There's something utterly delightful about the gleaming red hue of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies emerging from the oven. As the warm, sweet scent wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—memories of cozy gatherings with friends and family, where the food was not just eaten but celebrated. These cookies, with their soft, chewy centers and sugar-coated tops, instantly elevate any occasion.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I craved something special yet simple. Just 20 minutes is all you need to whip up a batch that impresses everyone, from your kids to your dinner guests. The contrast of rich cocoa and a hint of vanilla, artfully balanced by the vibrant red color, makes them a feast for the eyes and the palate. If you’re tired of the usual desserts, join me in bringing a touch of festive flair to your baking routine with these irresistible, easy-to-make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are ridiculously easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 20 minutes.
- With their rich cocoa flavor and delightful vanilla undertone, they are sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
- Their vibrant red color and powdered sugar coating make them visually stunning, perfect for impressing friends and family at gatherings.
- Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also offer a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes, making them a fun addition to your baking repertoire.
- Enjoy the compliments as you serve these delicious treats!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
Make these delicious cookies with easy-to-find ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – softening it helps achieve a creamy texture for your dough.
• Light brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar – balances sweetness and contributes to those delightful crinkle tops.
• Large eggs – using room temperature eggs helps the ingredients combine smoothly.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.
• Red food coloring – you can adjust the amount for a bolder or subtler hue.
• All-purpose flour – provides structure to the cookies; don’t pack it when measuring!
• Cocoa powder – gives the cookies their rich chocolatey flavor; go for unsweetened.
• Baking powder – helps these cookies rise and achieve that soft texture.
• Salt – a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
For the Coating
• Granulated sugar – rolling the dough balls in this gives a sweet crunch before baking.
• Powdered sugar – the final dusting adds a beautiful snowy finish to the cookies and extra sweetness.
With these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies ingredients ready, you're all set to create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure even baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will help your cookies release easily after baking.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Now, include the vanilla extract and red food coloring, blending until you have a beautiful, vibrant mixture.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for perfect cookies.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Scoop the dough using a 1 oz or 1 tablespoon scoop. You'll notice it's soft and a bit sticky, so no worries if it seems this way—it's what makes them chewy!
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Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar and then coat it in powdered sugar. This double coating adds a sweet crunch and that signature crinkle effect!
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Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they're spaced about 2 inches apart. This helps them spread nicely without sticking together.
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Bake for about 10 minutes. Look for tops that look set but maintain a soft center—this is the secret to their delightful texture!
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Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they firm up slightly while cooling.
Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own with a few fun swaps and twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a similar texture. Enjoy the same great taste without gluten!
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Nutty Flavor: Add ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy bite that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookie.
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Mint Chocolate: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract with your vanilla for a refreshing twist. Drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking for added decadence.
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Spicy Heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookies.
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Cream Cheese Filling: Create a surprise filling by making a simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Bake the cookie dough around a small dollop for a delightful surprise!
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Fruity Addition: Fold in ½ cup of dried cherries or cranberries for a chewy texture that adds a tart contrast to the sweet flavors.
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Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of dark or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness and sweet surprises in every bite.
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Bourbon Infusion: For an adult twist, mix a tablespoon of bourbon into the dough. The complexity of flavors makes each cookie a true adult indulgence!
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they’ll stay good for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, separated with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to simplify their baking routine! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough balls, roll them in granulated sugar, and coat in powdered sugar. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This method maintains their chewy texture and delightful crinkle appearance. When it's time to enjoy your cookies, just pop them in the oven for a quick 10 minutes—your freshly baked Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies will be just as delicious as if you made them from scratch that day!
What to Serve with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
There's something magical about pairing your favorite cookies with delightful sides that enhance their sweet charm.
- Milk: A classic choice, cold milk balances the sweetness and richness, creating a nostalgic pairing that's hard to resist.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements these cookies beautifully, turning them into an indulgent dessert bowl. Simply crumble the cookies over a scoop for a delightful contrast in textures.
- Hot Cocoa: For a cozy vibe, serve these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, enhancing the cocoa flavor while warming your soul.
- Coffee: A comforting cup of coffee adds depth, making each bite of the sweet cookies even more satisfying, perfect for afternoon snack time.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, providing a fresh, fruity contrast that brightens each bite.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting on the side elevates the flavor, making every mouthful of cookie feel decadent and special.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink option, pair with sparkling water infused with lemon or lime. The fizz will cleanse your palate, making room for more cookie goodness!
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate sauce to dip your cookies transforms dessert into an extra indulgent experience that everyone will love.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites would elegantly complement the rich flavors of the cookies, offering a variety of textures and tastes for a delightful spread.
- Fruit Tart: The creamy filling and vibrant fruit of a fruit tart provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, chewiness of the cookies, which creates a beautifully balanced dessert platter.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, be sure to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy to incorporate air for a better texture.
- Many bakers mistakenly overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, so mix just until combined for the best results.
- For a more vibrant color, feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to your liking, but be cautious as too much can alter the flavor.
- Bake the cookies until the tops are set but the centers are still soft, as they will continue to firm up while cooling on the rack.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
When using eggs and butter, ensure they are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth and creamy dough. Butter should be soft but not melted, and eggs should feel slightly warm to the touch to incorporate better into the mixture.
How do I properly store Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
You can store these delightful cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture and flavor!
Can I freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze these cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
What should I do if my cookies come out too dry?
If your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately by using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it in too tightly. Also, keep an eye on them as they bake! Remove them from the oven once the tops appear set, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
For pet safety, keep these cookies away from dogs, as ingredients like chocolate (cocoa powder) can be harmful to them. For those with allergies, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure to check your other ingredient labels for allergens, such as egg or butter. Always inform guests about the ingredients if they have known allergies!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Scoop the dough using a 1 oz or 1 tablespoon scoop.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar and then coat in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until tops are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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