These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a soft and chewy texture with a stunning crinkle finish. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only eye-catching but also deliciously flavorful. Their rich red color contrasted with a snowy coating of powdered sugar makes them an ideal treat for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, and festive gatherings. This recipe is simple yet produces impressive results, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color and white powdered sugar create a striking contrast that impresses at any gathering.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for holiday gifting, cookie platters, or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
- Fun Baking Experience: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar adds an enjoyable interactive element to the baking process.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving cookie perfection.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Electric Mixer: Saves time and ensures that butter and sugar are creamed to perfection.
- Baking Sheets: Provides an even baking surface for your cookies, promoting uniform cooking.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cookie Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking while allowing for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into your mixture for lighter cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Coloring
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is evenly tinted.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain; be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft and sticky.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to handle.
Step 7: Form and Coat Dough Balls
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 8: Bake
Place coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until set around edges but still soft in center.
Step 9: Cool
Let cookies rest on baking sheets for about 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious treats fresh out of your oven!
How to Serve Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Serving these delightful Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies is as fun as baking them. Their vibrant color and unique texture make them a standout treat for any occasion.
Gift Bags
- Create beautiful gift bags filled with cookies to share with friends and family. Tie them up with festive ribbons for a personal touch.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. The contrast of red and white will make your table visually appealing.
Hot Chocolate Pairing
- Serve the cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cookies perfectly complements the rich, chocolaty flavor of the drink.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Make ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and cocoa powder are fresh for the best results.
- Chill the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use quality food coloring: High-quality red food coloring will give you a vibrant color without altering the cookie’s taste.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Pair these tasty Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies with some delicious side dishes to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the cookies perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can complement the sweetness while adding a healthy option.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie in warm chocolate for an indulgent twist.
- Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee enhances flavors and provides a lovely after-meal treat.
- Milkshake: A thick milkshake pairs beautifully with these cookies, making for a nostalgic dessert vibe.
- Nut Mix: A mix of nuts adds crunch and balances sweetness with savory elements.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small vanilla or red velvet cupcakes can create a fun variety when served alongside your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Using stale ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and cocoa powder. Fresh ingredients ensure the cookies rise properly and have great flavor.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture. Don’t rush this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help confirm it’s at the right temperature for baking perfectly fluffy cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid clumping.
Reheating Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies in 10-second increments until warm, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
What makes Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies different from regular cookies?
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies have a unique flavor profile that combines cocoa and vanilla, along with a vibrant red color that sets them apart visually.
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes! You can experiment with other colors if you want to customize the appearance of your cookies while still keeping their delicious flavor intact.
How do I achieve the perfect crinkle effect?
The key is to roll your cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking and make sure they chill properly. This process creates those beautiful cracks as they bake.
How long do Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies last?
When stored correctly, these cookies can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer without losing their delightful taste.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously soft and chewy. Their festive appeal makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an extra touch!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Indulge in the delight of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, a vibrant twist on classic cookies that are perfect for any celebration. With their striking red hue and snowy powdered sugar coating, these soft and chewy treats not only look festive but are bursting with flavor. Easy to make, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined; the dough will be sticky.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheets, spacing them apart, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool on sheets for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg