Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Introduction

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully crackled with a signature deep red color and a dusting of powdered sugar. They offer the rich cocoa flavor of classic red velvet cake but in a fun, bite-sized cookie form. These cookies are perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any time you crave a sweet treat with a hint of chocolate. Their soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and gorgeous crinkle effect make them as stunning as they are delicious!

I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering. The vibrant red color and delicate powdered sugar coating made them stand out on the dessert table, and they disappeared within minutes. Everyone loved how soft and chocolatey they were, with just the right amount of sweetness. What’s great about Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is how easy they are to make—just a few simple ingredients come together to create a treat that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

These cookies are also fun to customize! You can add white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch or a hint of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Whether baking them for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a showstopper!

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie trays
• Valentine’s Day treats
• Gifting to friends and family
• Red velvet lovers
• Bake sales and parties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies will be your new go-to treat:

• Soft & Chewy: The perfect combination of a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center with slightly crisp edges.
• Beautifully Crinkled: The contrast of deep red cookie dough with white powdered sugar creates an eye-catching, festive look.
• Rich Cocoa Flavor: A mild chocolate taste that pairs perfectly with the vanilla and slight tanginess of red velvet.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, roll, and bake!
• No Chilling Required: Unlike some crinkle cookies, these can go straight into the oven!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 20 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for that classic red velvet tang)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Rolling:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the light chocolatey flavor characteristic of red velvet.
• White Vinegar: Enhances the tangy flavor of traditional red velvet treats.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature red hue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Shape and Coat the Cookies:

6. Roll into Balls: Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies:

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the crinkled tops have formed.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

• With a Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting!
• For a Party Dessert Table: These cookies stand out beautifully among other treats.
• Gift-Wrapped for Friends & Family: Place in festive tins or treat bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a Valentine’s Day Treat: Heart-shaped packaging makes these cookies extra special.

Additional Tips

• For Extra Softness: Slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish cooking on the baking sheet.
• Ensure the Crinkle Effect: Roll the dough balls in a thick layer of powdered sugar to get a more dramatic contrast.
• For Vibrant Red Color: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a deeper red.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smoother cookie dough for even mixing and baking.
• Double the Batch: These cookies disappear fast, so consider making extra!

Recipe Variations

1. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies – Fold in white or dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
2. Red Velvet Cream Cheese Crinkle Cookies – Add a small dollop of cream cheese filling inside each cookie.
3. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Vegan Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Use dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and plant-based milk.
5. Red Velvet Peppermint Crinkle Cookies – Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
6. Red Velvet Nut Crinkle Cookies – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
7. Spiced Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
8. Mini Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – Make smaller, bite-sized cookies for snacking.
9. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies – Fill with a vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a delicious cookie sandwich.
10. Red Velvet Coconut Crinkle Cookies – Roll the cookies in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, coat in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.

Special Equipment

• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. Do I have to use food coloring? No, but the cookies won’t have their signature red color.
3. Can I make these without cocoa powder? You can, but they won’t have the classic red velvet taste.
4. Why are my cookies not crinkled? Be sure to coat them generously in powdered sugar and don’t skip the baking powder.
5. Can I use oil instead of butter? Butter gives a better flavor, but you can substitute vegetable oil for a softer texture.

Print

Conclusion

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are the perfect combination of chocolatey richness, a soft and chewy texture, and a stunning crinkled appearance. These vibrant red cookies, coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.

With their beautiful crackled tops and signature cocoa flavor, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Whether baked for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to impress.

This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients, delivering bakery-quality cookies right from your kitchen. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious creations. Happy baking!