Why Make This Recipe
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a fun and festive treat that add a pop of color to any occasion. Their rich cocoa flavor combined with the striking red hue makes them perfect for celebrations, holidays, or simply indulging yourself. The soft, chewy texture with a bit of crunch from the powdered sugar coating sets these cookies apart from others. They are easy to make and will impress family and friends alike!
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Serve these delightful cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own but can also be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top before serving!
How to Store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between, and they will last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Make sure to chill the dough; this helps achieve the crinkle effect and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use gel-based red food coloring for a more vibrant color.
- Do not overbake them; they should be soft in the center for the best texture.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
RED VELVET CRINKLE COOKIES ARE PERFECT FOR MAKE-AHEAD BAKING, ESPECIALLY AROUND HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS. YOU CAN PREP THE DOUGH IN ADVANCE, CHILL IT, OR EVEN FREEZE IT SO FRESH COOKIES ARE ONLY A FEW MINUTES AWAY.
CHILLING THE DOUGH FOR SEVERAL HOURS (OR OVERNIGHT) DOESN’T JUST MAKE IT EASIER TO HANDLE—IT ALSO HELPS THE COOKIES HOLD THEIR SHAPE, DEVELOP DEEPER FLAVOR, AND CREATE MORE DEFINED CRINKLES.
FOR LONGER STORAGE, YOU CAN SCOOP THE DOUGH INTO BALLS AND FREEZE THEM ON A BAKING SHEET UNTIL FIRM. ONCE FROZEN, TRANSFER THEM TO A FREEZER BAG. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BAKE, LET THE DOUGH BALLS SIT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR A FEW MINUTES, ROLL THEM IN POWDERED SUGAR, AND BAKE AS DIRECTED, ADDING A MINUTE OR TWO IF NEEDED. THIS MAKES RED VELVET CRINKLE COOKIES A GREAT “BAKE-ON-DEMAND” TREAT ANY TIME YOU WANT SOMETHING FESTIVE AND FRESH.
Variation
You can mix in white chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, try using different food coloring to make cookies in other colors for various occasions!
FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour, but it may result in a softer texture. Adjust the amount slightly as cake flour is lighter.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the powdered sugar?
While it is a key part of achieving the crinkle look and adding sweetness, you can skip it if desired. The cookies will be delicious even without it!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring Use gel-based for vibrant color
For Rolling
- to taste Powdered sugar For coating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.