Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Red velvet crinkle cookies are soft chewy and absolutely stunning to look at. With their deep red color and crackled powdered sugar coating they bring a festive and elegant touch to any occasion. These cookies combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet with the irresistible texture of a crinkle cookie making them perfect for holidays parties or just a cozy afternoon treat.
What makes these cookies so special is the contrast between their fudgy inside and lightly crisp outside. The crinkled surface dusted with sugar gives them a unique and eye catching look while the subtle cocoa and vanilla flavors melt in your mouth. The best part is you don’t need any complicated ingredients or fancy tools. With just a few basic pantry items and a little time you can bake a batch of these delicious red velvet crinkle cookies that will impress everyone who takes a bite.
Why You Need This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that stands out both in flavor and appearance this red velvet crinkle cookie recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect choice when you want something a little more special than your usual chocolate chip cookies. These cookies have a rich soft center with just the right touch of cocoa and a beautiful red color that makes them ideal for holidays like Christmas Valentine’s Day or even birthdays.
Another reason to love this recipe is how simple and foolproof it is. You don’t have to be an expert baker to get amazing results. The dough comes together quickly and the cookies bake up with perfect cracks and a tender bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself these cookies deliver bakery style quality right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready here’s a simple list with the estimated calories per ingredient so you know exactly what’s going into your delicious red velvet crinkle cookies.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 and 1/2 cups | 600 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 2 tablespoons | 25 |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 775 |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/4 cup | 200 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Red food coloring | 1 tablespoon | 10 |
| Powdered sugar (for coating) | 1/2 cup | 240 |
Total (approx.): 2000 calories per batch
How to Prepare
To make red velvet crinkle cookies begin by combining the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together the all purpose flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt to ensure everything is evenly mixed. In a separate large bowl cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about two to three minutes. Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each one then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the dough is smooth and evenly colored. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix just until a soft slightly sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for one to two hours. This step is important as it helps the dough firm up and gives the cookies their classic crinkle look.
Once the dough has chilled preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small amounts of dough and roll them into balls about one inch wide. Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar and place them on the baking sheet with some space between each one. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops have cracked and the edges are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled your red velvet crinkle cookies are ready to enjoy perfectly soft rich and full of flavor.
Pro Tips
For the best red velvet crinkle cookies always start with room temperature ingredients especially the butter and eggs. This helps everything mix more smoothly and gives your cookies a better texture. Don’t skip the chilling step either it’s what keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and creates that perfect crinkle effect. If the dough is too soft to handle even after chilling you can pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes before rolling. Also make sure to coat the cookie dough balls generously in powdered sugar. A thick layer gives a beautiful snowy contrast and keeps the cookies from absorbing the sugar while baking.
Another useful tip is to avoid overbaking. Red velvet crinkle cookies are meant to be soft and chewy so take them out of the oven as soon as the tops crack and the edges are set. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool. If you want your cookies to be perfectly uniform in size use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough. And for an extra touch of flavor try adding a few drops of almond extract or white chocolate chips to the dough. These small tricks can elevate your cookies from great to unforgettable.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
These cookies pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For a dessert twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside other holiday treats.
Top them with a drizzle of white or dark chocolate, a dusting of extra powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles to make them even more eye catching and delicious.
Conclusion
Red velvet crinkle cookies are the perfect combination of beauty, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this recipe delivers soft, chewy, and eye-catching cookies every time. With their rich red color and crackled sugar tops, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Now that you have the full recipe, tips, and serving ideas, it’s time to preheat your oven and get baking. Once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
