Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cookie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, let me tell you why this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a total winner. These cookies have that perfect balance of soft, fudgy centers with delightful cracks coated in powdered sugar—making each bite both tender and a little bit magical. They’re stunning enough to bring out at a holiday gathering, yet simple enough to satisfy your everyday sweet tooth.

I love whipping up this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe when I want a quick weekend treat that feels special without any fuss. The combination of cocoa and that signature red color really brings these cookies to life, and the crinkly powdered sugar finish makes them almost too pretty to eat—almost! Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies are sure to impress and become a fast favorite in your recipe lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating those soft, chewy insides and irresistible exterior. When you pick your ingredients, try to use fresh baking powder and quality cocoa powder for the best flavor and texture.

• Unsalted butter: Softened but not melted for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and that slight caramel flavor which complements the cocoa.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create the characteristic crinkles with the powdered sugar coating.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help the dough come together smoothly and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and gives depth to this cookie.
• Red food coloring: Use professional gel or paste food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie structure, measuring carefully ensures perfect texture.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers that classic red velvet chocolaty flavor.
• Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so the cookies puff and crack.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Powdered sugar (for coating): Creates the beautiful crinkle effect and adds sweetness on the outside.

Variations

I love playing around with this Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe, and honestly, some of my favorite tweaks come from just personalizing the sweetness or texture. You can easily customize these cookies to fit your taste or occasion, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend once and the result was surprisingly satisfying without losing that tender bite.
• Vegan Variation: Try using flax eggs and dairy-free butter to make these vegan-friendly—I’ve done this when friends come over with dietary preferences and they still got rave reviews.
• Double Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking for extra melty chocolate pockets. This is my go-to when I want a rich, indulgent twist.
• Spiced Red Velvet: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds a warm, unexpected kick that makes these cookies perfect for fall baking sessions.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Space and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms up, make sure your butter is softened—not melted—and your eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer and beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl edges so every bit of butter and sugar gets mixed in evenly. This step is crucial because it sets the texture for your crinkle cookie’s tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and your red food coloring—this is the moment your dough starts to get that gorgeous red hue. A tip here: professional food coloring like Wilton’s gel is super concentrated, so use sparingly; if you use regular liquid coloring, you might want to add a little more.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures even mixing. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, beating just until everything is combined—you don’t want to overmix or your cookies can get tough.

Step 5: Coat and Bake the Cookie Dough Balls

Here’s a fun part—scoop out your dough using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon for fairly uniform cookies. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar until fully coated. This double sugar coating creates the signature crackled look once they bake.

Place the dough balls about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. The cookies should puff up and crack on top but stay just a bit gooey in the center for that perfect soft texture.

How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple to let the cookies shine. Sometimes I add a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant snowy effect. On festive occasions, I’ve sprinkled a tiny bit of edible glitter or crushed peppermint for a fun twist—my guests always love the sparkle!

Side Dishes

Personally, I adore pairing these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent treat. For brunch or afternoon tea, they go beautifully alongside simple whipped cream or berry compote to balance out the sweetness with a bit of tart fruitiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I like arranging these red velvet crinkle cookies on tiered dessert stands or even in clear jars tied with festive ribbons. Another fun idea—I sometimes sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting to turn them into red velvet cookie sandwiches, which always get devoured fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they usually stay soft for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them fresh longer, I layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and store in the fridge—just bring to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I like to freeze the cookie dough balls before baking—just coat them in sugar and freeze them spread out on a tray. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. It’s a perfect way to have fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cookies warm, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or 5 minutes in a low-temp oven (around 300°F). This little reheating trick revives their softness without drying them out—just like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe holds a special place on my baking shelf because it’s that rare blend of beautiful and delicious that never fails to brighten my day—and my guests’ too. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re baking up a batch for yourself or gifting some joy to others. Try it out soon; I’m confident these cookies will become your go-to for moments when you want a little magic in cookie form.

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