Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Festive Treat

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies have this magical way of showing up and making any occasion feel instantly festive. I remember the first time I saw them – that vibrant red against the snowy white powdered sugar coating just pulled me in! And the taste? Oh, it’s even better. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful paradox: wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside with a rich, deep chocolate flavor, all thanks to a hint of cocoa. The signature crinkled texture, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them look like little snowy delights. If you’re looking for a truly special treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, you’ll absolutely love making these homemade red velvet crinkle cookies. Let’s get baking these easy red velvet crinkle cookies!

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These aren’t just cookies; they’re a little piece of joy! Here’s why you’ll reach for this recipe again and again:

• Visually Stunning: That vibrant red hue peeking through a snowy coating of powdered sugar is simply irresistible, making them perfect for any festive table.
• Perfect Texture: I just adore that classic combination of a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges. These velvet crinkle cookies deliver that every single time.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: You get a delightful, deep chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder, making them more complex than your average cookie. These are truly decadent chocolate red velvet cookies.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: Don’t let their fancy appearance fool you; they are surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
• Holiday & Party Perfect: Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a Tuesday, their festive look makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.
• A Guaranteed Hit: Seriously, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love these. They’re a guaranteed way to bring smiles.

Ingredients for Classic Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of these beautiful cookies. The magic really happens with the combination of rich cocoa and vibrant color!

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – This forms the buttery base of our cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
• 2 large eggs – They bind everything together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor enhancer.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This is key for that deep, chocolatey flavor in our red velvet crinkle cookies with cocoa.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The structure of the cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent for a slight puff.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring – Essential for that signature vibrant red hue!
• 1/4 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling – Creates that iconic snowy crinkle effect.

How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Ready to bake some magic? Making these beautiful cookies is a fun process, and I promise the results are totally worth it. We’ll create that perfect soft and chewy texture with that signature crinkle.

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the combination looks light and fluffy. This is the foundation for your delicious red velvet cookie dough.
3. Step 3: Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting aroma.
4. Step 4: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Getting these dry ingredients well combined now ensures they distribute evenly later.
5. Step 5: Add the tablespoon of red food coloring directly into your wet ingredients. Mix it thoroughly until you have a beautifully vibrant red batter.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on a low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage!
7. Step 7: Stir in the buttermilk. The dough will be quite soft at this point, which is exactly what we want for that chewy texture.
8. Step 8: This next step is crucial for those perfect red velvet cookie dough crinkles: chill the dough! Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

9. Step 9: While the dough chills, pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. This is what gives our cookies their signature snowy appearance and helps create those beautiful cracks.
10. Step 10: Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions. Roll them gently between your palms to form nice, round balls.
11. Step 11: Generously coat each dough ball in the powdered sugar, making sure it’s well-covered on all sides. This coating is key to the crinkling effect.
12. Step 12: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. They’ll puff up a bit as they bake.
13. Step 13: Bake for 9 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. For truly chewy red velvet crinkle cookies, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.
14. Step 14: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your wonderfully homemade red velvet crinkle cookies!

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Achieving those perfect, crinkly red velvet cookies is all about a few key steps. Follow these tips, and you’ll bake the best red velvet crinkle cookies recipe every time!

• Chill Your Dough: This is non-negotiable for those signature crinkles! Properly chilled red velvet cookie dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring a beautiful crinkled appearance.
• Use Quality Cocoa: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor expected in classic red velvet crinkle cookies, opt for a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder. You can learn more about the benefits of cocoa powder.
• Don’t Overbake: To keep your cookies wonderfully soft and chewy, pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to bake slightly on the hot pan.
• Vibrant Color Boost: For an intensely vibrant red hue, consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid. A little goes a long way and provides a deeper color without altering the dough’s consistency.

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?

The biggest secret is chilling the dough thoroughly. This ensures the cookies bake up thick and crinkly, not flat. Also, rolling the chilled dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking is crucial for that iconic crinkle effect. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.

Can I make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chill the red velvet cookie dough for up to 3 days. You can even roll the dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and store them on a parchment-lined plate in an airtight container in the fridge for a day before baking. This is a great way to prepare for parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Cookies?

