If you’re looking to add a little magic to your cookie repertoire, this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies boast that beautiful, deep red color you expect from red velvet goodies, paired with a soft, cakey texture and a delicate crinkly surface dusted with powdered sugar. They’re the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor, moist crumb, and eye-catching looks, guaranteed to be a showstopper for any occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with pantry staples that work in harmony to create the iconic red velvet flavor and that irresistible crinkle effect. Each ingredient plays a vital role: from the cocoa powder adding depth and a hint of chocolate, to the powdered sugar creating that signature crackled top.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, providing structure and that perfect cakey bite.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate notes that balance the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, airy texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together while adding moistness and structure.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (or gel food coloring): Gives these cookies their vibrant and festive red hue.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complements the cocoa perfectly.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough): The secret to those beautiful white cracks that contrast with the deep red cookie.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly to perfection.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender and airy cookie texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and your red food coloring, which will give the dough that signature red velvet color.
Gradually sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps the cookies soft and cakey.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, scoop out small balls—about one tablespoon each—and roll them generously in powdered sugar. This step is crucial because the powdered sugar coating creates the beautiful crackled look on the cookie surface as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers remain slightly soft and chewy.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the cookies maintain their texture while locking in moisture, delivering a perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, dust your cookies lightly with more powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also add an elegant pop of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with these soft, chocolatey cookies.
Side Dishes
Pair your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe with a glass of cold milk or a rich hot chocolate to complement their cocoa flavor. For a festive twist, serving alongside cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can amplify their indulgence factor.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies steal the spotlight on any dessert platter. Try stacking them tied with a bright ribbon for gifting, or placing them in a decorative tin for a charming homemade treat. They also make wonderful sandwich cookies with cream cheese filling in between for an added layer of delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. For best texture, avoid refrigeration which can dry them out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead for holiday celebrations.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and enhances the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually preferred by many because it imparts a vibrant red color without adding extra liquid to the dough, helping maintain the right cookie texture.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if you use too much butter. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your measuring is precise to keep that perfect shape.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter contributes flavor and texture that oil can’t fully replicate in this recipe, so it’s best to stick with butter for that classic red velvet crinkle cookie experience.
How do I get the crackled effect?
The crackled surface comes from rolling the dough balls deeply and generously in powdered sugar before baking. Don’t skimp on this step!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to adapt it accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful bakes that brings warmth and smiles with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because sweets make life sweeter, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Give this recipe a whirl and watch these charming little treats disappear fast—you’ll find yourself coming back for more again and again!
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa base with a vibrant red hue, soft centers, and signature crackled powdered sugar exteriors. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a tender, flavorful cookie with a striking look.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 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 tbsp red food coloring (or gel food coloring for a more vibrant color)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for a tender texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the dough is uniformly colored. Gradually add the combined dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls of equal size using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely; this coating creates the classic crackled and snowy appearance after baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a chewy interior.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve your delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies as a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or an indulgent snack anytime.
Notes
- Using gel food coloring will produce a more vibrant red color without adding too much liquid to the dough.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar if the dough feels too soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
