Name: Delight in Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for Any Celebration
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option); 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (do not substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa); 1 teaspoon baking powder; a pinch salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (must be softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons red food coloring (use gel for best results); ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookie dough)

As I sift through flour and cocoa powder, I can’t help but smile at the memory of my first red velvet cookie adventure. These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies bring together the delightful charm of the classic red velvet cake with the fun twist of bite-sized treats. Perfect for those cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Each cookie is soft and chewy, boasting a subtle cocoa flavor complemented by their striking appearance, ensuring they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Ready to dive into this deliciously vibrant experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family? Let’s get baking!

Why Are Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Amazing?

Vibrant Appearance: Each cookie features a striking red hue contrasted by a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a standout treat for any occasion.

Soft and Chewy: You’ll adore their tender, chewy texture that is reminiscent of a brownie.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, whipping these up is a breeze! Perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Festive Appeal: Ideal for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, they bring joy to any dessert platter.

Flavorful Twist: Experience the classic red velvet cake in cookie form, with a delightful balance of cocoa sweetness and a subtle tang.

Customizable Options: Feel free to add white chocolate chips or nuts for a unique touch! These cookies are a true delight that will have everyone coming back for more.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cookies; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a delicate chocolate flavor; do not substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for the best results.
• Baking powder – Helps cookies rise to achieve a soft texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, tender cookie crumb; must be softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delightful texture.
• Large eggs – Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies rise.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a delightful aroma and flavor depth.
• Red food coloring – Gives the cookies their signature vibrant color; use gel food coloring for best results without altering the dough consistency.
For Finishing Touches
• Powdered sugar – Used for rolling the cookie dough, creating the beautiful crinkled appearance of these red velvet crinkle cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This combination creates the foundational dry mix for your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Make sure to break any clumps and ensure a uniform mix before setting aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, mixing until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. Mix just until no dry flour remains visible. This will ensure your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies have the right texture. The dough will be thick; you may need to use a spatula to help incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. While the dough chills, you’ll enhance the dough’s flavors for an even tastier cookie.

Step 5: Shape Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Next, generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar, creating the signature crinkle effect. Make sure the sugar coats them well for the best visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake Cookies
Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each cookie enough space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for the tops to crackle and the cookies to be soft in the center. Their visual cue will be the crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar.

Step 7: Cool Cookies
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This lets them set before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Cool completely, and you’ll have perfectly soft, chewy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies waiting to be enjoyed!

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator. This step not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, you can roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This ensures you’ll have fresh, delightful cookies that are just as delicious as if made the same day!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened at room temperature for a smooth mix, creating tender cookies.
Gel Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant color without altering dough consistency; it’ll keep your cookies beautifully bright!
Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for preventing cookie spread and making the dough easy to handle for perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
Generous Rolling: Coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for that signature crinkle effect; it’ll enhance both appearance and sweetness!
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be soft in the center with a crackled top for the best texture.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft texture.

Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but note that this may slightly change the texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie Variations

Let your creativity shine as you explore delightful twists on the classic red velvet crinkle cookie!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy, ensuring no one misses out on these festive treats.
Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch that complements the soft, chewy texture of these cookies beautifully.
Chocolate Explosion: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the dough for an extra indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Almond Flavor: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract to introduce a delightful nutty aroma and flavor, creating a unique twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Spice it Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that adds depth to the cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday parties.
Classic Cream Cheese: For an added touch, pair these cookies with a cream cheese frosting drizzle on top, reminiscent of the beloved red velvet cake.
Cocoa Swap: Experiment with different cocoa powders; try using dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor profile or even a flavored cocoa for a fun twist.
Color Variations: Get creative with food colorings! Use different shades to create multi-colored layers or ombre effects, perfect for themed parties or celebrations.

These variations not only keep things exciting but also cater to everyone’s taste. If you’re looking for more festive ideas, check out our yummy Red Velvet Cake or try on my Chocolate Chip Cookies for another classic!

What to Serve with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

Warm, inviting scents fill the air as you think about how best to complement these vibrant and delightful cookies.

Classic Milk: The perfect pairing that enhances every bite, smooth and creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Rich Coffee: A slightly bitter cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a delightful contrast that elevates the cookie experience.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert; the cold creaminess beautifully contrasts with the warm cookies.
Fruit Salad: A light side of fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch; the natural sweetness complements the cookies while providing a vibrant color contrast.
Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a retro treat that matches the cookies’ festive spirit, creating a dreamy and nostalgic pairing for any gathering.
Decadent Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over cookies for a luxurious finish; it adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor and elegance.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy bites bring a delightful texture and their tropical flavor pairs beautifully with the rich cocoa notes of the cookies—truly enchanting!
Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve bubbly water with a splash of lime; it’s fizzy, zesty, and balances the indulgence of cookies.
Elegant Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites introduce a creamy element that perfectly contrasts the soft texture of the cookies, creating a harmonious dessert platter.

Each of these delightful options enhances the experience of enjoying your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, making any occasion a bit more special.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right red food coloring?
Absolutely! I recommend using gel food coloring for your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Gel colors provide a vibrant hue without adding excess moisture that can affect the dough consistency. This tiny switch will keep your cookies beautifully red and visually striking.

How should I store leftover cookies?
For best results, store your cooled Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresher for a longer duration, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, though this may slightly alter their texture. Enjoy your cookies at their best by checking them frequently!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies dough, follow these steps: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! This could happen due to various reasons, like using warm butter or if the humidity is high. You can simply chill the dough for an additional 15-30 minutes, which will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, dust your hands lightly with flour when shaping the cookie balls to prevent them from sticking.

Are there any allergy concerns with these ingredients?
Absolutely! While Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat, remember that they contain eggs, butter, and wheat. If you have gluten sensitivities, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Always check your ingredients for specific allergens to ensure a safe baking experience. If you’re baking for pets, keep in mind that chocolate (cocoa powder) is toxic to dogs, so keep these sugary delights safely out of their reach!

Can I customize the flavor of these cookies?
Very! One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize. If you want to switch it up, consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for a delightful texture contrast. You could also substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a more unique flavor profile—experimenting can lead to wonderful surprises!