To prevent cookies from spreading too much, make sure your red velvet cookie dough is well-chilled. If your cookies aren’t red enough, use gel food coloring for a more intense color. Lastly, avoid dry cookies by not overbaking them; aim for soft centers. For more on preventing baking mishaps, see these common baking mistakes.

Best Ways to Serve Crinkly Red Velvet Cookies

These stunning cookies are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds, making them perfect for so many occasions! I love to serve them simply with a tall, cold glass of milk – the classic pairing that never fails. For a cozy afternoon, they’re also divine with a warm mug of coffee or rich hot chocolate. Their vibrant color makes them especially fitting for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day; imagine a plate piled high with these beautiful, crinkly red velvet cookies next to some festive decorations!

Nutrition Facts for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delightful homemade treats. Keep in mind these are estimates, as individual ingredients can vary slightly! The exact nutritional content can depend on factors like the specific brand of ingredients used, for example, the fat content in butter can vary. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources on food and nutrition.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact cookie size.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Keeping your delicious homemade red velvet crinkle cookies fresh is easy with these storage tips. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delightful treats for days to come!

• Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure your red velvet cookies are entirely cool to the touch. Storing warm cookies can create condensation, making them soggy.
• Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This is the best way to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
• Room Temperature Storage: Store the container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, they’ll still be tasty for a few days.
• Freezer Option: For longer storage, you can freeze your red velvet crinkle cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container.

Reheating isn’t usually necessary for these soft cookies, but if you prefer them warm, you can briefly pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a couple of minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can sometimes make cookies tough. Enjoying these homemade red velvet crinkle cookies is always a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

What are red velvet crinkle cookies?

These delightful treats are a visually stunning cookie known for their vibrant red color and signature crinkled appearance, achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. They offer a delicious, soft, and chewy texture with a rich chocolate flavor, making them a favorite for holidays and special occasions.

Why are my red velvet cookies not crinkly?

Several factors can affect the crinkle. The most common reason is that the red velvet cookie dough wasn’t chilled long enough; it needs to be firm to create those cracks. Also, make sure you generously coat the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking. If the dough is too warm or doesn’t have enough sugar coating, you might not get the desired crinkle effect.

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes, you can! While liquid red food coloring works, I highly recommend using gel food coloring for the most vibrant color. Gel coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less of it, and it won’t add extra liquid to your dough, which could affect the texture. For this red velvet crinkle cookie recipe, a good quality gel coloring will give you that stunning deep red.

Can I omit the buttermilk?

You certainly can! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute works perfectly. Just mix 1/4 cup of regular milk (whole milk is best) with 3/4 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks slightly curdled. This homemade buttermilk substitute adds the necessary tang and moisture for the best results.

Variations of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, why not have some fun with these delightful variations? I love experimenting with them to find new favorites. Try adding a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough for little bursts of creamy sweetness. For an extra decadent treat, make a double batch and sandwich two of these soft cookies together with a creamy cream cheese frosting. If you’re craving something exceptionally rich, you can aim for fudgy red velvet crinkle cookies by slightly adjusting the ingredient ratios – often a bit more cocoa and a touch less flour can do the trick!

And for those times when you need a sweet fix in a hurry, a quick red velvet crinkle cookies version can be made with minimal chilling time. These variations ensure you can enjoy that beloved red velvet flavor and festive crinkle in countless delicious ways!

Delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Festive Treat

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and feature a rich chocolate flavor with a vibrant red hue. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, this recipe will guide you through creating the best homemade red velvet crinkle cookies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is the base for your red velvet cookie dough.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the red food coloring to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Stir in the buttermilk. The dough will be soft.
8. Chill the red velvet cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a good crinkle.
9. Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl.
10. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough into balls.
11. Coat each dough ball generously in powdered sugar.
12. Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
13. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake if you want chewy red velvet crinkle cookies.
14. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade red velvet crinkle cookies!

Notes

• For a deeper red color, you can use gel food coloring.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/4 cup milk with 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Ensure your red velvet cookie dough is well chilled for the best crinkle effect.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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