Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s sure to impress, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are just what you need! They combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with the delightful chewiness of crinkle cookies. Every bite is a sweet reminder of the holiday spirit, making them perfect for sharing at family gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me; once you make these cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie swap, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver on flavor and presentation. With their bright red hue and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re not just delicious—they’re also stunning on any dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in no time! With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies ready for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for bakers of all ages! Kids love rolling the dough in powdered sugar, making this a fun activity for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time during busy holidays!
• Visually Stunning: The deep red color and crinkly white sugar finish make these cookies an eye-catching addition to any platter or gift box.
• Deliciously Chewy: These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, giving you that perfect texture that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking is all about the joy of mixing simple ingredients into something magical. For these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need some classic staples that come together beautifully.

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

For Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Try Different Colors: Swap out the red food coloring for another color if you’re celebrating a different occasion—think green for St. Patrick’s Day!
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch alongside the soft cookie texture.
• Top with Cream Cheese Frosting: For an even richer treat, drizzle cream cheese frosting over cooled cookies for that classic red velvet cake experience.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly. While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lovely texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Coloring

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until your batter is beautifully tinted. This not only adds flavor but also gives those signature red velvet hues!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture while stirring gently until no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be soft and sticky—this is what creates those chewy textures when baked!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps fight against spreading during baking.

Step 7: Form and Coat Dough Balls

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated. This step is what gives them that beautiful crinkle effect!

Step 8: Bake

Place your coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes until set on the edges but still soft in the center—this is what keeps them chewy!

Step 9: Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting period allows them to firm up just enough without losing their soft centers.

And there you have it! Enjoy these delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with friends and family as you create sweet memories together this holiday season.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Check that your baking powder and cocoa powder are fresh for the best rise and flavor. Old ingredients can lead to dense cookies that don’t have that perfect crinkle.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Roll in Powdered Sugar Generously: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating! It not only adds sweetness but also creates that beautiful crinkle effect as they bake.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can result in dry cookies, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies make a visually stunning addition to any dessert spread! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cream Cheese Frosting Drizzle: A light drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the red velvet flavor perfectly.
• Sprinkles: Festive red and white sprinkles can add color and excitement, making these cookies even more appealing for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing with cookies! The creamy richness of milk balances the sweetness of the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies wonderfully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries brings a refreshing tartness that complements the rich flavor of these cookies.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate creates a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making your holiday baking even easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1 hour until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies into a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave; heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies:

Can I make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or mashed banana in equal amounts, which will help keep the texture moist.

How do I achieve the best crinkle effect on my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

To get that perfect crinkle, make sure to coat your cookie dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. Additionally, chilling the dough helps prevent spreading while allowing for those beautiful cracks to form.

What can I use instead of red food coloring in Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

If you’d like an alternative to traditional red food coloring, consider using beet juice or natural red food coloring made from vegetable extracts. These options will provide a lovely color without synthetic additives.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies as I am! They bring such joy and festivity to any gathering with their stunning color and delightful taste. Enjoy making them and sharing with loved ones this holiday season. Happy baking!