There is something utterly magical about the way these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies glow with vibrant color, crackle on the outside, and yield a soft, almost fudgy center with every bite. The Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe combines the classic charm of red velvet cake with the fun, hand-held convenience of a cookie, making it an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly on your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering the joy of homemade cookies, this recipe promises a festive pop of flavor and texture that will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and radiant red hue that define this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe. From the richness of butter to the subtle bitterness of cocoa powder, every component has a purpose.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, caramel notes and moisture to the cookie.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Helps with sweetness and structure for a slightly crisp exterior.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon professional red food coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color that makes these cookies pop.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate complexity typical of red velvet.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps cookies puff up and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Used for rolling to create that signature crackled sugar crust.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Also for rolling, adding a soft contrast to the crackled surface.
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and your cookies easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process whips air into the batter, giving your cookies a tender crumb and slight lift. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure an even texture and prevent curdling. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the professional red food coloring, which is crucial for achieving that iconic red velvet vibrancy without compromising the taste.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Sifting prevents any lumps and ensures your cookies have a smooth, consistent texture. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Roll the Dough and Coat
Prepare two bowls, one with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar and then in the powdered sugar to coat fully, giving the cookies their signature crinkled and snow-dusted appearance after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie balls about an inch apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and crack beautifully on top while still remaining slightly soft and chewy in the center. This balance is the hallmark of a perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet just enough to handle without breaking. They’re fantastic warm with a glass of milk, but still just as delicious once fully cooled and set.
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can add a touch of elegance by dusting with extra powdered sugar or even a light drizzle of white chocolate for a beautiful contrast. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint during the holidays can add a festive twist that pairs wonderfully with the rich cocoa flavor.
Side Dishes
Think about serving these cookies alongside cold milk, creamy hot chocolate, or a frothy cappuccino for a delightful pairing. If you want to elevate your dessert spread, arranging them near bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make for an indulgent treat everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons, or arrange them in a pretty tin sprinkled with edible glitter. You can even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting to create Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie sandwiches – a fun and unexpected way to enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and moist. Avoid refrigerating as this can dry them out, but if your kitchen is very warm, a cool spot away from direct sunlight will keep them fresh longer.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough balls, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze in a sealed container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth and soft texture, reheat cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This little trick revives the cookie as if it just came out of the oven, perfect for those craving comfort on demand.
FAQs
Can I use regular red food coloring instead of professional red food coloring?
Absolutely! While professional red food coloring tends to provide a richer and more vibrant hue with less quantity, regular food coloring will still work just fine to give your cookies that classic red velvet shade.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The crackled top happens because of the sugar coating and the way the cookie dough spreads and bakes. It’s a signature look of crinkle cookies, indicating that the outside has set while the inside remains soft and chewy.
Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
Melted chocolate can alter the dough’s texture and moisture level, so it isn’t recommended. Cocoa powder provides the subtle chocolate flavor without adding extra liquid, which keeps the cookie consistency just right.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the amount of flour for the best results.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some substitutions like vegan butter and flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, you can adapt this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe to be vegan. Just keep in mind that texture and taste might change a bit, but it’s definitely worth trying!
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of classic flavors with a playful twist. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over, whether for holidays, special occasions, or just because. Dive in, bake with love, and enjoy every vibrant, crackly, chewy bite with those you cherish.
Print
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, fudgy, and coated in a delightful layer of granulated and powdered sugar that creates a gorgeous crinkled appearance when baked. With a rich cocoa flavor and a pop of red food coloring, they’re perfect for holiday treats or any time you want a festive, indulgent cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon professional red food coloring
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coating Sugars
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for the texture of the cookies. Scrape down the sides to mix evenly.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla and Coloring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the dough achieves a consistent color.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute ingredients.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and beat until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make cookies tough.
- Prepare Coating Sugars: Pour granulated sugar into one bowl and powdered sugar into another bowl for coating the cookie dough balls.
- Scoop and Coat Cookies: Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out dough. Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar and then in the powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated for the signature crinkle effect.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about one inch apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up, cracked on top, and remain slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or serving. Enjoy them fresh with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps the batter mix more evenly.
- Professional red food coloring provides a vibrant red color without affecting flavor.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft and slightly gooey in the center.
- The double sugar coating ensures the classic crinkle cookie look.
- You can substitute the butter with margarine for a dairy-free option, but flavor and texture may vary.
