only taste amazing but also make any day feel a little more special! Enjoy baking and indulging!
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet crinkle cookies with a rich cocoa flavor and a powdered sugar coating, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls, and then roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Don’t skip the chilling step for the perfect crinkle texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg